Describe ONE challenge constraining economic development in your country.

How can your countrys government, businesses, or civil society organizations

contribute to alleviating this challenge? (500 words maximum)

What are your expectations from this workshop? How will the
knowledge about regional economic development that you acquire from
this workshop affect your short and long term aspirations? (200 words
maximum) *
To be a part of this workshop is a dream come true for me, I believe that Id be able to explore
the AEC and its impact on trade and sustainable growth. Ill learn about the key concepts and
intricacies of the ASEAN economy, and apply what I learn through a series of hands-on activities
with the help of business leaders, social entrepreneurs, and policymakers. As a citizen of a third
world country, Ive witnessed the torment of poverty caused by economic challenges and these
are among my driving forces to make a change as a young entrepreneur and use the knowledge
that Id gain about the regional economic development in contributing for the ASEAN economy.
Economic progress is my life goal, when I work for my goal, I give my all. Whenever I work with
the things I love, I put my heart out into it and I never quit. I know that I couldnt achieve it alone,
so Ill instill the desire to make a difference to a larger network of people by delivering my
advocacy and imparting my knowledge to finally solve the challenges coercing the economic
progress in my country and the ASEAN as a region.

What makes someone a good leader? (200 words maximum) *

A good leader never stops learning and never stops trying. She does not inspire her teammates
by showing her how awesome she is. She inspire them by showing them how awesome they are.
Her actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more and become more. A leader who
does not use people, but rather, develop them, she is the one who magnifies their strength instead
of their weaknesses. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, an excellent communicator, listener
and thinker. A person who accepts blame, says we, generate enthusiasm, and become positive
in a negative situation. Someone with a strong sense of self who is willing to articulate personal
belief and values, caring, genuine and trustworthy. A leader who fully commits with all her heart
and soul to her work, and for the people. Someone who could work smoothly with people from
different cultures, with a strong passion for her work. Last but not the least, after a long tiring day,
shes one person who could make time for humor, the happy pill of the people, the one who
encourages and motivates.
Write a short biography about yourself (200 words maximum) *
Raven Alfarero is an 18 year old young entrepreneur and a 3 rd year student of the Pontifical
and Royal University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. She has grown up in an entrepreneurial
family. At an early age, she has been able to manage businesses from resort to franchises; a part
of which is being donated for the less fortunate people. Raven has kept herself politically and
economically engaged by becoming a leader of various organizations and by being involved with
political debates and forums. She has joined the Philippine Model Congress, Rotary Club, CYF,
YSI,YES-O and other organizations. Raven has been complimented to have great leadership, she
could work smoothly with a team of young people from different cultures, a person who values
the power of teamwork. She is also able to communicate proactively with people of different
backgrounds. During her high school days, she was the anchorwoman of a Broadcast Journalism
team discussing about the issues in the country and abroad. Raven has a passion for amending the
economic challenges that exist today, especially in the ASEAN. She firmly believes that the youth
can change the world by becoming actively and consistently involved with the global challenges.

What extracurricular or volunteer activities are you involved in? List them
and describe your involvement (200 words maximum) *
For many years, I have been a leader of various organizations and have joined volunteer activities for a
cause. I was a supreme patrol leader of the Scout of the Philippines, and an anchorwoman of a Broadcast
Journalist Team. I have volunteered for donations and gift-giving programs. I am a member of the Rotaract
Club, Youth for Environment in Schools Organization, Redcross Team, UST Debate Society and many
more. I am the President of the Christian Youth Fellowship and a member of the ministry of music and
teaching. I have joined Oratorical and Declamation Speech Competitions and won. I am currently an
ambassador of the Bridge the Divide Youth, a platform where young people in high school and college
from around the world can contribute their unique voices while engaging with their peers' diverse
political convictions and a member of the Earthpreneur group consisting of young earthpreneurs
who aim to make the Earth a better place to live in. Lastly, I belong to the top 2% of the 10,086
applicants of Young Sustainable Impact, an organization empowering youth to solve the
sustainability challenges of the 21st century.