The ASEAN Youth Conference (AYC) 2025, held from 6–8 November at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, brought together more than 100 young leaders from across Southeast Asia. Themed “Youth Role in Building an Inclusive & Sustainable ASEAN Region,” the event focused on fostering youth-driven solutions for regional development and sustainability.
Co-organised by the ASEAN Youth Organisation (AYO) and Taylor’s Centre for Family Business, the conference featured a dynamic mix of panel sessions, workshops, and capacity-building engagements. Speakers from various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society, participated, reflecting a commitment to intersectoral collaboration.
Prof. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, highlighted the importance of integrating global and local perspectives in her keynote address. “Real transformation is not about replacing what is local with what is global, but about weaving both into a new sense of belonging,” she stated.
The conference also included intensive workshops where delegates developed policy papers aligned with ASEAN priorities. These proposals will be submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat for consideration in the ASEAN Youth Work Plan 2026-2030.
AYO Chairperson Sarah Rauzana emphasised the significance of youth participation, noting the inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s eleventh member. “Moments like these matter. We want young people to know that their voices are not only heard—they are needed,” she said.
The AYC 2025 continues to be a vital platform for fostering intercultural and multidisciplinary exchange, contributing to a resilient and sustainable ASEAN community.
