DELEGATES’ GUIDEBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTSMessage from the Commissioner

Convention Details Conference Brief Convention Theme Competitions Itinerary and Schedule Join #theYECjourney Key Dates Eligibility and Procedures Conference Fees

*Travel Information Things to Bring Currency Before Arrival Accommodation Getting Around Manila Contact Information

Foreword

About

Application

Appendix

* This guidebook was created by the 15th YEC commission for the Young Economists’ International Conference. The complete guide will be sent to successful applicants.

Some content was retrieved from http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.comPhotos courtesy of Google ImagesMap courtesy of Google Maps

To my fellow students and young economists,

Fifteen years ago, Bro. Andrew Gonzales, F.S.C. initiated a series of panel discussions that would transform into the convention series that we know today as the Young Economists’ Convention (YEC). More than focusing on vital and relevant issues that define the era we live in, the YEC hopes to tap and hone your potential as young leaders and aid you to grow into catalysts and agents of transformation. It is our belief that your bright minds are the key to triggering and promoting the positive change that we wish to see in our community, in our country, and in the world.

The YEC legacy is not defined by the number of conventions held, the personalities that grace our events, nor in any other statistic. Instead, our legacy is in every delegate who is propelled to action by his or her experience during the convention and is inspired to share and push this vision forward to other like-minded youth. In other words, our legacy is you. And so long as these conventions are able to stimulate a sense of nation-building and promote your contribution to this effort, whether through a research paper, a policy paper, or even a simple idea, the Young Economists’ Convention will continue to provide an avenue for your voice to be heard.

We hope you participate in this convention, and let the YEC become part of your individual journeys towards becoming the next leaders and builders in our country and the world.

Sincerely,

Foreword Message from the Commissioner

Paul Terrence T. CalubanYEC Commissioner

The Young Economists’ International Conference is a 4-day event (June 30-July 3, 2016) for future leaders to be held in De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:Welcoming DinnerKeynote Seminars

Outstanding Research Paper CompetitionPolicy Making Competition

Cultural Tour

Capital City of Manila | Land Area 300,780 square kilometers Population 96 Million | Currency Philippine Peso (php) Average temperature 78 degrees F/25 degrees C. Government Democratic Republic | Head of state PresidentReligion Predominantly Catholic. Muslim, Christian, Buddhist.Electricity 220 volts, A.C. 60 cycles.

Convention DetailsConference Brief

About

Information and Innovation: Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy

In today’s increasingly digitized global economy, knowledge is growing at an exponential rate. Leading this forceful evolution of information is the West with much of eastern Asia lagging far behind. With knowledge playing an ever-increasing role in holistic development through its direct relationship with human capital (World Economic Forum, 2015), the relatively small accumulation of the latter in most of the ASEAN could lead to starker economic inequalities and market failures through information asymmetries not only between the region and the West but also within the ASEAN itself. In fact, the vicious grip of poverty and capital inadequacy remains strong in the region despite high levels of economic growth; inclusive development remains an elusive dream (OECD, 2014). Without great structural change, particularly a shift towards a larger investment in human capital development, the problems that plague the ASEAN can only worsen.

The region must realize to a greater extent its untapped potential at generating knowledge and the crucial use of information networks in its evolution; the region must move towards a knowledge-based economy. A knowledge-based economy (KBE), being the forefront system of most advanced nations, has been defined by Asian Development Bank (2014) as one that has an economic incentive and institutional regime that stimulates the acquisition, creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge and information to improve its growth and welfare, as well as effective systems of education and skills, information and communication technology, research and development, and innovation. The performance of the ASEAN over the past decade, though outstanding, may ultimately prove to be insufficient as resources are continually being depleted, real wages continue to rise, and technology continues to progress at an ever increasing rate. However, through the pursuit of a knowledge-based economy, new drivers of growth, characterized by intellectual and conceptual creation, will surface and propel the economy, further enabling it to become a center of learning and innovation wherein information asymmetries are addressed and networks are built to create greater cooperation among an empowered workforce. By doing so, the ASEAN member states, with its myriad of socioeconomic and political differences, can stand side by side with an educated population as its great equalizer and compete with leading giants of the global economy.

The challenge for the ASEAN now is to develop, refine, and execute policies that are centered on the pillars that identify a KBE, namely deep economic incentive and institutional regime, education and skills, innovation, and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure (World Bank, 2012) where the key constituents encompass global knowledge utilization, secure intellectual property rights implementation, labor and capital flexibility, balanced and effective education systems, advanced research and development, enhanced cultivation of entrepreneurs and innovations, and strong ICT sector promotion.

ReferencesAsian Development Bank. (2014). Innovative Asia: Advancing the Knowledge-Based Economy.OECD. (2014). Education at a Glance 2014: OECD Indicators. OECD Publishing.World Bank. (2012). Knowledge Assessment Methodology. World Economic Forum. (2015). Why education should top the development agenda.

