What Makes a Great Leader?

Leadership can truly take many forms in a school filled with talent and ambition, from the formal positions of teachers, to everyday moments of initiative that almost everyone has opportunities to take. I’ve always been intrigued by the various types of leadership that there are - and to explore what specifically student leadership truly means in BSM, I’ve conducted an interview with three individuals who embody it in different ways: Joelle Roth, Nina San Pedro, and Aaron Chua. Each of them brings a unique and inspiring perspective, shaped by their various experiences, responsibilities, and values. Their insights are really more than just advice; they paint a picture of what leadership truly looks like in action.

Could you please tell me about the roles or projects you've led?

Joelle: As Head Student, I co-led a team of 17 student leaders, and created initiatives aimed at strengthening school spirit, student council engagement, and wellbeing. Caitlin and I organized Spirit & Sports Day, Flourish Festival, ASA Fair, Bonding Day, Spirit Afternoon, and Induction Day while launching initiatives like the community art wall, and many more. We boosted visibility through social media, the Primary Mailbox, led IB Common Room improvements, and prioritised advocacy through WISE Round Tables and International Women’s Day events. 

As President of Child Haus, the Philippines’ first halfway home for children with cancer, I led 30 students during ASA sessions, focusing on direct-impact initiatives. We personally delivered essentials and organised fundraisers like the Fun Run Pancit Canton stall, bake sales, and “On Wednesdays We Wear Purple,” raising significant funds while building community awareness.

Finally, as Co-President of TEDx, I co-led a team of 37. Under the theme “Cascade,” we hosted speakers including Boy Abunda, Michelle Dee, and Antoinette Taus, sparking discussions on success, advocacy, and climate action. The event trended nationally, becoming one of the Philippines’ top 50 hashtags that week.

Nina: I have taken on and led a wide range of projects throughout senior school, beginning with school-based initiatives and expanding into external outreach. Within our BSM community, I spearheaded PathPals, which I conceptualised through Student Council. Designed as a platform for students to express challenges, share advice, and build inter-year friendships, PathPals matches students with similar interests to foster meaningful connections across year groups.

My passion for connecting people and public speaking has also shaped my involvement in BSM’s MUN and debate teams. Over the years, I’ve held various leadership roles, culminating in my current position as president of both clubs. Running our weekly sessions has been especially fulfilling—I still remember how nervous I was, so it’s incredibly rewarding to support others as they grow in confidence and oratory skill. Seeing our teams perform at conferences has been one of the highlights of my school journey.

Driven by my exposure to global issues through MUN, I’ve also pursued other outward-facing forums. I served as a Customer Experience member for TEDxBritishSchoolManila 2025 and helped run a soft-skills training cohort for educators through BLUEPRINT (YOU)TH (BPY). Each experience came with its own set of challenges—recruiting volunteers, meeting tight deadlines, managing unresponsive speakers—but they were all character-building.

Aaron: Sure! I recently co-founded and led Youth for Indigenous People’s Empowerment through Education (YIPEE for short). We collaborate with indigenous artisans to showcase and market their products including woven clothing in order to boost both employment and educational opportunities. Through providing school supplies and building important infrastructure like a computer lab and sports facilities in remote regions of the Cordillera region, we’ve reached nearly 500 indigenous students. Communicating with school leaders, artisans, and DepEd has definitely been testing at times, but they’ve all built character.

These experiences took me to the United Nations Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum in New York, where I was able to represent the Philippines as the sole youth delegate. Speaking about STEM education in the Philippines in front of more than 65 countries, it was incredibly rewarding to bring my own perspective to the global community. 

I also co-founded Agilas, the Philippines’ first F1 in Schools World Finals team. As the Manufacturing Director, I spearheaded the ideation, development, and manufacturing of our award-winning World Finals car. Ultimately, we won the Best Newcomer Award and were featured by several media outlets including ABS-CBN and GMA, as well as Aramco and the Aston Martin F1 team. 

I’m also the current managing editor of Winston, Head of Academics at BSM, and run the BSM Chemistry and Physics Olympiad Club. 


Joelle, as former Head Student, speaking at the BSM Class of 2025 IB Graduation.

Who or what has influenced your leadership style the most?

Joelle: If I had to name one person, it would be Caitlin, my “partner in crime.” (Not literal crime, just the endless BSM projects we survived together.)

When we first became co-head students, we couldn’t have been more different. Caitlin led with calm analysis, stepping back to reflect before deciding. I was more action-driven, ready to jump in to get things moving. At first, we clashed: I wanted to send the email immediately; she wanted to double-check it. She wanted feedback; I wanted to lock in the plan.

But the more we worked together, the more we learned from each other. I saw the strength in pausing before acting and in ensuring people felt heard. I think Caitlin, in turn, discovered the value of trusting her instincts when quick decisions were needed. We learned to balance empathy with execution, strategy with spontaneity.

