Intercultural Connections 

Alberto

Alberto Pérez Portela is a doctor at University of Vigo in Pontevedra, Spain, with a "Cum Laude" PhD in Creativity and Social and Sustainable Innovation, focusing his thesis, research and academic work on Dance and Sport performance, most specifically in Breaking, a new olympic discipline recently presented at Paris 2024.He is also a Breaking athlete and his whole professional work goes around Data analysis, Time-Motion analysis and Tactical analysis inside Breaking scene, providing information, tools and skills for high performance organs. He represents "Da Rúa" sportclub, first Breaking club created in Spain that fights to expand Hip-Hop culture around his community, erasing stigmas, teaching, collaborating with formal institutions and competing. 

Areeb

Howdy everyone! I’m Areeb Ahmed from Pakistan, currently studying biology and biotechnology in Kazakhstan. Two things I’m truly passionate about are climate change and dancing in heels. I believe dancing is a fantastic workout, especially since I’m a bit too lazy to hit the gym! Climate change is a cause close to my heart, and I’m committed to making a difference in this area. Studying in a new country has opened my eyes to diverse perspectives, and I’m excited to share my experiences and connect with you all. 

Arianne

Arianne Joy Fabregas - National Council of YSEALI Philippines and is one of the Co-Directors of the YSEALI Metro Manila Hub/ Program Lead of Keep the Change: Youth Policy Lab

Arianne Joy Fabregas is a Juris Doctor candidate and a dedicated advocate for good governance, with her leadership in civic initiatives showcased through spearheading events that contribute to actionable solutions for democracy and human rights. Her passion for governance reform is complemented by her success in competitions, holding several certifications, and contributing to notable publications on legal scholarship and social issues. Arianne's work demonstrates her commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and civic participation. She continually strives to create meaningful change through her advocacy efforts, empowering young leaders and engaging in initiatives that promote democracy and social justice in the Philippines.

Beenish

Beenish Guluna is a driven Computer Systems Engineering student at the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, with a strong passion for AI and machine learning. She has an impressive academic record, including earning third place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engineering Entrance Test and a gold medal in Pre-Engineering.

Outside the classroom, Beenish co-founded a student foundation dedicated to supporting underprivileged students, highlighting her commitment to social impact and education. An advocate for educational reform, she champions the importance of digitalized learning and scholarship opportunities, especially to empower women in STEM.

With valuable leadership experience as the former President of Al Huda Society and volunteer work as a polling agent, Beenish is enthusiastic about engaging in Connections2024 to broaden her global perspective.

In her leisure time, she enjoys music, reading, learning new skills, and hiking, balancing her dedication to academics and social causes with outdoor adventure and personal growth.

Bijak

Muhammad Bijaksabara Hikmawan of Bijak is a dedicated advocate for higher education internationalization and digital innovation in Southeast Asia. As a Staff in the International Affairs Office at Universitas Terbuka, he has spearheaded initiatives that expanded student mobility by 500%, fostering global collaborations and expanding educational access through open and distance learning. He has represented Indonesia in prestigious forums, including AFMAM Plus Australia 2024 and served as Youth Leader for UNESCO-ICHEI, contributing to policy strategies for Indonesia’s future education. Founded IISMAfess, Bijak actively supports Indonesian students' access to international programs, inspiring global connectivity and educational equity. 

Cheryl

Hi! I am Cheryl, an undergraduate currently pursuing Linguistics at University College London. I am interested in learning more about Society 5.0 and intercultural communication -- as a current student in London, I interact with people from multiple cultures and nationalities that differ significantly from those in my home country, Singapore. I'm interested in taking a deep dive into these varying cultures through this programme, and in gleaning insights from others on creating an enduring and inclusive future for our communities! 

P.S.: I am always interested in learning and sharing new recipes and languages, so do reach out if you would like to share them!

Derk

Hello! My name is Derk Hans Beemer, and I am a 24-year-old medical student with a passion for exploring the intersections of cultures and ideas. Alongside my studies in medicine, I have a background in Sinology and international studies, which has allowed me to dive deeply into East Asian cultures. I spent over six months in Taiwan, immersing myself in the local way of life and broadening my horizons. 

