By Honorary Reporters Sheena Solis, Jeremie Paula and Wendy Palomo from the Philippines, Jessica Wirastari from Indonesia and Mahmoud Hamdy from Egypt

Photos = Jeremie Paula

Korea.net Honorary Reporters from Nov. 25-26 participated in the 2019 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Commemorative Summit as media personnel, with eight reporters from six countries conducting coverage from the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) in Busan.

Sheena Solis from the Philippines said, "This event exceeded my expectations and hopes. ASEAN people had a great chance to understand each other and build good economic and cultural relations. Informative lectures led to the possibility of more opportunity in sectors ranging from traditional business and info-tourism to digital global startups."

"I could experience firsthand how the ASEAN-ROK summit embodied its slogan 'Partnership for Peace, Prosperity for People.' I look forward to the developments from these collaborative partnerships and relations among ASEAN members."

Fellow Filipina Jeremie Paula was surprised over the security aspect of this event, saying she felt it was very strict and tight to dispel worry over the threat of terrorism. She also said she felt proud and honored to represent her country at this prestigious and historical event as registered media with two other Pinays, adding, "Despite the diversity and complex issues of each ASEAN country, this event made me feel the warmth and relationship of each country."

Wendy Palomo, another Honorary Reporter from the Philippines who covered the courtesy call by major Korean companies on visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, said her chance to cover the summit was valuable. "I was overwhelmed in a very inspiring way. I felt that I belonged here because the Honorary Reporters were given the same professional IDs as the other journalists. The ID gave me a sense of professionalism, especially when I was scheduled to cover the courtesy call by nine Korean companies on President Duterte," she said.

Jessica Wirastari from Indonesia said, "When I visited booths at the exhibitions, they greeted me in the Indonesian language. People at certain booths even explained their products in my language." In her first experience as a media representative at a big event, she added, "I was amazed when I saw the (BEXCO) Media Center for the first time yesterday and how fast the articles and pictures were uploaded to portals."

Mahmoud Hamdy from Egypt was impressed with the inclusiveness of diversity at the summit. "One of the things that grabbed my attention was the halal food section inside the Media Center's restaurant. Though a small gesture, it shows the amount of thinking and consideration put into making everyone feel welcome and included."