Leadership became less about doing things my way and more about learning and improving together.

Whenever I need to make a group decision, I still think of Caitlin’s calm, reflective approach and the way she weighed different views. Remembering those qualities helps me balance clarity with care and turn decisions into opportunities for people to feel seen.

Nina:  My leadership style has been most influenced by my experiences in Model United Nations (MUN) and Student Council—two of my longest-running and most formative activities.

Through MUN, I’ve learned that effective leadership hinges on strong communication. Participating in external conferences alongside talented and driven delegates from other schools pushed me to articulate ideas clearly, confidently, and respectfully. Representing different countries meant I had to deeply understand each nation’s history, cultural context, and political views—even when I didn’t personally agree with them. This taught me to lead with both objectivity and clarity, advocating for perspectives different from my own in a diplomatic, court-like setting.

Meanwhile, Student Council has shaped me into a more empathetic and inclusive leader. Listening to the concerns of peers, many of which weren’t immediately visible, helped me realise the importance of being approachable and responsive. Collaborating with students to develop initiatives addressing these needs strengthened my ability to lead through listening and consensus-building.

Together, these experiences have molded me into a leader who is open-minded, empathetic, and an effective communicator—able to navigate both complex issues and interpersonal dynamics with care and clarity.

Aaron:  Initially, I found authority really difficult; I didn’t really know what to do. What I found though was that you gain confidence and proficiency with experience. So, when it came to organising practicals and setting up sessions, the overall quality improved as well. Through building on this experience with Agilas, the Philippines’ first F1 in Schools team, as well as Winston, I was able to become more confident. 

During preparation for the F1 in Schools World Finals, I took an introductory course in project management from the Project Management Institute. Understanding the specifics of what was needed here really helped me understand what went into the “task-focused” side of leadership. 

However, the core of leadership is uplifting those around you. This is something I started to understand with the excellent leadership sessions that BSM offers its SSLT. I cannot understate the impact that these sessions have had on merging the task-based and outcome-based aspects of leadership with the understanding of your team that one needs to be successful. 


Nina leading the BSM Debate Varsity ASA for Year 7 to Year 13.

What is something you wish you had known about leadership earlier in your journey?

Joelle: When I first stepped into leadership roles, I believed I needed to have all the answers and act quickly, even when I wasn’t fully ready. I worried that if people saw my uncertainty, they might overstep or lose confidence in my ability to lead, so I hid it behind quick decisions and a confident front.

Over time, I’ve come to understand that leadership is much more about asking the right questions and being willing to listen. I learned that it’s okay to be open about not having everything figured out, and that doing so builds trust within a team. Admitting that you don’t know yet but are working on it allows others to step in, share their perspectives, and help find solutions together, leading to outcomes stronger than if you tried to handle everything alone.

Nina: I wish I had known earlier that good leaders don’t lead alone—effective leadership depends on building and relying on a strong support system. It’s a common misconception that leaders need to be the smartest in the room or the best speakers. In reality, the most effective leaders are often better listeners than talkers, guided by empathy and an ability to unite people around a shared vision.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of forming the right team—not based on familiarity or friendships, but on complementary skills and strengths that align with the goal. When there’s trust in a team, it becomes much easier to involve others and delegate tasks meaningfully. I’ve come to realise that confidence and competence alone aren't enough to carry a project to success. As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work—and I’ve seen that firsthand.

Aaron: I realised only later on that it’s not about being perfect or 100% able to lead from the get-go, but it’s more about being willing to learn and grow to become a better leader. For a long time, I found it really hard to feel satisfied with my leadership because of this fact. 

After realising that growth was part of the process though, I felt more comfortable with making the mistakes that I needed to learn and become a better leader from. Staying in the same place means that you definitely won’t do anything wrong, but you won’t be doing anything right either! 

What do you think separates a good leader from a great one?

Joelle: A good leader is effective: they get things done, they organise well, and they keep people moving in the right direction. That’s important.

A great leader, on the other hand, leaves people better than they found them. They build trust, not just compliance. They create an environment where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow. They’re not threatened by others’ ideas or successes; they lift others up.

I used to think leadership meant being loud and assertive, the one speaking the most in a meeting, or the one making the final decision. But I’ve learnt that the leaders who left the greatest impact on me were often the ones who led quietly, the ones who listened first, who noticed when someone was struggling, who offered help without being asked, who encouraged people to share their thoughts, and who made space for others to shine.

Great leaders care about why they’re leading, not just about what they’re leading. They understand that leadership is not about control, but about service. It’s not about having followers, it’s about creating more leaders.

Nina:  I believe that great leaders don’t only step into a role to meet a goal, but because they genuinely believe in the purpose behind the project. As one well-known leadership author puts it, “It all begins with why.” That sense of purpose is what sets great leadership apart.

