The ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 Youth Caucus will bring together over 80 emerging youth leaders from across Southeast Asia this 13 August at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. Hosted by KiniEvents and the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals (MIDP) in partnership with Google, MyDIGITAL, the National AI Office, and Khazanah Research Institute, the regional roundtable is held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Malaysiakini and KiniTV are the official media partners for the event.
More than just a conversation, the Youth Caucus is about sparking cross-border collaboration and shaping real, actionable ideas around AI. It also reflects Malaysia’s push for digital inclusion and responsible innovation, aligned with national and regional efforts like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MDEB) and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.
Held under the theme “Navigating AI Frontiers: The Quest for Innovation & Ethical Technology,” the Youth Caucus will provide a platform for youth delegates from all 10 ASEAN member states to engage in strategic dialogue around AI’s real-world implications. The objective is to encourage youth participation in shaping policy directions that prioritise both innovation and ethical governance.
Structured as an interactive roundtable, the session will feature 20 youth speakers and 40–60 youth delegates aged between 18 to 40 years old, selected through an open application process. Participation is fully sponsored, with travel scholarships available to ensure diverse representation from urban and rural communities across the region.
As ASEAN accelerates its digital transformation agenda, AI is projected to contribute up to USD 2 trillion to regional GDP by 2030. However, significant challenges remain, including unequal internet access, data privacy concerns, and limited participation from underrepresented communities in shaping AI policy.
Through focused group discussions and policy ideation, the Youth Caucus will address core themes such as:
Bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.
Developing ethical and inclusive AI governance frameworks.
Promoting equitable access to AI benefits across ASEAN.
Strengthening youth participation in tech policymaking.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in ASEAN’s digital agenda by placing youth at the centre of policy-shaping efforts. By providing a platform for structured dialogue, cross-sector engagement, and regional networking, the Youth Caucus seeks to build a pipeline of informed, responsible, and collaborative young leaders in AI governance.
Applications for participation are now open. Youth from all ASEAN member states with a background or interest in technology, policy, innovation, or social impact are encouraged to apply.
Application link: https://mk.my/caucus
