US Ambassador to Thomasians: Be engaged with public service

(Ambassador Kim delivering his speech before Thomasian student leaders at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building. Photo taken from the University of Santo Tomas’ website)

United States’ Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim has urged Thomasian student leaders to engage with public service and to take interest with the country’s foreign relations during his Town Hall session in the University of Santo Tomas last Thursday.

The South Korean-born American diplomat and former US Envoy to South Korea stressed that it’s important for citizens and communities to be involved with the foreign relations of the country, since the government cannot do it solely.

“I think it’s important for citizens and for communities to be involved and I can’t think of better [people] to do that than the bright and ambitious students of UST,” he said in his speech at the Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom of the Blessed Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building.

“I hope that you’d continue to support and strengthen the US-Philippines relations and as much as you can, be engaged in public service,” he added.

Kim also challenged the youth to do something for the public as a generation of “bright people.”

“There’s no greater reward than doing something for the public. [...] This is the best time for you to be thinking about a part of society. Of course you need to study very hard but think beyond that. I think people like yourself, a generation of bright people, have so much to contribute to our society,” he said.

The former United States Special Representative for North Korea Policy also emphasized that diplomacy is “not just about government to government relations”, one also has to keep in touch to a “broader audience.”

Kim closed the session saying that anyone who wants to become a diplomat in the future should be aware that it’s about public service and not about earning a lot.

“It’s public service and obviously not for financial gain. I could've stayed as a lawyer and probably made a lot of money but I don't think I’d found my life [as we know it].” he said.

Student leaders had a chance to ask about the United State’s stance on climate change, President Trump’s new immigration policies, the administration’s drug war, and his life as a diplomat among others, in the Town Hall session.

Almost all the Korean students of the University were also present, personally invited by the University’s Office for Student Affairs (OSA).

According to the University website, prior to the town-hall meeting, the US Ambassador was received by the top University officials, led by the Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., PhD (Rector). The Rector was joined by the University Vice-Rector, Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD; Vice-Rector for Finance Fr. Rolando M. Castro, O.P., SThL; Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Pablo T. Tiong, O.P.; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH; Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Maribel G. Nonato, PhD; and Secretary-General Fr. Jesus M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., PhD.