Dr. Kao Kim Hourn called on young leaders to shape ASEAN’s future with adaptability, courage, and regional cooperation during the 2nd AIPA ConNEXT forum in Jakarta
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered the opening remarks at the 2nd AIPA ConNEXT: Connecting Leaders, Building the Next Path of Leadership, held at the ASEAN Secretariat. The forum, themed “Navigating Our Future Together: Empowering the Next Generation of ASEAN Leaders,” focused on strengthening youth leadership and regional cooperation as ASEAN begins implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
The programme was organised alongside the 10th ASEAN Entities Forum and brought together emerging leaders, policymakers, mentors, and representatives from across ASEAN. In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of preparing future leaders capable of responding to rapid technological change, geopolitical developments, climate challenges, and the evolving digital economy.
Dr. Kao expressed appreciation to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly under the leadership of Secretary-General Chem Widhya for organising the initiative and promoting youth engagement within ASEAN’s regional agenda.
Speaking on ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Dr. Kao described 2026 as the beginning of a new chapter for ASEAN, centred on building a more resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred region. He emphasised that ASEAN’s future would depend on leaders who are adaptable, inclusive, and capable of responding to uncertainty while maintaining regional cohesion.
“The future of ASEAN will be shaped by leaders who are adaptive, forward-looking, and grounded in a regional perspective,” he said, encouraging participants to engage openly and courageously in shaping the region’s future.
Dr. Kao also highlighted the significance of dialogue, mentorship, and regional trust-building, noting that ASEAN’s progress over nearly six decades had been sustained through cooperation, engagement, and relationships built across borders. Addressing young participants, he urged them to invest in meaningful connections and leadership grounded in integrity and responsibility.
“This is my message to the young leaders in ASEAN: ASEAN’s next chapter does not begin in 2045. It begins with the choices you make today,” he stated.
The forum featured mentoring sessions and exchanges between experienced leaders and young participants from across ASEAN, aimed at encouraging leadership development and regional understanding. ASEAN officials expressed hope that the initiative would continue strengthening youth participation and fostering the next generation of regional leaders.
Source: The ASEAN Secretariat
