' The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth ' programme is based on the respective joint statements issued in January 1974 between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia, The Republic of Philippines, The Republic of Singapore and The United Kingdom and Thailand. Following the full independence and the admission into the Asean in January 1984, Negara Brunei Darussalam joined this programme in 1985.

The main purpose of this programme is to promote and strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of six southeast Asian countries and Japan as well as broaden their international views by providing them with an opportunity to live together on board the ship and visit these countries and engage in such activities as home staying, visiting and exchange good will with local youth.

Each participating countries send 35 (now 45) participants, and they take 60 days to travel by ship and visit the seven countries. While on board they discuss matters of common and educational interest beside engaging themselve in various cultural and sporting activities.