Asaeli Tuikanawa will be going on his first overseas trip. But not just any trip. He will be part of the 29th Ship of the World Youth Leaders programme next year.

The 23-year-old is with a 12-member Fijian delegation who have been selected for the 33-day tour with youth leaders from 10 other countries.

The Galoa, Serua man said: “I was just lost for words as this is my first trip overseas and more importantly representing Fiji on the international stage,” said a proud Mr Tuikanawa.

Mr Tuivakanawa is the only one in the contingent from the rural area. He is pursuing vocational studies in agriculture.

Sarah Vamarasi is no stranger to publicity and advocacy.

But for the first runner-up in the 2015 Vodafone Hibiscus Queen, Ms Vamarasi said being able to represent Fiji on the international stage was something different.

“It’s just an awesome feeling to be able to do my country proud with the rest of the 11 participants,” said Ms Vamarasi.

The outspoken 26-year-old has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.

The delegation will join 240 youths from 10 countries from January 17 to 28 in Japan for orientation and pre-departure training. They will then board at Port of Yokohama.

The Ship for World Youth will then leave for Vanuatu then to Auckland, New Zealand.

It arrives here on February 17 before it leaves again on February 20.

As part of the Fijian delegation’s preparation, a session on team bonding is planned for later this month.