BEFORE, ADRIAN Clarc Mundin (IV BS ME) wasn’t aware of the Hitachi Young Leaders’ Initiative (HYLI). Now, he is one of the delegates chosen to participate in the youth leadership forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 7 to 11.
A community relations program developed and launched 1996 by Hitachi in Asia, the HYLI aims to “groom potential leaders” by gathering them to discuss issues and establish contacts with influential leaders from across Asia.
Mundin and 27 other delegates were chosen through a rigorous process involving a university shortlist, submission of written essays, and panel interviews.
Trading energy
The theme for this year’s HYLI is “Strengthening Asian Partnerships – Economic Integration and Energy Management.” Mundin’s research, a requirement for the HYLI, falls under the sub-theme “Energy Management for Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability in East Asia.”
In his research, Mundin emphasizes how Asian countries could specialize in a certain energy sector and trade those commodities to other Asian countries.
“Parang product na talaga yung energy… Parang similar sa mga tini-trade natin ngayon, like bananas and mangoes (Energy is already like a product. It’s similar to what we trade today, like bananas and mangoes) Why not trade energy, ‘di ba?”
Environmental concerns are also one way to strengthen Asian partnerships, according to Mundin.
“Given that the environment has become an increasing concern, one way to strengthen partnership in Asia is to probably make an environmental regime… where we have limits on how much countries can produce.”
‘Well-rounded’
Mundin has always shown interest in social responsibility while inside the Ateneo.
Mundin is a varsity debater from the Ateneo Debate Society, former finance officer of the Management Engineering Association (MEA), and former administrator and contributor for Slate magazine, a corporate social responsibility magazine produced by Ateneans.
He also used to co-head the Council of the Organizations of the Ateneo (COA) Super Project, a community development project that aims to uplift an urban-poor community through the core competencies of Ateneo organizations.
“In terms of his involvement [and] perspective, [Mundin] is a well-rounded person,” said Angelo Ramon Tanchoco, Management Engineering program director. “He’s not uni-dimensional; he’s got a particular interest, and that’s what he’s pursuing.”
Last February, Mundin represented the Ateneo in the 10th Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC), an annual summit that brings together student leaders from colleges and universities all over the country.
Philosophy of One
Mundin gets his inspiration to lead and help others through Slate magazine’s philosophy called the Philosophy of One.
“If you can help just one person… no matter how big, no matter how small… as long as you made a difference in that one person, then it’s all worth it.”
Helping one person will “eventually touch the life of other person[s]. And so it grows,” he said.
But leading and helping others would not be complete without passion, said Mundin. “If you have the passion to do what you like doing best, then you can make a difference.”
After HYLI
At the end of the 9th HYLI, the delegates will join the alumni of previous HYLIs to form a strong Asian network of future leaders.
After graduating, Mundin says he’ll go for more involvement, especially in the 2010 elections. “I’m working my way towards being involved in forming new leaders… towards leadership and values formation,” he said.
“Siyempre, important din yun (Of course, it’s also important). When you’re holding position, power, [you need to be]… rooted in certain values.”
Former MEA president Jianina Fay Clarice Salindong (BS ME ’08) expects big things from Mundin for the years to come. “I believe he can … do a good deal of work and contribution to our society as a whole,” she said.
