Published February 12, 2025 by Campus Information Officer
Simon Kent Leonido, a first-year student of the College of Information and Computing Sciences, CSU-Gonzaga, secured the top spot among seven semi-finalists in the Young Talent Speaker Contest, part of the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme. Competing against participants from 300 schools across the Philippines and ASEAN countries, Leonido’s achievement was announced on February 10, 2025.\r\n\r\nAfter passing the university selection process, Leonido represented CSU in the preliminary round through an online video presentation, where he discussed the impact of global warming and climate change. He highlighted the vital role individuals play in mitigating these environmental challenges and their long-term effects on future generations.\r\n\r\nThe top seven semi-finalists will compete in a live virtual speaking round on February 14, with only the top three advancing to the final stage on February 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The final round will be held face-to-face, where finalists will present their views on critical regional issues. All contest participants, regardless of their standing, must attend the program in Kuala Lumpur.\r\n\r\nThe Young Talent Speaker Contest aims to empower ASEAN students by encouraging discussions on regional challenges and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Leonido’s success was made possible through the mentorship of Dr. Charlot Maramag, Mrs. Irish Michelle Bince, both faculty members of CICS in CSU-Gonzaga. The whole CSU-Gonzaga headed by the CEO himself, Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., and the Dean of CICS Dr. Clyden Charl Alibania, are in full support to the fleet of Leonido in the International stage.\r\n\r\nSource and Photo: Office of the Dean, CICS-Gonzaga