Traveling extensively across the Far East and participating in Model United Nations conferences in Asia, I’ve gained valuable insights into diplomacy and cross-cultural communication. I enjoy thinking collaboratively to foster meaningful connections between East and West, believing that true progress comes from understanding and cooperation.

Junaid

I am a recent graduate in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, where I ranked third in my class with a 3.48/4.0 GPA. My research explored innovative wastewater treatment through nanoparticle-based photocatalysts, highlighting my expertise in Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology, and Environmental Safety. With hands-on experience from internships in non-destructive testing and pipe quality assurance, I have further refined my project management and communication skills through academic and entrepreneurial ventures. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Smart Industry Engineering at the University of Salerno, aiming to develop advanced, sustainable engineering solutions for the future. 

Lamiae

My name is Lamiae Allali, a first-year Master's student at the National School of Commerce and Management (ENCG) in Morocco, specializing in auditing and management control. I am passionate about intercultural communication and social impact, which has driven me to engage in various community projects.

I am currently a member of the Global Shapers Meknès organization, where I contribute to the "Little Meknassi" project, focusing on helping local students develop essential soft and hard skills through workshops and bootcamps. Previously, I was part of the Solidarity Club at ENCG Meknès, where I managed projects that provided aid to regions impacted by natural disasters.

These experiences have enriched my understanding of cultural diversity, teamwork, and community development. I am excited to further develop these skills through the Connections2024 program.

Madhu

I am Madhusudhanan Radha Thanikasalam, non-formal learner and freelancer from Chennai, India. I am devoted to building a global network and completing a list of 100 goals in 4 years that emphasises the values of gratitude, integrity and excellence. I’ve led several projects in my home country including both frontline environmental activism and youth advocacy representing the same through my delegations, internationally. I love to learn a lot and leverage my learnings and knowledge through collaborative efforts to facilitate growth and sustainability. As an individual who is intrigued by stories, I believe story telling can help us achieve mastery of our lives and my essential intent in this program is to share mine and get immersed into the stories of the highly respected fellow learners in the cohort. 

Magda

Born in a little town called "Good day" in Poland, since early years I have been interested in intercultural exchange and the NGO sector. During my Integrated Master's studies in Psychology in Krakow I was an active member of Student government, Aiesec and cinema club. I accomplished 4 semesters of study abroad : in Australia, Portugal, Canada and France. Additionally I participated in over 10 Erasmus+ training courses for youth workers from all over Europe. Currently I am opening my own NGO advocating for education and mobility opportunities in rural areas, hoping to soon be organizing many valuable international projects empowering youth to reach their dreams. 

Merve

I am a passionate youth worker, psychological counsellor, and lawyer from Turkey with experience in such diverse fields as mental health, conflict resolution, and sustainable development.Currently, I am working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which contributes much to the personal growth of the youth.I have interned at institutions like the Action and Cognition Lab in Poland, Google Game Academy, among others, equipping me with such skills as research, AI, and project management.Also, I am an active citizen of civil society: I serve on the Supervisory Board of the Green Crescent and also develop projects on refugee support and psychological resilience.My goal is to lead toward and contribute to inclusive and sustainable societies by leading and collaboration. 

Muhammad

I am a passionate environmental science student with a strong focus on sustainability and climate action. I have experience in leading teams, project management, and community engagement. I am eager to participate in the Intercultural Connections program to learn about intercultural communication, sustainable development, and leadership for Society 5.0. I am excited to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

Raisa

Hii! My name is Raisa and I currently live in Romania. My biggest passion is travelling and discovering new cultures hence why I was so happy when I got the chance to volunteer in Kenya for two months. That experience changed my view on so many things and made me decide I want to pursue a masters in Sustainable Regional Development. I have even gone back and implemented some things that I have learned and I am happy that I was able to make a little change in the community. 

