What happens when Southeast Asia’s next generation is given the floor to debate the region’s biggest challenges? At the SEA Youth Summit 2026, youth from across the region took on questions that are already shaping their future.

Organised by KiniEvents and Malaysiakini and co-organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, the inaugural SEA Youth Summit featured interactive debates, policy roundtables and cross-border networking.

The summit was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and the MIDP Youth Institute as Youth Activation Partner, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad as Strategic Energy Partner, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as Knowledge Partner, Microsoft as AI Safety Partner, Sunway University as Venue Partner, while the Embassy of Austria and Embassy of Ireland joined as Embassy Partners, alongside ICDL Asia.


Raising the bar for responsible AI

Malaysiakini co-founder Premesh Chandran


In his opening remarks, Premesh Chandran, co-founder of Malaysiakini, highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping how people work, communicate and access information. He said users, technology companies, governments and the media all have a role in ensuring the technology is used responsibly, especially as AI-generated misinformation becomes increasingly hard to distinguish from authentic content.

He urged the youths to think critically about the information they consume and share, emphasising that their generation will play an increasingly important role in shaping the norms, expectations and boundaries around AI and, ultimately, the kind of digital society Southeast Asia builds around the technology.


Voices that matter

H.E. Rafael Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, delivering his opening address


From the EU Delegation, His Excellency Rafael Daerr placed the summit within the broader relationship between the EU and ASEAN, highlighting the importance of bringing young voices into conversations on the region’s future. He said the summit offers delegates an opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking, engage with new ideas and contribute perspectives that can also inform those taking part, including representatives from the EU Delegation.


Drawing on the longstanding ties between the EU and ASEAN, Daerr highlighted their shared commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and international law, as well as the strength of their economic relationship.

He closed by encouraging delegates to make the most of the opportunity, urging them to have the courage to play a more active role in shaping policies and the future of the region.

Putting AI under the microscope


The first Youth Debate on AI Safety Regulations, supported by Microsoft, saw six young debaters from across Southeast Asia discuss whether governments should take a more paternalistic approach to artificial intelligence or rely on industry self-regulation.

The debate explored the balance between government oversight and industry-led innovation, including concerns over AI safety, deepfakes, scams, digital literacy, regulatory burdens and the need to protect vulnerable communities while ensuring technological progress.

Nabila Hussain, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Microsoft in Malaysia, delivering her speech


Nabila Hussain, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Microsoft in Malaysia, said that as AI and digital technology continue to evolve, policies and regulations must serve as “guardrails” for the digital world. Noting that millions of young people across ASEAN are increasingly connected, she stressed the importance of recognising different levels of digital knowledge and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. She encouraged delegates to practise digital empathy and digital vigilance, consider how technology and content affect different communities and remain active in conversations with governments, technology companies, educators and others.


Breakout sessions: Regional perspectives meet industry insight

In the afternoon, the summit moved into three themed breakout tracks: Environmental Sustainability, Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Education. Here, youth speakers from across ASEAN presented their countries' positions on key sectoral challenges and opportunities.

Each presentation was followed by feedback from topic partners as well as industry and government experts, who brought practical insights and regional perspectives to the discussion. Delegates then had the opportunity to ask questions, sparking a lively exchange of ideas between speakers, experts and their peers. At the end of the sessions, three youth representatives were named best speakers:

  • Environmental Sustainability: Lavine See Yu Tian, Malaysia

  • Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Ung Khemara Bormeychan, Cambodia

  • Education: Salai Billy Graham, Myanmar


    When energy priorities collide


The second Youth Debate on Renewable Energy, supported by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), brought young debaters from across Southeast Asia to discuss whether affordable energy should take priority over sustainable energy amid limited resources.

The debate explored the balance between keeping energy accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income communities and developing countries, and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. Key issues included energy poverty, economic stability, rising energy costs, long-term investment and the risks of delaying the energy transition.

Osman Mohammad Sany, Head Regulatory Economics, Regulatory and Stakeholder Management Division, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, delivering his opening remarks for the second debate on Renewable Energy


In his opening remarks, Osman Mohammad Sany, Head Regulatory Economics, Regulatory and Stakeholder Management Division, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, reminded the young delegates that they have an important stake in energy transition, not only as future energy consumers, but also as the policymakers, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders who will inherit the energy system being shaped today.

Alexandar Melamed, Political and Communications Officer from the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, delivering his closing speech


Alexandar Melamed, Political and Communications Officer from the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, highlighted how the sessions tackled pressing issues such as AI, energy, inclusive entrepreneurship and education, and encouraged the young leaders to keep exchanging ideas. Drawing on the European Union’s experience of bringing together countries with different cultures and histories, he said the summit demonstrated the value of regional cooperation and collective problem-solving.

As the summit came to a close, the conversations extended beyond policy ideas and debate points, leaving behind a stronger sense of connection among youths across the region. Delegates left with fresh perspectives and an understanding of the challenges ahead. More than a day of discussion, the summit offered a glimpse of a generation ready to exchange ideas, question assumptions, and work together toward a future shaped by ASEAN’s shared aspirations.