In high school, it can be tempting to pursue leadership roles with the goal of boosting a college application. However, I’ve found that when personal gain is the main motivation, the outcome is often lackluster. True leadership is about supporting a cause greater than yourself.

For me, I chose to lead because I believed in the value of helping others build confidence in public speaking through MUN and debate. I was drawn to initiatives like TEDx, Student Council, and BPY because they offered opportunities to create a more thoughtful, culturally aware, and connected community. When you take on a role because it aligns with your passions and values, that conviction becomes a driving force—and others are naturally inspired to follow.

Aaron: What I’ve found separates a good leader from a great leader is how those they direct feel. A good leader would probably be able to get the task at hand done effectively. 

A great leader would do the same while making those around them feel satisfied and personally responsible for the positive outcome. Really, leadership is about giving others the keys that they need to unlock their potential. 


Aaron representing the Philippines at the United Nations Science, Technology and Innovation Forum.

Do you have any closing statements?

Joelle: To finish off, I would like people to know that everyone has the capacity to lead. You don’t need a title like “Head Student” to be a leader. You can lead in small moments when you stand up for someone, organise a group project, support a friend having a tough day, or help your younger sibling with homework. Leadership is often found in quiet consistency, not just in big gestures.

Secondly, leadership can be learned. It’s not something you have to be born with, and it doesn’t require a certain personality type. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, detail-oriented or big-picture focused, your way of leading is valid, and it’s needed.

If I could give a few pieces of advice to anyone wanting to grow as a leader, it would be this: focus on people, not power. Listen more than you speak. Care about the impact you leave on others. Be willing to learn, admit when you’re wrong, and adapt when needed.
And remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be a leader. You just have to be willing to step up when it matters, take responsibility, and keep learning along the way.

Nina: I believe that leaders are not born—they’re made through small, consistent steps over time. That’s why you should explore a wide range of interests in high school. Getting involved in different activities not only helps you discover what you love, but also opens the door to unexpected leadership opportunities.

I joined various clubs (including “fantasy world building” and theatre!) before finding the ones that truly resonated with me, and the leadership roles naturally followed as I committed to those communities. It’s okay not to have your future path figured out yet—uncertainty shouldn’t limit your aspirations. For example, I joined MUN through an invitation from friends, learned I enjoyed it, became the social media manager in Year 10 and now, took on the role of President; it’s been a six year journey. While activities like MUN and debate may seem to align with a career in law, I’m actually planning to pursue something very different: medicine! That said, the communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills I’ve gained will be invaluable in any field.

That’s why I believe it's important to try new things and “do what excites.” You might not realise it at first, but by following your curiosity, you’re already stepping into the path of leadership.

  

Love, Unwritten

Valentine's Day Competition winners

Winning Story: Love, Unwritten, By Anonymous

Love it unwritten. 

It lingers between the lines, in the half-breaths before confessions, in the fingertips that almost, but never quite, touch. Between the eyes of lovers, in the palms of friends, in the February air. Sky. Night. It is everywhere. Inescapable. Painted in grand strokes across stories and whispered in melodies that haunt the air. They say love is the pinnacle of existence, the missing piece, the soft ending to a rough start. They say it’s a compass guiding you in the right directions. They say it’s in the fleeting moments, in the seconds between minutes, in the hours of a day.

But I’ve never been sure I believe them. 

I’ve imagined what it would be like to have someone love you, and to love them back. I’ve imagined what it would feel like to be in their presence as much as possible. I’ve imagined what it would sound like to have their songs intertwine with your own. A symphony to call your own. A symphony you could call home. 

But I’ve never been sure I trust that.

Love is insistent. 

It pressed itself in my life like an unwanted guest, filling the silence with stories that are not mine. It is there in the glances between strangers, in the way the world sighs at grand declarations, in the expectation that I, too, should yearn for its touch. But love and I have always been at odds. On different sides of the coin. The sun and the moon. The moth and the fla me. It is chaos disguised as harmony, a force too vast to be tamed by the fragile hope of human hands. 

And yet…

I cannot deny the way my heart stirs at its call. At its sounds. At its voice. Despite my defiance, my resistance, my restraint, I catch myself wondering: what would it be like to surrender? To let love write itself and plaster its words on my skin. To have its ink seep deep through my blood until it clings to my bones? I watch it slip between people, weaving its invisible threads…and I envy them. I resent them. I long for something I do not know how to name. And it’s hurting - hurting me. Perhaps love is not meant to be conquered. Or understood. Or found. Perhaps it’s meant to be complicated. Meant to be tangled. Maybe it’s in the way the sky changes at dusk, in the weight of an unread letter. I have spent my life keeping that feeling, that emotion at bay, fearing its power, fearing its strength, yet always, always looking back. 

Love is grim.

