YOUTH LEADERS URGED TO DRIVE REGIONAL COOPERATION AND INNOVATION
SINGAPORE, 10 April 2026 — Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Mr. Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig served as Guest-of-Honour at the Closing Ceremony of the Youth Model ASEAN Conference (YMAC) 2026, held at the Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre.
The Youth Model ASEAN Conference 2026 is a student-led regional conference organised by Singapore Polytechnic that brings together youth delegates from across ASEAN to simulate high-level discussions, negotiations, and joint statement formulation on regional issues.
The conference spans several days and is designed to place youth at the heart of these conversations—not only as participants, but as active contributors shaping dialogue and outcomes. In this regard, YMAC serves as more than just the setting for the engagements featured, but as a key platform for youth diplomacy and regional collaboration.
In his address, H.E. Mr. Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig emphasised the importance of “Strengthening ASEAN” in an increasingly complex global landscape. He highlighted the continued relevance of ASEAN centrality in maintaining regional stability, fostering dialogue, and enhancing cooperation among member states. He noted that a cohesive, responsive, and forward-looking ASEAN is essential to address shared challenges such as geopolitical uncertainties, economic transformation, and climate change.
The Ambassador also underscored the critical role of ASEAN’s youth as drivers of innovation, inclusive growth, and deeper regional integration. He encouraged young leaders to remain actively engaged in shaping the region’s future.
Following his remarks, H.E. Mr. Medardo Antonio G. Macaraig participated in a dialogue session, where he shared insights from over four decades in public service and diplomacy. He spoke on leadership, consensus-building, and the importance of perseverance in advancing both national and regional interests, while reiterating the value of youth participation in regional discourse.
He was joined in the session by Cindy Chng, Associate Director and Head of Strategic Partnerships at MSD Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, and Jason Lee, Director of the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of Singapore Medicine and Chair of the WHO-WMO Global Heat Health Information Network Southeast Asia Hub, who contributed perspectives on cross-sector collaboration and regional resilience.
YMAC 2026 gathered approximately 160 youth delegates from Singapore and across ASEAN, alongside student organisers and invited guests, for a five-day conference simulating an ASEAN Summit. Now in its 14th year, the initiative continues to serve as a key platform for youth engagement, supported by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and the National Youth Council.
The conference is designed to place youth at the centre of regional conversations—not only as participants, but as active contributors shaping dialogue and outcomes—positioning YMAC as a meaningful platform for youth diplomacy and regional collaboration.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
