Last August 19–23, 2026, I was honored to represent De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Asia Conference 2026 at VinUniversity, in partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), in Hanoi, Vietnam.
With over 4,000 applicants, I’m grateful to have been selected as one of 300+ delegates from over 70 countries for the five-day conference. The experience deepened my interest in international relations and global policies while allowing me to engage with leaders, experts, founders, philanthropists, and ambassadors from around the world.
One conversation that particularly resonated with me was with Mr. Dzung Do Nguyen, Co-Founder of Enfarm Agritech, who shared how soil-sensing technology can help farmers respond to climate-related challenges. As someone interested in agricultural innovation, his perspective reinforced my belief in the potential of technology to uplift farmers and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
Mr. Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner of Golden Gate Ventures, shared perspectives on taking action amid uncertainty in business. The discussion also made me reflect on how Southeast Asia cannot be approached as a single market. Its diverse cultures, consumer behaviors, regulations, and ecosystems shape how businesses grow. While technology can scale across borders, understanding people, community, and establishing trust requires deeper connection with each market.
During the Executive Seminar, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Brindha Jeyaraman, CEO of Aethryx in Singapore, on agentic AI, machine learning, digital policy and governance, and international markets. I was especially grateful for her direct mentorship on career growth, community building, and entrepreneurship, which encouraged me to explore building something of my own.
This experience would not have been possible without the support and sponsorship of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, especially Dean Levi Albania, Ms. Jo, and Ms. Ea. I am equally grateful to my parents for their constant support. Above all, I thank God for the grace that made this opportunity possible. To the delegates and friends I met along the way, thank you for making these five days meaningful.
More than changing my academic and professional perspective, HPAIR also helped shape the values I want to carry forward. One message that stayed with me was “Be the Bida”—to be the main character in our own journey, take ownership of our choices, and create the opportunities we want to pursue. It also highlighted the importance of creating an environment where young people can afford to be bold, giving them the space and support to take risks, explore possibilities, and grow.
Alongside the conference theme, “Rise with Resolve,” these messages showed me that challenges will always come our way; what matters is how we choose to rise, respond, and move forward.
17 September 2026 à 05h31
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