12/07/2025
As the 2025 ASEAN Youth Volunteers Forum comes to an end, here’s a rundown of the highlights of the four keynote sessions featuring noted youth leaders, changemakers, and stakeholders in sustaining youth engagement across ASEAN.
Diving into the program’s first session entitled “Bridging Gaps: Youth Volunteerism for Inclusive Growth,” Moderator Zulhilmy Manan from Malaysia introduced speakers Thitiphorn Prawatsrichai from Thailand, Bunna Vann from Cambodia, and Hnin Thet Hmu Khin from Myanmar.
Digging into each panelist’s “Why,” all panelists discussed what interested them in volunteerism in the first place. Other topics included (but are not limited to) issues within their own constituencies and how they may face these, the impact of youth volunteerism, and a refresher on the concept of volunteerism and its meaning as a whole.
The 2nd session tackles topics about environmental sustainability and climate action. It features Natasya Leoong, - Member of the Biodiversity and Natural History Society in Brunei, Giri Marhara – Founder of the Sanitizer Initiative, and Lily Lim – Co-founder of YOUTHTOPIA.
Natasya highlighted the power of self-awareness—embracing both strengths and weaknesses without judgment. She reminded us that passion, energy, and purpose matter more than recognition, and that finding like-minded people can help us grow with confidence and belonging.
Hara and Lily echoed this spirit—challenging stigma around overlooked workers and choosing positivity despite criticism. They reminded us that while we can’t force change, we can inspire it through sincere action and clear communication.
For the 3rd session, we get to hear Dr. Sackdavong Mangkhaseum, Genoveva Ferreira, and Suraya Sani talk about Unity in Diversity. We explored how young people are fostering peace and inclusion through volunteerism and education. Our speakers highlighted real challenges—from rural-urban inequalities and early marriage to climate vulnerability and financial instability—and how youth are stepping up with practical solutions, from STEM education to community workshops. The panel emphasized that social harmony grows when tradition meets innovation, and when young voices are empowered to work alongside government and communities for lasting change.
Lastly in Session 4, our speakers Quynh Anh “Elsa” La, Wan Hazman Daud, and our kababayan Cecille Marie Villena, highlighted how young leaders are using technology not just for innovation, but for inclusion and impact—especially in underserved communities.
From Hazman’s grassroots work turning traditional crafts into digital enterprises, to Cess’s platforms for gender inclusion through Oky Philippines, and Elsa’s efforts to elevate youth voices through debate, the panel showed how tech can bridge gaps when paired with purpose. The session reminded us that building sustainable digital solutions takes intentionality, storytelling, and a relentless drive to seek out and create opportunities for others.
