James Kon
There are a number of challenges to digital transformation in the region, so digital literacy is vital to look for solutions to overcome challenges, especially inclusive digitalisation as well as education.
This was said by Siti Rafihanah binti Nor Hasnul, one of the five-person delegation which left yesterday to represent the Sultanate at the ASEAN Youth Dialogue (AYD) 2023 on Digital Development for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) until April 14 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Other members of the delegation are Muhammad Zainul Akhyaar bin Amer Hairunuddin, Agus Muslim, Siti Rafihanah and Nurul Naqibah binti Arefin with Youth and Sports Department officer Syed Abdul Muiz bin Haji Syed Anayatullah Shah leading the group.
Siti Rafihanah, who is pursuing a PhD in Accounting at Universiti Teknologi Brunei, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic pushed us toward digitalisation and we need to continue the momentum.”
She added, “We will be focussing on SDGs for digital transformation. We are expected to have some input for the joint statement which is divided into four topics, namely digital transformation, green economy through digital platform, youth entrepreneurship and digital literacy.
“We will exchange views with our counterparts to come up with policy recommendations from the youth’s perspective. These recommendations will be forwarded to ASEAN leaders during the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.”
Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports Dayangku Farah Amirah binti Pengiran Redzuan was present at the Brunei International Airport to see the delegation off.
The AYD 2023 is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia through the General Directorate of Youth (GDY). It is a platform for youth representatives from the region to exchange ideas on how to empower the region as a centre of digital development for SDGs. They will also discuss their role in promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth in the region.
The main objective of the AYD is to provide a platform for youth to propose policies for ASEAN leaders on developing the region’s ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship to reduce youth unemployment, develop youth potential in accelerating digital transformation and realising inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
The regional dialogue also hopes to expand youth capacity in supporting digital transformation and create community-based programmes through quality education and training workshop programmes, decent work, innovation and industrial infrastructure, climate action, and partnerships to achieve the goals.
During the AYD, youth representatives will participate in activities including panel discussions, project workshops, a visit to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Schneider Electric in Indonesia and attend a farewell dinner and cultural performance.
