Cover This dynamic gathering of change-makers from across ASEAN and beyond saw 70 participants from over 20 countries gathered in KL (Photo: Global Shapers Kuala Lumpur)
This dynamic gathering of change-makers from across ASEAN and beyond saw 70 participants from over 20 countries gathered in KL (Photo: Global Shapers Kuala Lumpur)
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This dynamic gathering of change-makers from across ASEAN and beyond saw 70 participants from over 20 countries gathered in KL to harness a collective power for impactful projects with regional resonance
Global Shapers Kuala Lumpur, an NGO under Global Shapers Community and World Economic Forum (WEF) initiatives, recently hosted Shaping Asean 2025, a summit dedicated to connecting change-makers across the region through insightful speaking experiences, discussions and workshops.
Themed ‘ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together,’ the summit served a launch pad for young leaders across ASEAN to spark important conversations and impactful projects towards meaningful transformation in Asia—all in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.
Above Former Global Shapers Community Kuala Lumpur vice curator and YTL Group corporate finance director Rebekah Yeoh delivered her opening speech
Former Global Shapers Community Kuala Lumpur vice curator and YTL Group corporate finance director Rebekah Yeoh delivered her opening speech
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The three-day conference started with opening remarks by YTL Corporation’s corporate finance director Rebekah Yeoh, highlighting the importance of youth perspectives in ASEAN’s future. A fireside chat then followed with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman professor of Economics and Global Shapers Kuala Lumpur Hub founding curator, Dr Cheng Ming Yu, on the impact of the NGO’s youth-led initiatives and an insightful Q&A session on leadership and making a lasting impact.
The second day of the summit saw almost 80 participants break into three groups for parallel workshops on key themes of Tech, AI and Startups as well as Climate and Mental Health. At the end of it, all participants converged in a collective batik painting session at Central Market in an enjoyable celebration of Asian heritage and culture.
Above Participants at the Shaping ASEAN 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur
Participants at the Shaping ASEAN 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur
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Through engaging panel discussions led by experts such as Taylor's University’s Dr Ong Kian Ming (former Deputy Minister of International Trade & Industry) and KPJ Healthcare chairman Datuk Mohd Arif Mahmood, participants gained valuable insights on the importance of cross-border collaboration and how policy, civil society and governance can work hand-in-hand to promote lasting change and address inequality, climate issues and more.
Issues on artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship were addressed as prominent entrepreneurs like Supahands former CEO Mark Koh delivered a keynote speech on the opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia in the AI-mediated era.
Mental wellness in Malaysia also took the spotlight of conversation as the summit hosted its Mental Health & Mind Resilience Workshop for Youth held at Jumpa KL, blending conversations on mental health with hands-on activities and experiences.
From cultural and ecology tours at Batu Caves to a Global Shapers Induction Dinner on the first day, the summit was a true testament to the power of community and collaboration as ASEAN finds its voice, power and purpose in a globalised world.
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