It's a stranger. A stranger lurking amongst the shadows, waiting its turn to hunt its prey. Its victim. Who will be first to fall into its claws? Its jaws. Who will be the first to plead? To pray? To bleed? It’s a ghost. A ghost in the corners, shrouded in darkness and swallowed in the eerie night, piercing eyes watching. Who will be the first to notice? To run? To hide? It’s a creature. A creature in the woods, high in the trees, counting the hours. Minutes. Seconds. It waits. It hunts. It feasts. Waits for someone to fall into its trap, hunting them down when they start to realise, and left dead. Stone, cold dead. In the middle of the night. In the middle of the woods. In the middle of fear.  

There are countless times where I’ve fought back. When I’ve fought off the strangers, when I’ve lit a ghost into flames, when I’ve killed the creature and left it to rot. There are countless times where I’ve won. But there are also times where I’ve lost. When the strangers reached out and grabbed hold of me, when the ghost would wrap itself around my bones, my soul, when the creature would leave me for the dead. The crows circling above my head. I see it as a nightmare - a nightmare I can’t get rid of. I’ve only ever ignored it, but now more than ever, the nightmare returns. The same sharp, stinging cold I wake up to or the red, fiery poison I feel seep into my blood. No matter how much I try to fight it and avoid it, the stranger, the ghost, the creature, they always come running back, chasing me until I surrender. 

I don’t want to surrender. 

I’ve built walls against love, but they are made of glass, and love…it continues to try and drill its way through. It watches me through the small cracks that I’ve never quite been able to conceal. It watches me, waiting for the moment when the glass finally shatters. And sometimes, when the world is still and the weight of solitude grows heavy, I wonder what it would be like to let it in. Would it hurt? Would it heal? Would it fill the empty spaces? Replace the splinters and seal up the wounds? 

I hear stories of a writer - a writer who spent their life crafting love stories but never lived on. I think of them often, wondering if they felt the same longing I do, the same contradiction of wanting and fearing in equal measure. I wonder if they, too, wrestled with the stranger, the ghost, the creature. If they spent their nights staring at the ceiling, tracing outlines of imagined hands against their own. Imagined smiles to match their own. Imagined eyes lingering just a little while longer. 

But I don’t want to surrender. 

Love is exhausting. 

It demands vulnerability. I don’t think I’m there yet. It demands surrender. I don’t think I’m there yet. It seeps into the cracks of our carefully structured lives and rearranges everything without permission. I don’t think I’m there yet. It does not negotiate. It does not wait. And so, perhaps, my hesitation is not truly about whether I deserve love, but whether I am ready for the weight of it. To love is to risk, and I have spent a lifetime avoiding the precipice, fearing the fall more than the loneliness that comes with standing still. 

I’ve learnt to protect myself from it. I told myself that the fear was defence. A shield. Or so I thought that’s what I was doing. I thought I could hold up my walls, I thought I was carrying the shield, I thought I was protecting myself. I wasn’t. My walls were crumbling, my shield was a sword, and I was exposing myself. Broken. Lost. Alone. I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t fight the strangers. I couldn’t fight the ghosts. I couldn’t fight the creatures. I couldn’t. I couldn’t. 

I didn’t want to be saved. But maybe, just maybe, that wasn’t such a bad thing. They say the boy saving the girl is traditional. An old tale. Patriarchal. Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty. But what happens if you are so lost? So hurt? So torn apart? What then? Maybe it’s not called saving or rescuing or an act of heroism. Maybe it’s something else. When a moment of vulnerability is shared between two people. Neither one is saving the other but rather saving each other. I used to hate the idea of being saved. I used to hate the idea of love at first sight. First glance. First touch. 

I used to hate it. Love. I don’t think I hate it anymore. 

Love is unwritten. 

It stands beside me at the edge of the cliff. It  does not push, does not pull, but simply waits. It speaks in quiet patience, in laughter that softens fear, in a presence that feels like the first breath of spring after an endless winter. It was never a stranger, or a ghost, or a creature. It was unfamiliar. Unseeable. Untamable. I think that’s what scared me the most. But I’m done running. I’m done hiding myself away from it. I’m done fighting. I’m done yielding the sword that wounds myself more. I’m done hurting. 

IB Reflections

By Jeremy Aidan Yu

Brief Foreword

As the Year 13 SSA1 predicted grades are finalised, one could find themselves feeling like the journey is mostly over. For those applying to the UK and US, the window of improving our applications has closed - there are no opportunities to bolster chances. With this window closed, we all breathe a sigh of relief as senioritis begins to set in after a year filled with deadlines and burnout.

But before some of us succumb to this basically-end-of-the-road-so-I-can’t-be-asked mentality, I want to take a step back and reflect on my personal experiences: the mistakes and missed opportunities that shaped my journey. I hope that my reflections help the Year 13s with college acceptances, incoming Year 12s and anyone considering the IB diploma flourish. These reflections were lessons that I can only learn in hindsight and never discussed in PSHE or the year 12 assemblies.

