Jakarta, 19 October 2023 – In the wake of the ASEAN Youth Dialogue 2023, held during Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, a transformative initiative emerged to shape the future of ASEAN’s youth. On September 27, 2023, the ASEAN Youth for Digital Action (AYDA) program was officially launched, marking a significant stride in empowering the youth of the region. This pioneering project signifies a steadfast commitment to empowering the youth of the ASEAN region, ensuring their active participation in the digital age.
The launch event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Gunawan Suswantoro, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia, Sidharto Suryodipuro, Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr.-Ing. Ilham A. Habibie, M.B.A., Chief Executive of the National ICT Council (WANTIKNAS) Republic of Indonesia.
The presence of high-level representatives from AYDA, including Dr. Rani Sarojeni Burchmore, Chairperson of AYDA, Sachin Gopalan, Vice Chair of AYDA, and Nalin K. Singh, AYDA Leadership Committee Member at the event underscored its significance as a pivotal moment in the region’s technological advancement. Their participation brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and industry insights, elevating the event to an exceptional platform for discussions and initiatives driving technological progress in the region.
AYDA’s core mission lies in championing a sustainable digital transformation that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and equips the ASEAN youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to a sustainable, interconnected, and resilient future. Through the development of five distinct programs that include ASEAN Digital Champion, AWS re/Start for ASEAN Youth, Orbit Job Readiness for ASEAN Youth, AYDA Membership, and Skill Center Network, AYDA empowers youth to spearhead the digital revolution, fostering positive transformations within ASEAN communities.
Strategic Partnerships for Lasting Impact
The strength of AYDA is magnified through strategic partnerships. The collaboration between the Indonesia Economic Forum, providing a vital platform for economic discourse; Amazon Web Services (AWS), a global technology leader; Orbit Future Academy and Orbit Jobs, institutions dedicated to future skill development and employment; Yayasan INOTEK Indonesia, promoting technology innovation; and Investortrust Indonesia Sejahtera, fostering investment, signifies a cohesive approach towards empowering the youth for a digital future.
Shaping a Digital ASEAN
As AYDA takes its inaugural steps, it heralds a new era for the youth of ASEAN, transforming them from passive spectators to active participants in the digital revolution. AYDA’s structured approach not only prepares the youth for the jobs of the future but also cultivates a culture of innovation and social responsibility.
The launch of the ASEAN Youth for Digital Action program is not merely an event; it is a manifesto for the future, a commitment to shaping a digitally empowered ASEAN where the youth are at the forefront of progress, innovation, and societal change. With AYDA leading the way, the region is poised for a future where its youth emerge as leaders, innovators, and catalysts for a thriving digital ecosystem.