In the heart of Bangkok, a city pulsating with both tradition and modernity, a landmark event unfolded that could redefine the future of the ASEAN region.
The Empowering Youth Impact Forum 2024 was not just a gathering; it was a dynamic confluence of visionaries, from emerging youth leaders to seasoned policymakers and industry trailblazers, all united by a shared commitment to forging a brighter tomorrow.
For Abdul Hadi bin Haji Abdullah, an alumnus of Cohort 1 who spearheaded his team to this transformative forum, the experience surpassed the typical event. It marked the zenith of years of unwavering dedication, continuous learning and steadfast leadership.
For him, the forum was a critical moment – an opportunity to advance his team’s mission and forge meaningful connections with fellow advocates from across Southeast Asia.
FORGING FUTURES
The Empowering Youth Impact Forum has swiftly established itself as a pivotal event for emerging leaders across ASEAN.
By uniting a diverse array of participants, the forum fosters an environment brimming with opportunities for exchanging innovative solutions to the region’s pressing challenges, from the impacts of climate change and the swift advance of digital transformation to the pursuit of sustainable development.
These are arenas where youthful engagement is not merely advantageous but crucial.
Abdul Hadi, who led his team to Bangkok, recognised the forum’s immense potential to elevate their efforts. “This forum is a stage where young leaders like us can not only present our initiatives but also gain insights from others, forge valuable connections, and discover new approaches to addressing the issues confronting our communities,” he said.
VOICES OF VISION
A key highlight of the forum was the showcase of various youth-led initiatives from across ASEAN.
The projects, which ranged from environmental sustainability programmes to digital literacy campaigns, demonstrated the innovative approaches that young leaders are taking to address regional and global issues.
For instance, the EduSpark project from Battambang, Cambodia, stood out for its focus on enhancing educational infrastructure and promoting digital skills among rural youth. The initiative, like many others presented at the forum, illustrated the potential of youth-driven solutions to effect real, meaningful change.
Abdul Hadi’s team also presented their initiative, which focuses on education development on the rural area of Battambang, Cambodia.
The positive reception from peers and mentors alike was a testament to the hard work and creativity that had gone into the project.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see our project recognised and appreciated. It motivates us to continue pushing forward and exploring new ways to make a difference,” Abdul Hadi shared.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS AND PANELS
The forum also featured a series of interactive workshops and panel discussions that provided attendees with practical tools and strategies for implementing their projects.
Topics covered included effective project management, leveraging technology for social impact, and building partnerships for sustainable development.
These sessions were designed not only to impart knowledge but also to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants.
The workshops, in particular, were praised for their hands-on approach, which allowed young leaders to gain valuable insights into how they could refine and scale their initiatives.
Abdul Hadi noted that these sessions were particularly beneficial for his team.
“The workshops gave us new perspectives on how to approach our work. We came away with practical strategies that we can apply directly to our project, which is invaluable.”
YOUTH NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION
Beyond the formal sessions, the forum was also a hub for networking and collaboration. Participants had numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, mentors and potential collaborators.
The networking aspect was a crucial part of the forum’s success, as it fostered a collaborative environment where young leaders could share experiences, explore partnerships, and develop strategies for scaling their initiatives.
The connections made during the forum are expected to lead to continued collaboration long after the event’s conclusion, ensuring that the ideas and energy generated here will continue to make an impact.
For Abdul Hadi, the networking opportunities were among the most valuable aspects of the forum.
“Meeting other young leaders who are equally passionate about making a difference was incredibly inspiring.
“We’ve already started discussing potential collaborations that could take our work to the next level,” he said.
IMPACT AND OUTCOMES
The forum has made a significant impact, reinforcing the role of youth as key drivers of change in the ASEAN region. The forum succeeded in:
Fostering collaboration: By strengthening connections between youth leaders, policymakers and industry experts, the forum created a supportive network that will facilitate ongoing collaboration.
Promoting innovative solutions: The forum highlighted the innovative solutions being developed by young people to address regional challenges, showcasing their potential to effect meaningful change.
Empowering participants: Attendees left the forum equipped with new skills, knowledge and inspiration to advance their projects and initiatives.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the Empowering Youth Impact Forum 2024 drew to a close, the momentum generated by this year’s event is expected to drive continued efforts towards youth-led development in ASEAN.
Both the ASEAN Foundation and the Maybank Foundation have pledged to work closely with participants to support the implementation and scaling of their initiatives.
The goal is to ensure that the ideas and energy from the forum translate into tangible impact across the region. For Abdul Hadi and his team, the forum marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
“We left Bangkok with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The support and connections we’ve gained there will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals,” Abdul Hadi said. – Rizal Faisal