Raquel

I was born in Albacete, Spain and I have always been fascinated by other cultures. This passion led me to study Asian Studies at Salamanca University including a year at Waseda University in Tokyo. My goal is pursuing a PhD with a focus on Japanese society. Beyond academics, I enjoy writing, music, and playing both the drums and the piano. 

(Rho) Mileva

My name is Mileva from the beautiful island of the Philippines. I took a bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology and am currently taking up my Masters in Family Resource Management while working for the Development Academy of the Philippines, which is the focal organization for the Asian Productivity Organization’s Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity as a researcher. My topic of interest is providing a holistic approach to the relationship of humans and the environment and sustainable development. I look forward to this opportunity to (virtually) travel outside the country to collaborate and gain intercultural learning and become a glocal changemaker.

Sinra

My name is Sinra Margi Carlina, and I work as a fundraiser at Pohon Sagoe Maluku Foundation in Maluku, Indonesia. I am responsible for sharing our foundation’s mission and bringing together people who are equally committed to uplifting Maluku. Alongside my role, I am actively involved in literacy communities and am passionate about advancing education, especially in special education fields. With a background in education and psychology, I’m dedicated to building sustainable support systems that empower communities in Maluku. My work bridges my love for literacy and community engagement, aiming to create meaningful impact and improve access to education for all. 

Su Kim

Su Hyun Kim, studying legal studies and international studies at Yonsei University, advanced her interests in international security issues through participating as a Youth Representative of ROK in the REAIM 2024, MIKTA 2024, ASEAN+ 2023, and APEC 2023 Summits. Upon completing her fellowship training from On-dream Global Academy, she wrote many award-winning policy proposals based on Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 10 and 17), published Youth joint statements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and directed international forums in TV Chosun with Nobel Prize Laureate and experts from CSIS and Brookings concerning emerging security threats in South Korea. Exploring international studies and law at Kyoto University, University College London, and the University of Pennsylvania, Su Hyun Kim, as a legal researcher, aspires to discover cross-culture measures to enforce international law and foster active participation of international governmental organizations and non-government actors to address the emerging global security threats. 

Valeriia

A current Master's student at La Sapienza University of Rome in Development and International Cooperation Sciences, I have a strong academic background that includes a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Foreign Regional Studies from Saint Petersburg State University of Economics and an exchange semester at UNINT in Rome. I am keen to deepen my knowledge in sustainable development and resilience building. My experience includes an internship at the Leontief Center focused on sustainable urban planning and policy, along with volunteer work at multiple international events. 

Vanessa

Hello everyone, I’m Vanessa (26) from Germany, former Sociology, Sinology and Global Studies student. I’m currently based in Vienna, Austria and I’m working with the Austrian Integration Fund. In my free time I like doing sports such as dancing and yoga, meeting friends, drinking coffee and going to festivals. I’m very much looking forward to interesting intercultural exchanges as I’ve been interested in overall topics about culture, migration and intercultural communication for quite some time but actually never had the chance to travel to Asia so far. 

Wen

Adelwina "Wen" Asuncion is an educator with over 10 years of experience spanning preschool to college. Since 2017, she has integrated AI tools into her teaching practice, enhancing learning experiences and supporting diverse student needs. Currently, she serves as a Special Education teacher at Reedley International School, where she leverages her expertise to create inclusive, impactful educational environments. 

Yeimy

My name is Yeimy Lebron, I am 24 and I have recently graduated from my joint degree in law and business. I am an advocate for youth empowerment, culture promotion, regional activation and female agency. I am the president of two associations and the co-founder of a business initiative that would help young university students and graduates to find opportunities. 

Yung Chen (Carolyn)

Hi everyone! I’m YUNG CHEN, LIEN(Carolyn)! It’s such a pleasure to meet you guys:)) I love to travel, to volunteer, and to try all kinds of new things, to meet and communicate with people from all over the world. When travelling, I’m always excited to interact with the locals and to share and listen about each of our cultures. I am an adventurous person while Dora was my childhood idol. My latest adventure was to cross Badajoz, Spain to Elvas, Portugal by foot. I have lots of stories to share and I can’t wait to hear yours as well!