Convention Theme

Convention DetailsItinerary & Schedule

DAY 1 June 30, 2016WELCOMING DINNER

DAY 2 July 1, 2016FIRST DAY OF THE CONFERENCE PROPER

08:00 Registration 09:00 Opening Prayer National Anthem Welcoming Remarks

PANEL 1: The Fundamentals of a Knowledge-Based Economy

09:30 Keynote Speaker 10:00 Keynote Speaker 10:45 Keynote Speaker 11:30 Open Forum12:00 Lunch

13:30 Activity

PANEL 2: Emerging Chal-lenges and Opportunities in the ASEAN

14:00 Keynote Speaker 14:30 Keynote Speaker 15:00 Keynote Speaker 15:30 Open Forum16:00 Snacks16:20 Pocket Sessions17:30 Closing Ceremonies

*Participants of the Outstanding Research Paper Competition and Policy Making Competition will holdtheir respective elimination rounds during the afternoon session.

DAY 3 July 2, 2016SECOND DAY OF THE CONFERENCE PROPER

08:00 Registration 09:00 Opening Prayer National Anthem Opening Remarks

PANEL 3: On Economic Frontiers and the Future of the Market

09:30 Keynote Speaker10:15 Keynote Speaker10:45 Keynote Speaker11:15 Open Forum11:45 Lunch

PANEL 4: Policy Discussions

13:00 Guest Ambassador13:20 Guest Ambassador13:40 Guest Ambassador14:00 Panel Discussion14:45 Opportunities

15:15 Snacks

15:40 Outstanding Research Paper Finalists16:40 Policy Making Competition17:00 Awarding Ceremonies Closing Remarks

DAY 4 July 3, 2016CULTURAL TOUR Luneta Park Intramuros National Museum

Plan your trip

Enjoy your free day on Day 1, and the night with YEC and fellow delegates Participate in the 2-day convention at De La Salle University - Manila. Discover the sights, landmarks and history of Manila on Day 4.

To my fellow students and young economists,

Fifteen years ago, Bro. Andrew Gonzales, F.S.C. initiated a series of panel discussions that would transform into the convention series that we know today as the Young Economists’ Convention (YEC). More than focusing on vital and relevant issues that define the era we live in, the YEC hopes to tap and hone your potential as young leaders and aid you to grow into catalysts and agents of transformation. It is our belief that your bright minds are the key to triggering and promoting the positive change that we wish to see in our community, in our country, and in the world.

The YEC legacy is not defined by the number of conventions held, the personalities that grace our events, nor in any other statistic. Instead, our legacy is in every delegate who is propelled to action by his or her experience during the convention and is inspired to share and push this vision forward to other like-minded youth. In other words, our legacy is you. And so long as these conventions are able to stimulate a sense of nation-building and promote your contribution to this effort, whether through a research paper, a policy paper, or even a simple idea, the Young Economists’ Convention will continue to provide an avenue for your voice to be heard.

We hope you participate in this convention, and let the YEC become part of your individual journeys towards becoming the next leaders and builders in our country and the world.

Sincerely,

Convention DetailsCompetitions

The Young Economists’ Convention – Outstanding Research Paper Competition is a competition that allows budding young economists to share their insights and be recognized for excellent research. It is organized with the main thrusts of initiating critical thinking among young economists and improving student research for policy development in the interest of nation building.

Screening and Selection Process:

The International Conference shall hold the international round of the Outstanding Research Paper Competition. All accepted entries are invited to present in the International Conference to complete the screening process. The regional winners shall present their papers together with the accepted international round papers. The grand winner shall be selected therein.

Visit http://theyoungeconomists.org/outstanding-research-pa-per-competition/ for the complete application process for the Outstanding Research Paper Competition.

Outstanding Research PaperCompetition

Competition proper and open forum from the 2015 International Conference

Plan your trip

Represent your school in international competitions. Present your ideas and receive feedback from respected judges. Winners will receive cash grants and medals.

The Young Economists' Convention (YEC) - Policy Making Competition is an avenue for students to practice their role as future leaders and policy makers. It aims to promulgate aware-ness, enhance critical thinking, and foster active participation in light of the relevant events and issues affecting society today. Going beyond student research, the competition aims to put what are taught in both the classroom and in the conven-tions into practice, in a way that can put the students in the shoes of our current policy makers.

Stay tuned through http://theyoungeconomists.org/poli-cy-making-competition/ for the complete application process for the Policy Making Competition.

Policy Making Competition

Previous delegates from the 2015 International Conference

International flags color the venue

Information and Innovation: Towards a Knowledge-Based Economy

In today’s increasingly digitized global economy, knowledge is growing at an exponential rate. Leading this forceful evolution of information is the West with much of eastern Asia lagging far behind. With knowledge playing an ever-increasing role in holistic development through its direct relationship with human capital (World Economic Forum, 2015), the relatively small accumulation of the latter in most of the ASEAN could lead to starker economic inequalities and market failures through information asymmetries not only between the region and the West but also within the ASEAN itself. In fact, the vicious grip of poverty and capital inadequacy remains strong in the region despite high levels of economic growth; inclusive development remains an elusive dream (OECD, 2014). Without great structural change, particularly a shift towards a larger investment in human capital development, the problems that plague the ASEAN can only worsen.

