Kuala Lumpur, 26 November 2025 – Now in its seventh edition, AYF 2025 convened 42 emerging leaders from across Southeast Asia for a programme held from 7 to 14 November 2025 in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Co-organised by the National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore and the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), the Fellowship was centred around this year’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, which aligns with ASEAN’s shared priorities and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship focus.
With over 213 million young people, ASEAN’s youth are not only a powerful demographic but a vital force for regional peace and progress. Their growing role in advancing inclusion, sustainability, and regional cooperation was affirmed in the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation’s recent Regional Study on Youth, Peace and Security.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Singapore
In Singapore, Fellows engaged in a dialogue with Mr Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, where they explored strategies for shaping a resilient and forward-looking ASEAN, focusing on regional cooperation, innovation, and youth leadership. They also discussed strengthening regional cooperation through innovation, digital trust-building, and youth-led collaboration.
Exploring ASEAN’s Digital Future in Malaysia
In Kuala Lumpur, Fellows engaged in a dialogue session with Malaysia’s Minister of Communications, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, discussing ASEAN’s digital future, online governance, and how youth can tackle the challenges of misinformation, digital gaps, and cross-cultural trust-building.
The Fellowship also spotlighted Malaysia’s sustainable community development efforts. Fellows visited URBANICE Malaysia, a centre of excellence under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, to learn about Malaysia’s approach to sustainable urban planning and inclusive city design.
Malaysian Youth Leaders Among the 2025 Fellows
- Chow Shenn Kuan, Strategy and Advocacy Manager of Education, Yayasan Hasanah
- Dr. Loshseni Gunasegaran, Medical Doctor at Pejabat Kesihatan Jelebu, youth activist and advocate for women’s leadership
- Koh Su Yen, Founder, Emotion Pod
- Ryan Kang Jee Hong, Co-founder, UnBound Malaysia
- Mohamed Shafiq bin Sahruddin, Special Officer to the Group CEO, Boustead Holdings Berhad
Reflecting on her experience, Ms Chow said:
“It was especially meaningful for us to experience AYF in Kuala Lumpur during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. The discussions reminded me that collaboration across borders starts with understanding one another’s perspectives. AYF provides a platform for young leaders to learn from each other, forge genuine friendships, and act together for the region’s future.”
Ms Corinna Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), said:
“Youth make up one-third of ASEAN’s population – a demographic dividend that holds immense potential to shape the region’s future. Their collective energy and purpose give us confidence in the future of ASEAN, and we remain committed to nurturing this growing network of changemakers who are building a more inclusive, sustainable and united region.”
Mr David Chua, Chief Executive of National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore, said: “Singapore is taking tangible action through platforms like AYF to support youth leaders across ASEAN to come together to strengthen mutual understanding and relationships in a world bifurcated by divisions and trust deficits, as they will be the ones to shape ASEAN and address its most pressing challenges.”
