The International Affairs (IA) Academy, held in Vietnam from March 20 to March 23, brought together JCI delegates from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Mongolia for an unforgettable experience focused on leadership development and networking. Spearheading the event was Pres. Candice Diao, the Project Chairperson, whose meticulous organization ensured everything went off without a hitch, creating a seamless and impactful experience for all attendees.
The journey began on March 20 as delegates arrived in Vietnam, greeted with warmth and excitement at the airport. As participants from different countries came together, the anticipation for the days ahead was palpable. On March 21, the official sessions began with Pres. Richard Lim Jr., International Affairs Director, encouraging everyone to take full advantage of the event to learn and foster meaningful connections. Dir. Joe Garcia followed, providing an overview of the International Affairs Group of JCI Philippines and introducing the leadership team that made the event possible.
The first day kicked off with an engaging icebreaker session led by Jurex Suson and Prince Datu, helping the delegates quickly connect and energize. Former World President Marc Brian Lim then took center stage, delivering in-depth modules on JCI’s history, the impact of misinformation on leadership, and how disinformation has the power to shape global leadership. In the afternoon, WP Marc shared his personal JCI journey, from becoming JCI Bangus Dagupan President to his ultimate rise as 2018 JCI World President, offering a powerful message about perseverance and purpose that inspired the group.
Following WP Marc’s presentation, Mark Joseph David, 2025 EVP of JCI Asia and the Pacific, offered insights into the challenges of national versus international JCI, highlighting the key skills needed for success on a global stage. NP Boydee Dizon, 2025 JCI Philippines Advisor, gave an important talk on JCI protocols, encouraging delegates to seize international opportunities and make their mark on the global stage. The first day wrapped up with a leadership-focused session from Prince Datu, who emphasized the importance of authenticity and integrity in leadership.
On March 22, Marc Brian Lim continued to inspire with another talk on leadership, followed by Autumn Tan and Dorothy Chan from the Asia-Pacific Development Council, who shared their experiences with multiculturalism and their own journeys in the APDC. The National President of Vietnam Nguyễn Tiến Dũng and the World President Keisuke Shimoyamada also paid a visit, congratulating JCI Philippines for being selected to host the 2026 World Congress.
Among the many leadership lessons that resonated deeply were quotes like:
“Leadership is taking responsibility without authority” and
“You are not competing against one another. You are competing with who you were yesterday.”
These insights left a lasting impact on all participants, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, humility, and a mindset for continuous growth.
March 23 provided a refreshing cultural exploration, with delegates touring iconic landmarks like the Lady Buddha and enjoying traditional Vietnamese cuisine. As the event came to a close, some delegates returned to the Philippines, while others extended their trips, taking the opportunity to explore Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Kuala Lumpur.
The IA Academy in Vietnam wasn’t just a series of sessions—it was an enriching and transformative experience that combined leadership training, cultural immersion, and global networking. The event left delegates empowered to apply what they had learned, fostering a new generation of leaders ready to make an impact on both their local chapters and the international JCI community.
The IA Academy proved to be more than just a training event—it was a global adventure in leadership. Participants like Michael Angelo Pizarro and Oshwald John Carbonell from JCI Las Piñas found the expert talks, especially from Marc Brian Lim, particularly impactful. For Michael Angelo, the academy was not only a chance to develop his leadership skills but also an opportunity to prepare for his role in hosting the 2026 World Congress in Clark. Oshwald was inspired by lessons on humility and international collaboration, and he’s now ready to bring that global perspective to his work.
Hands-on activities like the role-playing chapter twinning session were a hit with delegates, with Wing Cheung from JCI Hong Kong Peninsula especially enjoying the real-world skills it provided. Jay Pasicolan from JCI Manila also found value in the workshops and bonding with delegates from other chapters, which gave him a fresh outlook on international leadership.
The cultural experience in Vietnam further enriched the academy. Michael Angelo was captivated by the kindness of the locals and the stunning beauty of Da Nang, while Oshwald wished he could have spent more time exploring the vibrant city. The combination of leadership training and cultural immersion made the IA Academy a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Meticulously organized by National Chairperson Pres. Candice Diao, the academy delivered a seamless journey filled with enriching activities and meaningful connections. Supporting her was a powerhouse committee composed of passionate and capable leaders who brought the vision to life. Senior Deputy National Chairperson Joe Garcia played a vital role in leading the team, while Deputy Chairperson for Admin Cese Dosdos ensured smooth operations behind the scenes. Joe Marie Tan managed protocol and VVIP coordination with precision, and Robert Chan Jr. handled sponsorships and logistics with remarkable efficiency. Bryan Sy took charge of registration and finance, ensuring all records and accounts were well-managed. The heart of the training sessions was driven by Jurex Suson and Prince Datu, who also kicked things off with energetic icebreakers. Communications and public relations were expertly handled by Mark Peñafiel, while cultural immersion was made possible through tours coordinated by Perseus Luna. Finally, Bea Robles added flair to the event with her leadership in organizing the memorable Culmination Night.
As delegates head back to their chapters, they are ready to apply the knowledge and insights gained from the academy to create a global impact. Whether it’s Lee Wei Cheng (Andrew) in Kuala Lumpur planning to bring back valuable lessons or Jay Pasicolan considering a future as an international trainer, the IA Academy ignited a passion for leadership in all participants. Though the academy may have ended, their journey to making a global difference has only just begun.
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