50 young leaders from across ASEAN and Australia will be invited to attend the ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in late November 2024.
Hosted by the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP) the Forum’s theme is InnovASEAN: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders. It will elevate the youth voice to shape our shared digital future.
It’s abundantly clear Australia and ASEAN’s prosperity is intertwined. With trade of A$180 billion this exceeds Australia’s trade with Japan or the United States.
As the leading organisation promoting partnership between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australian youth, AASYP empowers those aged 18-29 years to engage in and impact contemporary regional issues.
Applications for the 2024 Leaders Forum here are only open until 9 September.
AASYP, founded by New Colombo Plan scholars and alumni, builds understanding between the people of Australia and Southeast Asia. It has quickly become a prominent regional voice of influence. Established under the principles of international cooperation, AASYP equips future leaders with the skills, networks and knowledge to respond to the geopolitical challenges of the twenty-first century.
Australia, deeply invested in ASEAN educational linkages is a destination of choice for many ASEAN students who begin and uplift their education with or in Australia. This has built and delivered a trusted network of personal, business and family ties. With this cohort of relationships benefiting us all, it’s been a busy 18 months across the region;
- The 2023 published Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 led by Nicholas Moore AO, Special Envoy for Southeast Asia recommended “National Cabinet should consider developing a whole-of-nation plan to strengthen Southeast Asia literacy in Australian business, government, the education and training system, and the community” (pg. 27.).
- In March 2024, Melbourne hosted the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, marking 50 years of Australian diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); as the Association’s first dialogue partner.
- Launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partners: ASEAN and Australia after the first 50 years report by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Tim Watts MP made recommendations on themes and infrastructure to support ASEAN-Australia engagement.
- The ASEAN Australia Business Forum held in Sydney, themed New Directions, New Opportunities, this event laid out key strategies to bring the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040 to life. It’s no surprise youth engagement is a key pillar to achieve this.
The reputation of Australia’s international education sector is a critical part of our national identity. As a regional commitment we can support and deepen relationships by enabling Australian students and students of regional education partners to attend this forum and explore ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP) membership. Enabling students to come together is a building block for current and future education delivery. It uplifts the capability of an already vibrant ecosystem that cuts across industry engagement, research clusters, peak bodies and think tanks and alumni relations. An exciting crop of students, graduates and young professionals attending the Forum will redefine the way those in the region do business together.
Hayley Winchcombe, inaugural New Colombo Plan ASEAN Fellow says “People to people events are where connections are made, ideas are formed and business gets done.” Hayley is a key community builder and shaper; as co-founder and past Chair of AASYP and now Board member of the Australia- ASEAN Council she leads and represents a cohort of exciting young professionals, all fine ambassadors of the Australian higher education sector.
So, do you know young people within the region passionate about shaping a shared digital future? This is an opportunity to celebrate and elevate their work…
With population growth across ASEAN and Australia and a diverse range of conversations guiding our digital future, the impacts on a community nudging 700 million with broad political and cultural diversity is profound. The Leaders program is a platform for young people to drive, design and impact that future.
AASYP’s primary goal is to provide a forum for Young Australian and ASEAN adults to engage and develop relations within the region. Building young people’s expertise and engagement with ASEAN-Australia affairs, they promote peace and prosperity. AASYP inspire engagement and create connections that give young people a voice in complex regional issues that require resolution together.
The 2019 inaugural ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum connected emerging leaders in the region to develop leadership skills and build professional networks. This fourth iteration is supported by DFAT through the Australia-ASEAN Council and Study Melbourne as a major partner. In 2024 artists, scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, researchers, business people and future policymakers, will form the cohort of the ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum.
AASYP seek dynamic and motivated young leaders to represent their country. Applicants should bring:
- Innovative perspectives on technology and its applications in our region;
- Drive to strengthen ASEAN-Australia relations;
- Motivation to deepen knowledge of the cultures, challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN and Australia; and
- Demonstrated leadership in their community.
The program connects and cultivates the next generation of ASEAN and Australian leaders, focusing on:
- Technology in Institutions (e.g., Diplomacy, Technological partnerships, Fintech etc.)
- Emerging Technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Space Technology, Biotechnologies, Cybersecurity, etc.)
- Technology for Good (e.g., Diversity and Intersectionality, Cultural Preservation, Tech Solutions for Climate Risks, etc.)
Deepening the leadership acumen of influential youth it builds direct people-to-people connections between young leaders and will engage the voice of youth in designing and leading the regions future.
To be inspired, check out the 2023 program here.
For further information, read through the FAQ here.
Applications here close 9 September 2024.
