SM scholar chosen as delegate to Asian Youth Forum 2013

MANILA, Philippines - SM scholar and University of Perpetual Help System-Biñan student Mark Abinsay was chosen as one of only four Filipino delegates to the Asian Youth Forum 2013 to be held in December in the University of the Philippines Cebu.  

The forum will bring together college and university students and young people from all over the Asian region to an international convention to meet with other youth and educators and provide them a venue where they could share their ideas, views and knowledge on culture, language, leadership, social and global issues especially those affecting the youth. In time for the celebration of the International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, the forum’s theme is “International Human Rights: The Asian Youth Speaks.”

“This will be a great opportunity to overcome diversity of culture towards uplifting the youth in Asia. I am privileged and excited to be part of it,” says Abinsay, a graduating education student, majoring in English. “We are preparing presentations to introduce our country’s rich history and culture and researching on the current situation of our country. I am also reading about the participating countries for me to easily establish rapport with them.”

As a student, Mark always excelled in extra-curricular activities. In high school, he was a student leader, an Eagle scout and a news anchor. All these he did while also working hard to maintain his academic standing.

But shortly after graduating from high school, Mark had to make a choice between being a state scholar or an SM scholar. He chose the latter and was content with his decision. “I was extremely happy and thankful when I received a phone call from the SM Foundation, Inc. By qualifying in the SM College Scholarship Program, I never had to worry about my college education,” says Mark.

Not wanting to disappoint the people who believed in him, Mark strived hard to do well in school. “I want to make my family proud of me and to also give back to the SM Foundation, Inc. and the Sy family who paved the way for me to have a brighter future.”

According to Mark, he is in a very good place right now because the people at SM Foundation, Inc. believed in him. “The foundation made it possible for deserving but underprivileged students like me to continue studying in college and have a brighter future. Because of my scholarship, my mother’s financial burden was lessened. My monthly stipend also helps me in my expenses,” he says.