Initial Reflections

Back in GCSE, I often immersed myself completely in my work. My approach to studying was simple: spend as much time as possible, whenever possible. With the steady flow of good results, I didn’t feel the need to change this approach. Afterall, this “grind mindset” was working for me, so why should I change it going into the IB? But what I didn’t realise was that this relentless mindset would eventually hold me back. My mind’s feeling of confidence could only be realised from a complete thorough coverage which was occasionally unrealistic with my heavy investment of time in my extracurriculars and the multiple deadlines that were sent one after another; I never realised it then but I was unfocused on how I revised — driven by a fear that I might not be as prepared as I thought. So, don’t always assume that your errors are from a lack of practice, the IB also demands a “work smart” ethic, you might need to be more focused and strategic, trust your brain to remember the things you listen to in class. 

My time in GCSE built hubris and overconfidence with the amount of cramming I got away with for small tasks and papers. This only worsened after a good performance in term 1 of year 12 with the same habits. Now that I think of it, I seemed to have suffered from a dissonance in my thinking at the time - I both wanted to cover everything but wanted to leave away the material to the last moment just because I could. 

Reflections on Ambition

To the ambitious students, be prepared for reality checks, and manage your expectations. When you pour everything into a pursuit, you have to be prepared for the harsh reality that your efforts might lead to nothing (you are human, you could choke and lose it all). The greater the investment, the greater the risk, and if things don’t work out, you’ll need to be mentally prepared to cope with the full weight of that failure. If you aren’t mentally ready to face that possibility, don’t pursue it. 

Rather than betting “all-in” with your efforts to succeed, I urge you to reframe your mindset: play your hand wisely. Be rational about how you spend your time—whether it’s on applications, extracurriculars, or academics. Communicate openly with your parents and counsellors about your priorities, especially if you’re unsure what to pursue. It is extremely difficult to give 120% to everything all the same time. There are seasons when exams require your focus, and seasons when you can dedicate more energy to other passions. Sometimes these coincide and you have to make a choice on what the priority is. Failing to decide results in unfocused expenditure of energy and spreading yourself thin. Speaking from my own experience, I would recommend having as much information on the opportunity costs before making a decision.

Remember, chasing big dreams is admirable, but it’s important not to let those dreams completely define your vision of success. If your entire sense of self-worth is tied to achieving one specific vision that you have in mind, setbacks feel like personal failures, and major disappointments feel like you have no future. As a close mentor once told me, you may need to redefine your definition of success: success should come from playing the best with the hands you’re dealt - sometimes you are blessed with pocket aces, sometimes you get seven-deuce. And to play the best you need to adapt based on information - being able to adjust your focus when necessary is just as important as ambition.

Reflections on Stress

In the beginning of Year 12 Mr Jones had gathered us in an assembly regarding stress; he described it as a response that arises when something you care about is at stake. While I partly agree with this statement of stress being a bodily reaction to face a challenge, I feel this point that was emphasised falls short in addressing an important reality — how much of stress is actually within our control and due to our inaction.

Jeff Bezos captures this idea well with his statement, “Stress primarily comes from not taking action over something that you can have some control over.” Simply acknowledging that the source of your stress is important doesn’t help in resolving it. Like pressure in physics, stress can be decreased by distributing the "force" that weighs on you. This could mean staying organised, or communicating effectively with your teachers, please do not underestimate the power of telling your teachers personal circumstances and deadlines (if you are really having difficulty coping with stress levels, or having personal challenges and know you won’t perform well, tell them and be honest, it goes a long way). If you allow stress to build up and end up feeling overwhelmed, it’s often a result of inaction on your part. It’s within your capacity to relieve that pressure. Procrastination and crumbling from stress is mostly your fault.

Some may argue with me saying that there are external sources of stress that you have no control over. However, even with external factors, such as familial expectations, seem to be the cause of stress, there’s often an element of control you can exert. You have control on how you communicate with your family rather than passively accepting pressure, communicate boundaries on what is realistic for you. It is up to you on how much attention you give this external pressure, I suggest you focus on a meaning of success I mentioned earlier - it is a good outcome given your limited resources and circumstances.

Recognizing how much control we have in overcoming a stress-induced rut is crucial to pulling ourselves out of it. I wish I knew this sooner.

Reflections on Competition

I’ve sometimes found the idea of gatekeeping resources, like past papers, interesting questions, materials or tutors, to be counterproductive. School is about growing and learning together—it’s not a zero-sum competition between peers, especially since speech day awards are already decided after Christmas break. If you’re still focused on rankings afterwards, it might be worth reassessing what you value. Healthy competition can drive improvement, but when it becomes about ego and a fear of losing a competitive advantage over your peers, it becomes toxic; there’s a bigger picture. 

