JAKARTA – On 12-13 April 2023, the Indonesia Economic Forum had the amazing privilege of being able to work together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia for the ASEAN Youth Dialogue on Digital Development for Sustainable Development Goals. In collaboration with INOTEK Foundation, the IEF was responsible for the panel discussions, workshops, and company visits for the delegates.
Delegates from 11 ASEAN countries were able to meet with our wonderful speakers and be a part of exciting workshops with topics surrounding the digital changes we see in everyday life.
The dialogue has successfully brought together cross-cultural youths to share insights and experiences to promote collaboration and understanding as one ASEAN family.
Each delegate participated in two out of four-panel discussions and workshops with topics surrounding the main topic of “Digital Development for Sustainable Development Goals.” Sessions were divided into:
1. Digital Transformation for ASEAN People
2. Digital Platforms for Green Economy
3. Digital Ecosystem for Youth Entrepreneurship
4. Digital Technology for Climate Action
The set of panel discussions and workshops was attended by expert speakers, trainers, and moderators who shared their experiences and insights on digital transformation, youth entrepreneurship, climate protection, and green economy. Participants actively took part in interactive sessions that encouraged them to think creatively and collaboratively and apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges.
On 13 April, delegates of the event were split into two groups for a company visit at Traveloka Campus and Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric is a sustainable energy management and industrial automation company. Meanwhile, Traveloka is Southeast Asia’s leading travel and lifestyle app. Traveloka provides access to discover and purchase different types of travel needs, local services, and financial services products.
Delegates were given the chance to tour each respective office and workshop and were introduced to each company in depth.
Shermmaine Xinhui Kaur, an entrepreneur from Malaysia, highlights her experience in obtaining further knowledge on sustainability and youth empowerment through panel discussions and workshops. Skills and knowledge that are useful for her in the long run.
“I think the best part is really meeting the people here. Everyone’s from really diverse backgrounds and skill sets, and I think it’s a very valuable and palpable relationship to have in this whole program,” she said.
After returning to her home country, Shermmaine plans to implement the digital development program by the AWS re/Start with schools and students. She would also like to work with the government to develop policies that support local companies to adopt technology and facilitate sustainability.
Meanwhile, João Amaral de Fátima Pereira from Timor Leste, expresses how grateful he is to be able to join the dialogue and gather with youths from across Southeast Asia. He plans to bring back what he has learned from AWS re/Start in the workshop to national university students in his country and join more events that can help him network.
This program is also supported by prominent local and global companies which are Orbit Future Academy, AWS re/Start, Schneider Electric, PT Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk, Traveloka, Indonesia Youth Diplomacy, Synthesis Communications Indonesia, Inotek Foundation, and PT Chairos International Ventures. Our partners see the value in investing in the education and development of young people in the ASEAN region.
The ASEAN Youth Dialogue marks the start of the many events that are hosted by Indonesia during its chairmanship in ASEAN. Four delegates from the ASEAN Youth Dialogue will participate in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May 2023 before regrouping later in September 2023.