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Youth rising: Where ASEAN’s next-gen changemakers take the mic
Published:  Nov 21, 2025 12:00 PM
Updated: Nov 28, 2025 10:15 AM

Across ASEAN, young people are driving conversations that matter – from community-building to climate resilience to the digital shifts unfolding around them. This December, many of these voices will converge at Monash University Malaysia for the ASEAN Youth Summit 2025.

Organised by KiniEvents and the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals (MIDP), in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), the summit creates space for young people to engage meaningfully with issues shaping their communities and shared future.

This year’s theme, “Next-Gen Disruptors: Driving Inclusivity & Sustainability in the Digital Age,” reflects both the urgency of the moment and the optimism that comes with a generation eager to do things differently.

The conversations will be grounded by this year’s Topic Partners:

  • CelcomDigi, which also serves as the Exclusive Telco Partner

  • Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)

  • Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)

The summit also welcomes Monash University Malaysia as its Academic Partner, hosting and supporting the day’s programme.

Each partner brings a distinct lens and expertise to the day’s discussions.

A space for ideas that matter

The summit brings together youth leaders, social innovators, startup founders, creators, policy enthusiasts, and students. While their backgrounds differ, they share a common goal: making ASEAN fairer, greener, and more future-ready.

The programme moves participants from inspiration to reflection to action – giving them room to question, challenge, and reimagine without the usual limits of hierarchy.

What the day looks like

Founders Forum (10.30am-12.30pm)

The day begins with young founders building solutions in sustainability, community building, technology and social impact. These sessions tend to be grounded and practical, focusing on what it really takes to build something from the ground up.

Interactive Roundtable (2pm-4pm)

This session is the heart of the summit: a hands-on exchange where participants sit with experts, leaders, and topic partners to explore key themes through open discussion and collaborative thinking. The roundtable covers four urgent domains:

  • Sustainable energy

  • Timber sustainability

  • Tech and innovation

  • Security and healthcare

It’s meant to be a dynamic, straightforward space where ideas take shape quickly and participants walk away with perspectives worth exploring further.

Youth Parliamentary Debathon (4.30pm-6.30pm)

Here comes the summit’s highlight, the signature parliamentary-style debate, where young participants bring sharp ideas and quick thinking to the floor. It’s an open space for them to challenge each other and articulate hot-button issues.

 Award Ceremony (7pm-9.30pm)

The day wraps up with an Award Ceremony recognising outstanding participants. It features speeches, award presentations, and a final networking session.

Calling all young disruptors

If you’re between 18 and 35 and want to be part of a regional conversation about the future, this is your moment.

Applications for youth speaker and delegate are open until Nov 24, 2025.

Secure your spot: Register now

Join the region’s rising voices and help shape the conversations that will define ASEAN’s next chapter.


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