The region must realize to a greater extent its untapped potential at generating knowledge and the crucial use of information networks in its evolution; the region must move towards a knowledge-based economy. A knowledge-based economy (KBE), being the forefront system of most advanced nations, has been defined by Asian Development Bank (2014) as one that has an economic incentive and institutional regime that stimulates the acquisition, creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge and information to improve its growth and welfare, as well as effective systems of education and skills, information and communication technology, research and development, and innovation. The performance of the ASEAN over the past decade, though outstanding, may ultimately prove to be insufficient as resources are continually being depleted, real wages continue to rise, and technology continues to progress at an ever increasing rate. However, through the pursuit of a knowledge-based economy, new drivers of growth, characterized by intellectual and conceptual creation, will surface and propel the economy, further enabling it to become a center of learning and innovation wherein information asymmetries are addressed and networks are built to create greater cooperation among an empowered workforce. By doing so, the ASEAN member states, with its myriad of socioeconomic and political differences, can stand side by side with an educated population as its great equalizer and compete with leading giants of the global economy.

The challenge for the ASEAN now is to develop, refine, and execute policies that are centered on the pillars that identify a KBE, namely deep economic incentive and institutional regime, education and skills, innovation, and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure (World Bank, 2012) where the key constituents encompass global knowledge utilization, secure intellectual property rights implementation, labor and capital flexibility, balanced and effective education systems, advanced research and development, enhanced cultivation of entrepreneurs and innovations, and strong ICT sector promotion.

ReferencesAsian Development Bank. (2014). Innovative Asia: Advancing the Knowledge-Based Economy.OECD. (2014). Education at a Glance 2014: OECD Indicators. OECD Publishing.World Bank. (2012). Knowledge Assessment Methodology. World Economic Forum. (2015). Why education should top the development agenda.

Application

Join #theYECjourney Key Dates

Early Deadline of Applications May 23, 2016Regular Deadline of Applications May 30, 2016 Final Deadline of Applications June 06, 2016Release of Application Results June 11, 2016Deadline for Payment June 18, 2016Deadline for Submission of Additional Forms June 20, 2016

DAY 1 June 30, 2016WELCOMING DINNER

DAY 2 July 1, 2016FIRST DAY OF THE CONFERENCE PROPER

08:00 Registration 09:00 Opening Prayer National Anthem Welcoming Remarks

PANEL 1: The Fundamentals of a Knowledge-Based Economy

09:30 Keynote Speaker 10:00 Keynote Speaker 10:45 Keynote Speaker 11:30 Open Forum12:00 Lunch

13:30 Activity

PANEL 2: Emerging Chal-lenges and Opportunities in the ASEAN

14:00 Keynote Speaker 14:30 Keynote Speaker 15:00 Keynote Speaker 15:30 Open Forum16:00 Snacks16:20 Pocket Sessions17:30 Closing Ceremonies

*Participants of the Outstanding Research Paper Competition and Policy Making Competition will holdtheir respective elimination rounds during the afternoon session.

Eligibility • 17-25 years old• Be fit to travel• Have a valid passport • Good academic standing

Application ProcedureInterested delegates must undergo the following steps:

a. Access the online application form via bit.ly/InterCon-Applications and fill out the required information.

b. Wait for the screening results through email.

c. Upon acceptance, delegates must pay the conference fee through the options enclosed in the acceptance packet (sent via email).

d. Accepted delegates will be instructed to fill out the additional forms and registration forms as the event date approaches.

Eligibility & Procedures

IMPORTANT

*Only 75 International Delegates will be accepted to ensure the quality of the YEC experience.

*The same procedure applies to interested local (Filipino) delegates.

Conference FeesLocal delegates - PHP 500.00Get a 2-day convention pass for July 1 and July 2

International delegates - USD 280.00Includes a 2-day convention pass, accommodation for 4 days and 3 nights,and selected meals* (See FAQs)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have any concerns or further inquiries, please email us at youngeconomistsconvention@gmail.com.We will respond immediately.

You may also visit our website at www.theyoungeconomists.org for FAQs.

Local delegates - PHP 500.00Get a 2-day convention pass for July 1 and July 2

International delegates - USD 280.00Includes a 2-day convention pass, accommodation for 4 days and 3 nights,and selected meals* (See FAQs)

DELEGATES’ GUIDEBOOK

• 1 Philippine Peso (Php) = 100 centavos.

• Bank notes: Php20, Php50, Php100, Php200, Php500, Php1,000.

• Coins: 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, Php1, Php5, Php10.

• Foreign currency may be exchanged at most hotels, and in most of the large department stores, banks and authorized money changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced.