From left: Kelsey Hample, an assistant professor of economics, Michael Peeler ’24, Grace Curty ’23, Lauren Garrison ’23, Nate Johnson ’23 and Cleve Fraser, a professor of politics and international affairs, at Vajiravudh College in Bangkok, Thailand, joined by Thai puppeteers.
Last updated
December 9, 2022
By
Furman News
Each fall, Furman University, under the auspices of the The Riley Institute, and the departments of economics and politics and international affairs, send a small group of students to one of the 21 member economies hosting theAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Week. This year, those who traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the APEC Voices of the Future Summit included: Grace Curty ’23, a politics and international affairs major with a minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies; Lauren Garrison ’23, an economics major with a minor in medicine, health and culture; Nate Johnson ’23, an economics major; and Michael Peeler ’24, a computer science major.
The students, accompanied by Cleve Fraser, a professor of politics and international affairs, and Kelsey Hample, an assistant professor of economics, interacted with delegates from 14 other member economies, drafted a Youth Declaration, which was presented to the prime minister of Thailand, and observed business and governmental leaders at sessions of the concurrent APEC CEO Summit and the APEC Business Advisory Council. The group also enjoyed cultural excursions – including a visit to see a classic Thai puppet show.