On Thursday, 21 May, MIAS and the Filipino Association of Monash held a virtual roundtable with the Philippine Ambassador, Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega. Her Excellency discussed the ongoing Philippine-Australian relations, Philippine Foreign Policy amidst COVID-19 and her experience in working as a diplomat. The event coincided with Philippine-Australia Friendship Day and National Heritage Month for the Philippines. To find out what Her Excellency discussed, please refer to the following infographic made by our Marketing SubCommittee:
MIAS and FAM were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to host Her Excellency and spread awareness of Filipino foreign policy and its culture. We believe that it was beneficial for our members to hear from a female career diplomat that specialised in ASEAN relations. Below is a testimony from an attendee:
“As an Australian who has lived in the Philippines, it was an enriching experience to meet the Filipino Ambassador. It is not often that I get the opportunity to meet someone that represents a country that I have deep connections with but also a fellow woman in the diplomatic service. It is a valuable and humbling experience to hear about her journey towards the diplomatic service and how us young people can broaden the Filipino-Australian relationship further”
Michelle
Attendee
MIAS is extremely grateful for the Philippine Ambassador, The Consulate, and the Filipino Association of Monash for collaborating on this event.