The next generation’s momentum to steer ASEAN’s digital transformation was showcased at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 Youth Caucus at MITEC. Among 80 delegates from all 10 ASEAN member states, the Philippines secured first place in the Top Five Best Country Positions through public voting, with a proposal that resonated with the audience.

In the voting, the Philippines captured 41.5% of the total votes, while Cambodia received 16.3% and Brunei took 15.2%, with Singapore and Malaysia following at 7.8% and 5.9% to complete the Top Five.

The event, organised by KiniEvents and the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals (MIDP) in partnership with Google, MyDIGITAL Corporation, the National AI Office, and the Khazanah Research Institute, with Malaysiakini and KiniTV as official media partners, reflects the depth of policy engagement and affirms the importance of youth voices in shaping the region’s AI future.

AI for the People: Combating Deepfake Abuse

The Philippines’ proposal, AI Para sa Masa (AI for the People), presented by Raoul Danniel Abellar Manuel and Clint West Autida, highlights one of the most pressing challenges facing online communities today — tackling deepfake abuse. The delegates proposed a dual strategy, mandating technology platforms to act against harmful content while simultaneously equipping the public with AI literacy.

**Philippine delegates presenting their winning AI literacy proposal at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 Youth Caucus.**

The Philippines delegates explained that the literacy programme extends beyond awareness campaigns, envisioning policy measures that compel platforms to address harmful deepfakes, a nationwide AI literacy drive, integrating AI education into school curricula, and training grassroots leaders.

Shaped by the ambition to confront deepfake abuse, the proposal won the audience’s attention by centering on the protection of women and children in the course of underlining that AI development must never come at the expense of safety, dignity, or consent — positioning the Philippines delegates to secure their place at the top among ASEAN representatives.

ASEAN Standouts

Among the Top 5, alongside the Philippines, youth delegates from other ASEAN member states also proposed compelling national proposals on the future of AI:

**Cambodian representatives, Ek Sokunmealea and Chheang Yuki Lisa, emphasised the importance of engaging more youth, noting that their perspectives are vital in shaping ASEAN’s digital future.**

Cambodia secured second place with a proposal centred on digital inclusion, stressing that AI must extend its benefits to rural and marginalised communities through public access

**Brunei’s delegates, Md Danial Muzaffar Bin Khairol Kamshar and Nur Nadia Batrisyia Binti Mohamad Yussri, drew attention to the role of youth in shaping a responsible digital future.**

Brunei, in third place, proposed the “GO Digital EDU” initiative, which integrates AI ethics into university curricula to train educators, foster ethical AI use, advance digital ambitions, and prepare future generations to thrive in ASEAN and Asia-Pacific economies.

**Representing Singapore, Maximilian Ang Jian Zhi and Yeo Le Xuan emphasised the importance of advancing responsible, people-centred use of emerging technologies.**

Singapore, in fourth, highlighted AI implementation in transport to optimise bus routes in real time using commuter demand and traffic data, while ensuring data security and offering a scalable model for ASEAN.

**Yee Cheng Zu and Ummi Umairah Binti Mohammad Bakhit, who represented Malaysia at the Youth Caucus, shared that they were delighted to meet like-minded individuals who share their passion for AI.**

Malaysia, the host nation, secured the fifth position, with a proposal for sector-specific AI regulations in financial services, designed to enhance transparency, safeguard consumers, and strengthen public trust while aligning with both international and ASEAN standards.

Beyond Proposals

As ASEAN moves deeper into the era of digital transformation, the voices of its youth delegates bear important meaning. Progress in artificial intelligence should never outpace responsibility, and innovation must be matched with safeguards that protect communities, foster trust, and respect human dignity.

The outcomes of the gathering represent more than just a speech. They signal the urgency for policymakers, industry, and civil society to work in tandem with the region’s young leaders. By heeding these perspectives, ASEAN can chart a digital future that is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable for future generations.

Discover more insights at youthdebathon.my/youthcaucus and explore the complete set of proposals at youthdebathon.my/youthcaucus/voting/.

If you missed this event, stay tuned for our next one from KiniEvents.

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