The regional framework—ASEAN+4, sparked the CTU Association of Southeast Asean Caucus (ASEAN) 2026 at the Main Campus today.
The “+4” took on a timely, cross-cultural dimension with the participation of Indian national Namesha Desiree Lamar, CTU’s first exchange student since 2009.
The O.P. Jindal Global University psychology student’s presence brought India into the conversation, alongside the three countries traditionally associated with the ASEAN+3 framework—China, Japan, and South Korea—turning the caucus into a wider exchange on ASEAN’s evolving regional relationships.
According to Cebu Tech Debate Society–Main Campus (CTDS-MC) President Sigmund Ceniza, the format allowed participants to openly engage with the topic and build on each other’s ideas.
“It was refreshing to hear insights from the participants, ranging from political, economical, and socially driven responses.”
ASEAN+4 can serve as a starting point for open, meaningful, and student-driven conversations on the region’s future, particularly when different national and cultural perspectives are brought into the room, Ceniza added./IAI
