Limkokwing University Global Campus organised the ASEAN UK Business Forum (AUBF) in association with Generation Corporate (GenCorporate) in London, United Kingdom to discuss the empowerment of ASEAN youths on Jan 27.
The “Empowerment of the ASEAN Youths & Student” is part of an annual international gathering that aims to promote pro-active engagement against socioeconomic and global issues to youths in the ASEAN community. The issues covered are community development, trade & commerce, science & education, diplomacy, labour & employment, culture & society as well as youth welfare.
In attendance were representatives from the ASEAN diplomatic corps in London including High Commissioner of Brunei Dato’ Haji Aminuddin; High Commissioner of Malaysia Dato Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi; Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia T.M Hamzah Thayeb; Embassy of the Republic of Myanmar Deputy Chief of Mission/Counsellor Kyaw Htin Lin; Royal Thai Embassy Counsellor Porpot Changywa and Global Campus students and staff.
During the discussion, AUBF President Dato S.K Lingam stated that youth is ASEAN’s greatest assets with 60% of the population under 35 years old. This presents opportunities for ASEAN youths to engage new challenges while maintaining a global mind-set and a vision for developing countries.
“It is up to 360 million ASEAN youths to build the future through cooperation, consensus and consultation among various nations,” he concluded.
Limkokwing University is committed to youth empowerment through industry exposure and multiculturalism. Students gain valuable knowledge and experience while studying at the Global Campus in London, United Kingdom.
“The University is great in doing what it is doing now,” said Khanh Minh Ho from the ASEAN UK Business Forum (AUBF). “Particularly its real-life learning approach as well as business visits instead of just lectures and course books.”
Head of Digital & Business Development from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) & UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Max Coleman also added that London is a unique creative hub with a global multicultural city with new ideas for start-up business to multinationals.
“It is important for the University to involve itself with start-ups and corporates,” he said. “Accessing start-ups and communities is as important as corporates to bring knowledge to ASEAN countries.”
Previously, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2015 was outlined in 31 Dec 2015 that aims to work towards economic and social integration, free flow of skilled labour and removal of trade barriers in ASEAN countries. Other issues that would be added in the future include 76 million people living in poverty, high infant mortality rate, inaccessible clean drinking water, maritime and territorial issues, endemic corruption, income disparities, languages issues and talent drain.