Three Friends, Three Perspectives on 2025 APEC KOREA

Not long ago, I was sitting in a cosy café with three of my close friends—one from Korea, one from Brazil, and one from Indonesia. We were sipping on our drinks, chatting about everything from travel to tech, when the conversation naturally drifted to something coming up this year:

“Do you know what APEC is?”

That one simple question opened up an unexpectedly rich and thoughtful conversation—one filled with different ideas, experiences, and a sense of shared curiosity. While we were talking at the café, enjoying the convos and the moment, I realised how unique it was to hear three perspectives from three different countries on something so globally significant: 2025 APEC KOREA.

So I asked them a few more questions:

“As an international student in Korea and someone who’ll witness 2025 APEC KOREA, what do you think about it, or what are your expectations?”
“How do you think young people like us could get involved in something like APEC?”
“If you could send one message to the organisers of 2025 APEC KOREA, what would it be?”

Here’s what each of them had to say.

🧋 Korean Friend: Proud Host, Hopeful for the Future

My Korean friend didn’t hesitate when I mentioned 2025 APEC KOREA.

“Of course! It’s such an honour for Korea to host this kind of international event—especially in Gyeongju. It’s a chance to show our cultural depth and our technological advancement.”

They spoke passionately about how meaningful it is to be the host—about representing Korea’s values, creativity, and innovation.

“It’s more than just an international gathering. It’s a way for Korea to share who we are, especially with young people from all over the world watching.”

When I asked about their expectations as a student:

“I hope students are invited to take part—maybe through forums, exhibitions, or volunteering opportunities. That would make it real for us.”

And on youth involvement?

“I’d love to see storytelling from students. Let us document and share the behind-the-scenes or cultural events. We could connect the global message with local voices.”

Their message to organisers?

“Bring us in. Let students be part of the narrative.”

Through the beauty of Gyeongju city
☕ Brazilian Friend: Curious and Eager to Learn

My friend from Brazil smiled and admitted:

“I’ve heard of APEC before, but I never really knew what it was about. I thought it had something to do with trade, but not much beyond that.”

After hearing more about the event, their interest was piqued.

“It’s really interesting—because it’s not just about economics. It’s about cooperation, sharing, and innovation. I think that’s something young people should know more about.”

Their expectations?

“As an international student in Korea, I want to feel included somehow. Even just visiting a public exhibition or attending a side event would be cool.”

Their ideas for youth involvement?

“Universities could organise APEC-related activities. Or maybe even invite students to creative challenges—like design, media, or tech linked to APEC themes.”

And their one message to the organisers?

“Make it inclusive and inspiring. Help us understand why this matters and how we’re part of it.”

🍵 Indonesian Friend: Inspired by Shared Goals

My friend from Indonesia had a more recent awareness of APEC:

“To be honest, I didn’t know much about it before, but now I think it’s an opportunity for countries to come together to tackle big issues—like climate change, sustainability, and education.”

They appreciated that APEC offers a chance to collaborate beyond borders.

“I like that APEC includes both developed and developing economies. It gives everyone a chance to contribute.”

Their thoughts on witnessing 2025 APEC KOREA?

“I want to be part of something meaningful. Even just seeing international guests interact with Korean culture would be exciting.”

Their vision for young people’s involvement?

“I’d love to help translate APEC topics into short videos in Bahasa Indonesia. A lot of youth back home would love to know what’s going on, but the information isn’t always accessible.”

Their message?

“Make it fun, creative, and youth-friendly. Let us help spread the message in our own way.”

✨ What We Discovered Over Drinks and Dialogue

Our café table was suddenly full—not just with cups and laughter, but with insights that I didn’t expect. One casual conversation turned into something deeper. Here’s what we learned from one another:

Question	Korean Friend	Brazilian Friend	Indonesian Friend
Do you know APEC?	Yes, very familiar	Heard of it, unsure	Recently learning
Expectations for 2025 APEC KOREA	Cultural pride, hopes for youth participation	Wants to engage as a student	Hopes for inclusivity and cultural experiences
Youth Involvement Ideas	Storytelling, social media content, student activities	University-led initiatives and design/media contests	Language-based outreach, digital engagement
Message to Organisers	“Bring students into the narrative.”	“Make it inclusive and inspiring.”	“Let it be creative, not formal.”

💬 Final Thoughts and Heartfelt Thanks

So, next time you’re at a café with friends, ask a small question—like “Do you know what APEC is?” You never know where it might lead.

Our little conversation reminded me that 2025 APEC KOREA is more than an international event—it’s a moment where people, especially young people, can come together to listen, learn, and imagine a better future.

A warm thank you to my friends from Korea, Brazil, and Indonesia for sharing your voices, your curiosity, and your hopes. This experience wouldn’t have been the same without your openness and honesty.