How the 5th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5) impacted and brought about a big change in me

Written by Ms Elaine YEAP (Malaysia)

The 5th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5) took place from August to December 2023. It focuses on the theme of ‘Leadership & Society 5.0’ and incorporates 3 spheres for youth leadership: 1) self-leadership (you), 2) team leadership (we) and 3) societal leadership (all). The 5th edition was a hybrid project with collaborative elements taking place online and in Salamanca, Spain. Here the author writes about the life lessons she has learnt while on this leadership journey.

Imagine this: Salamanca, Spain, the vibrant backdrop to the 5th ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5). Imagine a diverse group of 100 participants hailing from all corners of the world, converging in one place, all with a common goal — to explore the intricacies of “Society 5.0.” This event wasn’t just another conference; it was a catalyst for change, a platform where young minds would discuss, debate, and dream up actionable solutions to reshape the future.

One of the most notable aspects of the summit was the presence of diverse and prominent speakers who shared their insights and experiences, inspiring the participants — but the magic didn’t stop there; it was a unique opportunity to interact with fellow participants from diverse global backgrounds.

The diversity of the participants themselves was a living testament to the global reach of the summit. We had individuals from 51 different countries present, each with their own unique life story. Picture this: an Australian residing in Cambodia, a German living in Japan, and a Thai national calling the United Kingdom home. This melting pot of cultures and backgrounds enriched our conversations and broadened our horizons.

Out of this international gathering, I came away with three fundamental life lessons that have left an indelible mark on my journey.

1. Set high aspirations, think faster, and act smarter

The summit instilled in me the virtue of being ambitious. We were encouraged to dream big, to think audaciously, and to act boldly. Our discussions at the summit revolved around leadership challenges in Society 5.0, including how to regulate technology while considering the societal implications for future generations. The intricate task of regulating technology poses social dilemmas, yet it underlines the vital concepts of ambition, quick thinking, strategic action, and long-term vision in the rapidly evolving realm of technology and AI. In essence, the summit emphasised on the idea of pushing boundaries, relentlessly pursuing ambitious goals, and never settling for mediocrity.

Keynote Opening Session on Leadership — Leadership Dilemmas in Society 5.0 — Ms Iris KIMIZOGLU, Vice-President of the European Student Union (ESU); Ms Liana TANG, Second Director (Digital Strategy & Futures), Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore; Prof Kiron RAVINDRAN, Professor of Information Systems, IE Business School; and Ms Reka TOZSA, Director of Education Department, Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

2. Foster a sense of understanding

A cornerstone of the summit was the emphasis on nurturing a sense of understanding. As we debated the disparities between countries and the varied challenges people face globally, we uncovered a complex landscape. While some nations struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements due to the pressing prioritisation of other societal problems, striking a balance between societal development and technological progress emerged as a profound challenge.

This is where inclusivity and diversity played a pivotal role in shaping our collective vision for the future. We realised that fostering a sense of understanding is essential, especially in the face of formidable global challenges like climate change. By embracing diversity, engaging in meaningful cross-cultural dialogues, and cultivating empathy, we can work towards building a more harmonious society that values and celebrates differences.

Leadership Session 4 — Challenges for Citizens: Environment, Sustainability and Technology — Dr José Abel Flores VILLAREJO, Director of the Hispanic Japanese Cultural Center USAL, Professor at the Institute for Science and Technology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences, USAL; Ms Carolin JONCZYK, Deputy Project Lead, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network — Youth; Dr Pedro Diego Jordano BARBUDO, Research Professor at the Doñana Biological Station, Spanish Scientific Council; and Mr Tony LUO, ASEFYLS5 Participant, Strategy and Performance Lead, Victorian State Government, Australia

3. Embrace entrepreneurship and drive change

Entrepreneurship and innovation were pivotal themes at the summit. We were encouraged to take the reins of change, to become proactive agents of transformation. It was all about thinking outside the box, turning ideas into reality, and embracing the role of a change-maker.

This was evident when the program provided a unique platform for participants to put innovative and creative concepts into action. We were not only encouraged but empowered to be proactive change agents, tasked with working on solutions for real challenges presented by diverse industry experts and challenge owners from various countries. Our mission was to innovate and think creatively, all with the aim of creating a better, more inclusive, and interconnected world.

Challenge Session 2 — Groupwork with Navigators, Petra, Elaine (Author), Maria, and Yusuke

The impact of these newfound values has been nothing short of transformative in my life. No longer content with being a bystander, I’ve been empowered to take action, to step into the shoes of others, and to drive change on a grand scale. This journey has been deeply inspiring and empowering, culminating in a significant boost in my confidence.

As I reflect on the summit, one of the most striking aspects is the meaningful connections that developed among participants from diverse countries and backgrounds — it was truly a global family coming together to tackle shared global challenges. United in purpose, we’ve embarked on the path to shape a better future through ambition, understanding, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Before I conclude, I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude. I extend a heartfelt thank you to the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) for affording us this remarkable opportunity. ASEFYLS5 has been an overwhelming success, a beacon of empowerment for all of us. It’s been an unforgettable journey, one that I will forever cherish. Here’s to dreams turned into actions, growth, and the collective mission to make the world a better place.

Elaine YEAP (Malaysia), a dedicated healthcare enthusiast, is pursuing a Master’s Degree at the Technical University of Munich and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in Universiti Sains Malaysia. Prior to working in global pharmaceutical company, Elaine served her clients as a management consultant in the ASEAN countries. Elaine was also a Perdana Fellow in 2017, shadowing the former Minister of Transport Malaysia and ASEAN Youth Fellow in 2018. She serves as a committee member in various impactful initiatives, including Kuala Lumpur Creative Economy Forum 2021, Malaysia Youth Economic Forum 2017–19, Teach for Malaysia Campus Leader Project 2017–18, and IAESTE Finland 2016.

NOTE:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely by the author(s) and do not represent that of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)​.
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