You aren't against a curve, you are against percentage grade boundaries. Comparison or leveraging asymmetric information to gain an edge is selfish and doesn't help anyone in the long run. Rather than seeing them as competitors, see them as allies where you can work together and collectively succeed. Since your SSAs aren’t curved for y12 and y13, it’s best to collaborate with your peers to maximise everyone’s results for applications. You lose nothing by sharing.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey from year 10 to year 13, I’ve realised it’s been more than just academics. I started out focused on grades, but only now have I come to understand the deeper value of the connections I’ve built with my peers. I’m learning to value the moments we have left as Batch 2025 - the fooling around and losing focus in class over funny anecdotes, the trivial conversations in Coffee Bean, ranting about our frustrations with each other, eating out in UpTown, among other things. I’ll miss you guys man :)

Jeremy Aidan Yu

Heads of Academics

Harris Vs Trump on the Philippines and Southeast Asia

By Martin Laude

The upcoming 2024 United States presidential election is set to be highly consequential not just for the United States but also for the broader Southeast Asian region and the Philippines. With escalating tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, governments across Southeast Asia are increasingly concerned about how American foreign policy may change in the coming years depending on the outcome of the election. The two leading candidates, Kamala Harris (Democrat) and Donald Trump (Republican) offer starkly different approaches to foreign policy, with each candidate bringing drastically different implications to Southeast Asia.

Donald Trump is often described as an isolationist; he promotes an “America First” narrative and has advocated for reducing America's involvement in global conflicts. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance targeted at safeguarding the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. Trump has suggested pulling the U.S. out of NATO, which reflects his isolationist stance, as it would mean reducing America's commitment to its allies and stepping back from its leadership role in global defence. He has also voiced opposition to sending extensive aid and military support to conflict zones, such as Ukraine and Israel. In Southeast Asia, where geopolitical tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea are mounting, Trump's stance could signal a reduced U.S. commitment to regional security. He has already indicated that if reelected, he may force Taiwan to pay for its defence from the U.S., a stance that reflects his "America First" ideology. His rationale relates to  Taiwan's dominance in the semiconductor industry, which he claims they “stole” from the USA.

In contrast, Kamala Harris is expected to largely continue Joe Biden’s approach to foreign policy. This includes reinforcing the strength and importance of NATO and maintaining support for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. Unlike Trump, Harris would likely reaffirm America's alliances and security commitments in Asia, including the Philippines, to counterbalance China's growing influence. One possible change in her policy from Biden’s could be a more pronounced acknowledgment of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as reflected in her recent comments recognising allegations of genocide in Gaza. Like Biden, she would likely continue to view China as an economic and strategic competitor, enforcing existing sanctions and promoting partnerships with Southeast Asian nations to resist Chinese territorial aggression, especially in contested waters like the South China Sea.

Regardless of these differences in foreign policy, the U.S. remains heavily intertwined with global geopolitics no matter which party holds power. Given the sharp contrasts between Trump's isolationist tendencies and Harris' continuation of multilateral engagement, it is only natural for both the citizens and governments of Southeast Asian countries to be concerned about the outcome of the 2024 election. The next president will not only shape America's role in global conflicts but will also directly influence U.S. relationships with its regional allies in a time when geopolitics are fragile.

In the case of a second Trump presidency, Southeast Asia, and particularly the Philippines, may see a reduction in U.S. security commitments. While Trump has not explicitly outlined a detailed foreign policy approach for the region, he may lean towards potential cuts to military aid and cooperation. For the Philippines, this could mean a reduction in joint military exercises, limitations on or even the closure of U.S. bases, and possible amendments to the long-standing Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries, which requires both nations to support each other if another party attacks the Philippines or the United States. The reduction of U.S. influence could prompt Southeast Asian nations to seek alternative security arrangements or engage more diplomatically with China, further shifting the regional balance of power. Economically, Trump’s "trade war" with China, initiated in 2018, disrupted the global supply chain, including in Southeast Asia. For instance, Philippine exports to the U.S. and China, the country's two largest trading partners, were significantly affected, with exports to China dropping by 13% from 2019 to 2020, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A return of theonist policies could further disrupt trade relationships, impacting sectors like electronics, agriculture, and labour exports in the Philippines.

In the case of a Harris presidency, she would likely reinforce the United States' dedication to its allies, especially in Southeast Asia. The Philippines could see advantages from continued military collaboration and potentially higher defence funding aimed at addressing Chinese dominance in the South China Sea due to the Mutual Defence Treaty. In 2022, Harris reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the treaty, emphasising the “ironclad” nature of U.S. defence support for the Philippines in case of external attack, particularly in the South China Sea. Furthermore, Harris might bolster economic ties with the Philippines, emphasising green energy, infrastructure projects, and digital advancements, thereby offering alternatives to China's Belt and Road Initiative, targeted at stimulating infrastructure growth in developing countries. The Philippines backed out of the initiative in November 2023, indicating that the government may be trying to lessen its economic dependence on China. Moreover, regional stability during a Harris administration could facilitate the Philippines in managing its relationships with both the U.S. and China without fully yielding to pressure from China, especially given the heightened regional tensions in recent months. 

