Asean volunteer programme signifies youths as agents of bloc's transformation
KUCHING (July 14): Asean's future rests firmly in the hands of its youths, who are the pulse of this region and the living embodiment of its future.
This was highlighted by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sa-rawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at a ceremony to welcome the delegates of 'Asean Youth Volunteer 2025' programme, in the English Tea House near Dataran Ibu Pertiwi here yesterday.
'With the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045, the baton has been passed to the young generation to lead, to inspire, and to act,' said the minister at the event, which also hosted federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
It is informed that the youth delegates represent 10 Asean countries (Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) and also Timor Leste.
They are here for the programme's 'Community Service and Cultural Exchange' segment.
Abdul Karim – also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts – described the programme as 'more than just a cross-border youth initiative'.
'It is a catalyst, a signal that Asean's transformation will be forged not behind closed doors, but through the hands, hearts, and hopes of its youths.
'Here in Sarawak, you will do more than just observe because you will participate, con-nect, and get to experience the culture while also taking part in the various planned ac-tivities.'
During their time here, the delegates will embark on a unique journey, beginning with a visit to the Borneo Cultures Museum to explore the state's diverse heritage.
They will also experience Sarawak's iconic landmarks such as the Darul Hana Bridge and Kuching Waterfront.
The programme continues in the coastal village of Kampung Pueh, located near Gunung Gading National Park. There, the delegates will engage in community-led corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, environmental conservation efforts including 'plogging' (jogging while picking up rubbish along the way) and tree-planting, as well as cultural ac-tivities such as weaving, traditional dance, and culinary exchanges.
Also scheduled to join the delegates in the Kampung Pueh mission are 14 Sarawakian youths.
Adding on, Abdul Karim said with over 220 million youth across the region, Asean held a vast potential for positive change.
'Imagine this young people from every corner of Asean, united not by proximity, but by shared purpose and service.
'Your presence here goes beyond simply fulfilling the theme, 'Asean Youth: Catalysts for Inclusive and Sustainable Communities'.
'It is a powerful testament that volunteerism is Asean's greatest strength, and solidarity is our most effective tool.'
The Asean Youth Volunteer 2025 is a flagship youth engagement held in conjunction with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship 2025.
The two-part event, set to empower young changemakers through dialogue and action, will involve youths from across Asean coming together in Kuala Lumpur for a regional fo-rum, followed by community service deployments in Sabah and Sarawak. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah asean transformation youths
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