The ASEAN Youth Conference (AYC), organized by the ASEAN Youth Organization, stands as Southeast Asia’s premier platform for young leaders to shape the future of the region. The conference, held from 20 to 22 November 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, was themed “Investing in YOUth: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience for Our Shared Future.” This landmark event brought together 80 dynamic youth leaders and changemakers from across ASEAN and beyond, uniting their voices, ideas, and actions to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges.
With the participation of high-level speakers from diverse sectors—including government representatives, private industries, academia, NGOs, youth organizations, and experts aligned with ASEAN’s three pillars—the conference empowered youth to become active architects of change. Delegates crafted innovative policies to drive solidarity, sustainability, prosperity, and stability, showcasing their capability to transform challenges into opportunities.
The culmination of this transformative event, the ASEAN Youth Vision Report 2024, exemplifies the ingenuity and determination of Southeast Asia’s youth. The report features bold, actionable proposals mapped to ASEAN’s three key pillars: ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASC). These visions highlight the collective potential of youth to create meaningful impact.
Combating Misinformation: The APSC Youth Vision
The APSC team focused on tackling the pervasive issue of misinformation, proposing the ASEAN Misinformation Network (AMN)—a regional platform designed to empower ASEAN citizens to identify, report, and counter false narratives. This initiative includes a centralized database of verified cases, a fact-checking system, and cross-border protocols for addressing misinformation effectively. Recognizing the detrimental impact of fake news on trust, unity, and security, the team emphasized the urgency of fostering digital literacy and regional collaboration. AMN represents a bold step toward ensuring that ASEAN’s policies are rooted in accurate data, reinforcing regional harmony and stability.
Empowering Entrepreneurs: The AEC Youth Vision
To drive economic growth and youth empowerment, the AEC team envisioned the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Platform, an incubator aimed at connecting 5,000 youth entrepreneurs by 2035. This platform fosters collaboration through mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and cross-border networking. It also includes tools for skill-building, market expansion, and access to global partnerships. The proposal emphasizes the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—which constitute 99% of ASEAN’s firms—in building a resilient and inclusive economy. By addressing challenges like financing gaps and regional trade barriers, the initiative paves the way for youth-led businesses to thrive on a global scale.
Transforming Education: The ASC Youth Vision
The ASC team reimagined the future of education with a focus on inclusivity and adaptability through the ASEAN Online Education Platform for Industry 4.0 (AOEPI 4.0). Their vision is to expand and localize the platform, making it accessible to diverse linguistic and cultural groups across ASEAN. Proposed enhancements include integrating AI literacy, critical thinking, and ethical technology practices into the curriculum, alongside measures to support marginalized communities, including rural youth and ethnic minorities. This initiative aligns with ASEAN’s commitment to education as outlined in the Chairman’s Statement of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, ensuring that every ASEAN citizen is equipped to navigate the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Youth-Led Innovation for ASEAN’s Future
The ASEAN Youth Vision Report 2024 is a resounding testament to what happens when young minds unite with purpose. By confronting misinformation, fostering entrepreneurship, and transforming education, these proposals reflect the unwavering commitment of youth to lead ASEAN into a resilient, equitable, and thriving future.
We invite you to explore the report and join the movement. Whether it’s championing digital literacy, supporting budding entrepreneurs, or advocating for inclusive education, there’s a role for every youth in shaping the ASEAN of tomorrow. Let’s work together to ensure that youth are not just participants but leaders of change.
About the Authors and Editors
This introduction to the ASEAN Youth Vision Report 2024 was prepared by the ASEAN Youth Organization Research Centre: Sarah Lean (Singapore), Head of International Policy Engagement, and Ly Anjeng Fadlilah Wadhani (Indonesia), Head of Administration. The full report represents the collective efforts and contributions of the 80 youth delegates who participated in the ASEAN Youth Conference 2024. Their bold ideas and innovative visions, developed during the conference, are credited throughout the report, showcasing the dynamism and diversity of Southeast Asia’s young leaders.
Sarah Lean
Sarah Lean (Singapore), Head of International Policy Engagement, AYO Recent
Ly Anjeng Fadlilah Wadhani
Ly Anjeng Fadlilah Wadhani (Indonesia), Head of Administration, AYO Recent