In regards to the broader Southeast Asian region, the two candidates could significantly influence its future, particularly concerning economic conditions and national security. A primary concern is the ongoing rivalry between the United States and China, which is anticipated to persist irrespective of the election outcome. During Trump's initial term, his administration enacted tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese imports, disrupting global trade dynamics and contributing to heightened economic uncertainty in Southeast Asia. The World Bank reported that Southeast Asian nations experienced an average annual decline of 0.3% in GDP growth rates due to the trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Should Trump secure a second term, this may lead to the continuation of these tariffs, further destabilising the economic environment for ASEAN countries that are heavily dependent on trade with China, particularly the Philippines, which regards China as its largest trading partner.

Conversely, Harris is anticipated to enhance economic relations with Southeast Asia by maintaining a focus on multilateral trade agreements. In 2022, total trade between Southeast Asia and the U.S. reached $441.6 billion, marking a 30% increase from 2020, a sign of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to economic engagement with the region. Harris is likely to strengthen these connections, potentially rejoining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which could attract international investments to Southeast Asia that especially benefits the Philippines as it seeks to modernise its infrastructure nationwide.

The South China Sea continues to be a significant point of contention in the region, with China asserting claims over more than 90% of the area under its "Nine-Dash Line" regulation (or 10-Dash Line as seen in China’s most recent national maps). According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), China's maritime militia operates approximately 300 vessels in contested waters, frequently clashing with Filipino fishermen and the Philippine Coast Guard. A Trump administration, characterised by a diminished emphasis on global alliances, may encourage China to amplify its military presence in the South China Sea, further exacerbating regional instability. In contrast, Harris' emphasis on multilateral security cooperation, including her support for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, India, and Australia, could deter Chinese aggression and provide Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, with greater security backing.

As the 2024 U.S. election draws near, the Southeast Asian region finds itself at a critical crossroad. For the Philippines, which is situated amid competing global powers, the election of the next U.S. president could significantly impact its geopolitical and economic position. A potential Trump administration may result in diminished military and financial assistance, thereby increasing the nation's susceptibility to China's expanding influence. On the contrary, a Harris administration could bolster U.S. alliances in Southeast Asia, offering the Philippines enhanced military, economic, and diplomatic support amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. 

Given China's growing assertiveness, the Philippines, Taiwan, and its regional counterparts need to maintain robust and secure relations with the United States. Nevertheless, as the election approaches, the region must brace itself for either outcome, ensuring it can adeptly and swiftly navigate the constantly shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy. In this dangerous situation, the stakes for the region, particularly for the Philippines, have reached unprecedented levels. 

 

Savouring Singapore

By Madalina Dragoiu Luca

Singapore Hawker centers are the pinnacle of cultural diversity. As featured in Crazy Rich Asians, these open-air communal food courts bring together an extensive array of culinary delights under one roof. While browsing at the different stalls you’ll see cuisines ranging from Malaysian, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, to Peranakan cuisine which uses Chinese ingredients with cooking techniques from the Malay/Indonesian community. Although this is considered street food, some food stalls have even earned the honor of receiving Michelin stars, proving that good food can be found at any price point. The casual environment of Hawkers aids in an enjoyable dining experience on top of eating world-class food from a large array of different cuisines. Hawkers are not places you want to skip out on during your visit to Singapore as they are a true representation of the local food culture. 

Below are some of my personal recommendations, based on what I have tried, for if you ever visit a Hawker, as well as some other Singapore recommendations!

Singapore Hawker Food Recommendations:

Hainanese Chicken Rice

This is a non negotiable when visiting Singapore. It proves its status as the country’s National Dish and can be found in virtually every Hawker center. Served as either steamed or roasted, the dish usually comes with a pile of rice cooked in Pandan leaves and an array of dipping sauces. These typically include soy sauce, ginger sauce, and a spicy chili sauce, which really make the dish.

Satay

Served as either chicken, beef or pork, these grilled meat skewers are seasoned to perfection. They are often very affordable, typically costing less than 5$ for a serving, and are found in every Hawker center around the country. When paired with a classic peanut sauce they are perfect as an ‘on-the-go’ snack or as an appetizer. This is probably the dish I miss the most from Singapore and am always craving it whenever I go back! 

Laksa

Laksa is a staple in every Hawker center and the ultimate comfort food. This Malaysian spicy noodle soup will either have a coconut broth or curry base - depending on different recipes. It is typically topped with seafood however I have seen versions with chicken or beef also. 

