by SHAUQI WAHAB
YOUNG leaders from across South-East Asia have come together for the Fourth ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2025 to participate in policy forums, workshops and collaborative sessions, culminating in the drafting of the ASEAN youth statement.
This document, touching upon key regional issues including climate action, digital inclusion, education and mental health, will be presented to ASEAN leaders later this year.
It is expected to influence the region’s youth development policies and strategies moving forward.
Youth and Sports (KBS) Minister Hannah Yeoh officiated the dialogue today. She said the gathering stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to empowering young people as architects of a sustainable, inclusive and resilient ASEAN.
Acknowledging the rapidly shifting global landscape, she reminded the delegates that today’s youth are no longer just leaders of tomorrow, but changemakers of today.
She urged them to speak boldly and act decisively in shaping the future they want to inherit.
Among the challenges mentioned were the widening digital divide, quality education, the mental health crisis and misinformation online — issues that disproportionately impact young people and vulnerable communities.
“We must also address the growing risks of misinformation, cyber bullying and the impacts of climate change,” Yeoh said.
She also mentioned Malaysia’s recent efforts under KBS, including the Malaysian-ASEAN Youth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit and the upcoming ASEAN Youth Robot Challenge.
In July, Malaysia will host the latter to enhance youth capabilities in robotics, engineering and innovation.
KBS has also rolled out new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for concerts aimed at curbing drug use among youths and has begun hiring acclaimed ASEAN coaches to uplift national sports performance.
Looking ahead, Yeoh stressed the importance of partnerships among governments, civil society and the private sector to sustain momentum in youth development.
Their efforts must be supported by strong collaborations to successfully advance the ASEAN youth development agenda.
“Let your ideas and your passion light the way for a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable ASEAN,” Yeoh said to the youth leaders.
The session will discuss the upcoming dialog sessions with various United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), starting tomorrow.
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