Resilience and hope, though often perceived as contrasting qualities, are deeply interwoven, as evidenced by the experiences shared at SEASAT 2024. Resilience embodies a robust response to adversity, while hope is characterized by a positive outlook and a belief in the possibility of a better future. These two qualities, despite their juxtaposition, come together to form a powerful dynamic that drives individuals and communities forward. My experiences at SEASAT provided a profound understanding of these concepts through the lenses of delegates from Myanmar and Taiwan—two regions that exemplify resilience and hope in distinct yet complementary ways.
Growing up in Myanmar, I was constantly exposed to stories of civil unrest and political turmoil. As a city dweller, my privileged position often shielded me from the harsh realities faced by those living in more troubled areas. My education in architecture further distanced me from the true purpose of the profession, focusing instead on creating extravagant designs for the wealthy. It wasn’t until my visit to the Mae La refugee camp along the Thai-Myanmar border that I gained a deeper understanding of architecture’s role. The visit illuminated how architecture should be about providing safety, security, and shelter for people from all walks of life. Witnessing the resilience of the camp’s residents, who, despite their limited resources, worked together to foster hope and improve their community, highlighted the profound connection between resilience and hope. The Mae La refugee camp provided a vivid example of resilience. The camp’s residents, displaced by conflict and enduring harsh conditions, demonstrated an extraordinary ability to maintain hope and work collectively toward a better future. Despite the severe limitations imposed by their circumstances, they managed to create a supportive community where resilience was not just about enduring hardship but about actively seeking improvement and fostering hope for the betterment of their community. This experience highlights that resilience and hope are not merely abstract concepts but practical forces that drive human action and solidarity within the community.
In stark contrast, my arrival in Taiwan was marked by a typhoon, which initially caused concern about the potential impact on the SEASAT youth camp. However, this natural disaster highlighted a different dimension of resilience. Despite the significant challenges posed by the typhoon, including limited access and a nationwide shutdown, the SEASAT team demonstrated remarkable adaptability and dedication. They tirelessly ensured that the event proceeded smoothly, showcasing Taiwan's resilience in the face of adversity. This ability to adapt and thrive despite obstacles reflects a broader cultural and societal commitment to resilience, which is deeply ingrained in the Taiwanese spirit.
The New Southbound Policy, which I encountered for the first time during SEASAT, further illustrates Taiwan’s commitment to fostering resilience and hope in the region. This policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, and reflects Taiwan’s dedication to regional stability and prosperity. Through various talks, I learned that the New Southbound Policy has been implemented across many Southeast Asian nations, involving both government-to-government and organization-to-organization relationships. This initiative underscores Taiwan’s proactive approach to supporting regional resilience and hope, contributing to a broader framework of international cooperation.
Despite the current lack of strong diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Myanmar, there exists a significant civilian-to-civilian relationship that demonstrates the potential for resilience and hope to bridge gaps between societies. Activists in Myanmar have drawn considerable international inspiration from Taiwan’s democratic movements and social strategies. During the 2021 coup in Myanmar, the Milk Tea Alliance, a coalition involving Taiwan and other regional actors, became a symbol of solidarity and mutual support. The alliance highlighted how shared values and experiences can foster resilience and hope across borders through the mutual love of tea from respective countries. Meeting Mr. Yi Hsing Shih, the organizer of the Milk Tea Alliance, during the panel discussion, was a particular honor for me, showcasing the impact of international solidarity in times of crisis.
In both Myanmar and Taiwan, youths play a crucial role in advocating for freedom of speech, a fundamental aspect of resilience and hope. In Myanmar, the 2021 coup severely limited the platforms available for young people to express their concerns and assert their rights. This restriction has created significant barriers to their personal and professional growth. Despite these challenges, Myanmar’s youth have demonstrated remarkable resilience by utilizing digital platforms to amplify their voices and drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s democratic and social movements. Their resourcefulness and determination highlight how freedom of speech can serve as a powerful tool for driving change and overcoming adversity. In contrast, Taiwanese youth benefit from a more stable socio-political environment, which provides them with greater opportunities for growth and expression. However, they remain actively engaged in efforts to improve their communities and enhance democratic participation. For example, during the panel discussion, Mr. Yu Meng Chang emphasized the importance of lowering the voting age and making voting more accessible. This advocacy reflects a commitment to increasing democratic engagement among young people and fostering a stronger sense of civic responsibility. Taiwanese youth’s active involvement in shaping their society illustrates that even in a stable environment, there is an ongoing pursuit of progress and inclusivity.
The experiences of youth in Myanmar and Taiwan reveal both the challenges and opportunities associated with resilience and hope. In Myanmar, resilience is shaped by adversity, while hope is fostered through the relentless pursuit of freedom and change. Despite severe restrictions, Myanmar’s youth have found ways to express their voices and drive social change, demonstrating their capacity to overcome significant obstacles. In Taiwan, resilience is reflected in the ability to adapt to challenges and continuously strive for societal improvement. Taiwanese youths, even within a stable context, remain engaged in efforts to advance democratic values and community development.
The connection between resilience and hope in Myanmar and Taiwan underscores the importance of international cooperation and solidarity. By learning from each other’s experiences and drawing on shared values, both regions can work towards addressing common challenges and seizing opportunities for growth. The New Southbound Policy represents a positive step towards fostering regional collaboration, while civilian initiatives like the Milk Tea Alliance highlight the potential for cross-border solidarity in times of crisis. From my perspective as a delegate from Myanmar, I sincerely hope that more youth from my country can step forward to represent us on the global stage. We, as young people, are theessential bridge in building connections between nations. The New Southbound Policy, in my view, goes beyond fostering ties between organizations; it also deeply impacts individuals. I wish for Myanmar's youth to have more opportunities to share our diverse experiences internationally while constantly drawing inspiration from Taiwan. This exchange of ideas and values could be instrumental in the betterment of Myanmar, especially as we work towards restoring democracy.
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About the Author:
Kay Thwe Oo also known as Mandy Yao is a recent architecture graduate from King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi in Thailand. Fascinated by the intersection of architecture and human rights and dreams of developing self-sustainable architectural prototypes for refugee camps, she conducted her undergraduate research on proposing a vocational school in Mae La refugee camp. In July, she was selected as a panelist at Human Rights in Asia: A Multigenerational Dialogue hosted by Taiwan Asia Exchange Foundation. She is currently working as a freelance architectural designer on an eco-friendly village project in Phrao, Chiang Mai, in collaboration with ESC Global.
Work Contact:
Name: Kay Thwe Oo @ Mandy Yao
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