Roti Prata

A type of Singaporean flatbread that originates from India This thin, layered, and flakey bread makes the perfect addition to curries and other sauces, although I also enjoy eating it on its own or just with some cheese!

Breakfast Recommendation:

Toast Box Kaya Toast and Kopi C Coffee

Very affordable traditional Singaporean breakfast. Kaya jam is a creamy custard made up of coconut cream, eggs, sugar and pandan leaves. Kopi, meaning “coffee” in Malay, has coffee and sugar with evaporated milk. There are also other variations of Kopi like Kopi O and Kopi O Kosong depending on how you take your coffee.

Milk Tea Store Recommendation:

LiHO TEA

A Singaporean brand with genuinely the best bubble tea I have ever tried. The menu is extensive so there is something there for everyone! My personal favorites are the classic Brown Sugar Milk Tea, Earl Grey Milk Tea, and Winter Melon Milk Tea all with brown sugar pearls. 

Congratulations to Ginoong Mangatarem 2024 - Christopher John Pascua Edwards.

By Jeremy Yu

In a tale that seems straight out of a sitcom, Christopher John Pascua Edwards, known in BSM as John Edwards, stumbled into the limelight of the Ginoong Mangatarem 2024 competition.

Starting on the 22nd of January, 2024, John Edwards arrived in Mangatarem, a municipality in the Philippines which has a yearly competition called “Ginoong Mangatarem”. It is a celebration of Filipino culture, heritage, and the promising potential of its young men. In this competition, the participants had to display their range of talents, share their aspirations, and describe the essence of being a Filipino man.

The competition had various segments, from showcasing your talent, swimwear parades, best dressed in a barong tagalog, and frame by frame picture analysis of their physique. John also attended multiple rehearsals about “positioning on stage, production dance move rehearsals, and walking and posing”.

The following is an interview between John and Winston Roars.

How did you get into Ginoong Mangaterm?

I got scouted out kind of? Essentially, my younger sister was doing a pageant and the organisers of the event happened to be running the Ginoong Mangatarem pageant due to circumstances I was asked to join to fill up the vacant slots

Can you describe the format of the competition? What were some of the activities that you participated in?

The format of the competition was basically split into two halves, I'd say? there's where all 10 compete into 4 categories, there's talent, swimwear, Barong Tagalog and picture analysis, for activities that we participated in, essentially there were a lot of rehearsals about positioning on stage, production dance move rehearsals, and walking and posing

How did you prepare for the competition? Were there any challenges that you faced during the preparation process?

I prepared by mainly practising the way I walk, then afterwards to prepare for the question and answer sequence and picture analysis. I had help from an instructor to know the places around the province of Mangatarem, how to structure my answer, and how to pose myself during my answer. On top of all that, I practised singing for my talent production which really put me out of my comfort zone since I am not very good at singing

What was your most memorable experience during the competition?

My most memorable part of the competition was winning cliche enough. I genuinely didn't think I would make it past the top 6 participants let alone in the top 3, so it was a really big surprise too. also seeing all my family supporting and cheering me, made me feel really grateful and happy

What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to succeed in the competition?

Aside from the obvious, the two most important things I'd say are primarily confidence and clarity. confidence can be manifested through the whole posing routine, how you walk on the stage, how you answer questions, facial expressions, body language, etc etc. For clarity, it's most important in the picture analysis part and the question and answer part, where you have to be able to quickly understand what you have been asked or what you are looking at, and come up with an answer that either talks about the significance of the photo and what it is, or how to answer the question while also managing to incorporate yourself in to sell yourself to why you want to be the winning candidate.

How did you feel when you were announced as the winner of the competition?

I felt really happy, but at the same time I felt some guilt for the people who worked harder than me, and people who I thought should've won didn't win, but I guess that's the nature of any competition

What was the most challenging part of the competition for you?

The most challenging part of the competition for me was the posing in swimwear. I don't usually go around many people or places with anything less than my shirt and shorts on, but being on a stage, in front of hundred-something people completely shirtless and in swimming trunks really brought me way out of my comfort zone and it was challenging trying to upkeep a look of confidence while doing all of it

What was the most difficult question that you were asked during the competition?

The most difficult question that I was asked during the competition was "If you wanted men to be described in ONE word, what word would it be and why?", this is mainly because there's a plethora of words that could be attributed to men and what I want men to be recognised and described as, however, being able to build upon my reasoning and justification about why i chose that word, and on top of that trying to not stutter and stay concise and coherent throughout, I also had to try and sell myself as to why I should win and how my answer links to me.

What was the most interesting activity that you participated in during the competition?

The most interesting activity I participated in during the competition was 100% the talent portion, i have not seen any of the other candidates perform as it was all rehearsed at their own times, but the creativity and skill in each of the performances were definitely the most interesting and the creative, the variety of talents shown from dances, to song performances, to traditional performances was really exciting