A PROJECT touted to be the first to engage school children across Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) countries was launched by the Media Development Authority on Tuesday.

This project targets to get 500 school children across the 10 Asean countries to make videos in which they will present their own countries' culture and lifestyle.

One hundred and twenty primary and secondary school kids from Singapore will lead the way and be 'broadcast journalists' promoting anything from Singapore food to vanishing trades here.

The young ones have been given 10 topics to choose from: Folklore, rites and rituals, Singapore history, Singapore food, Singapore housing and lifestyle, Singapore transport system, Sports in Singapore, Singapore art, tourist attractions and vanishing trades.

Students from other countries will follow suit in the coming months, with themes tailored to their home countries.

This project is to promote cross-cultural understanding across the countries, from children's perspectives.

They will make the 5-minute video using easy-to-use software from local company EyePower Games, and a webcam-enabled computer.

The students have been taught how to use the software, which they can use to write the script, record their presentation, and even add special effects.

All videos will be showcased on the Asean Media Net website, which hosts all Asean-related content.