ASEAN Youth Speech Contest 2025 Future of ASEAN: Thriving Together in a Changing World
- C asean
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As part of the celebration of ASEAN’s 58th anniversary and C asean’s 10th anniversary, the ASEAN Youth Speech Contest 2025 was proudly held during ASEAN Week 2025 under the theme “Future of ASEAN: Thriving Together in a Changing World.”
Nurturing the Next Generation of ASEAN Leaders
Bangkok, 1 August 2025 – With Leadership & Talent Development as one of C asean’s key pillars, the contest was designed to nurture youth potential while amplifying their voices on issues shaping our shared future. This year, more than 1,000 contestants from across ASEAN applied, and after a highly competitive selection process, 10 exceptional finalists were chosen to take the stage in Bangkok.
In the final round, these remarkable young leaders presented bold ideas and inspiring visions on urgent challenges—ranging from climate change and digital transformation to regional cooperation and geopolitical tensions. Through their powerful words, they showed how ASEAN can thrive together in an increasingly changing world.
We were deeply honored to have an esteemed panel of judges, together with youth organizations and students from across the region, whose presence added energy, encouragement, and meaningful perspectives to the contest.
Celebrating the Winners
After a powerful display of ideas and inspiration, the winners of the ASEAN Youth Speech Contest 2025 were announced:
Winner: Ms. Syafiqah Mumtazah Haji Mohd Arriffen, Brunei Darussalam
1st Runner-up: Ms. Chatcha Sriwanwit, Thailand
2nd Runner-up: Ms. Natthanich Mekadenaumporn, Thailand
In her winning speech, Ms. Syafiqah emphasized that peace in our region is fragile and shared three powerful truths for ASEAN youth to reflect on:
ASEAN Youth are not silent – Youth are not just the future; they are the builders of the present, already leading initiatives in sustainability, disaster response, and more.
Privilege comes with responsibility – Youth must use their privileges, whether health, education, or opportunities, to uplift others so that no one is left behind.
Be the change, not wait for change – ASEAN cannot thrive if we wait for transformation; we must become the transformation, rising and thriving as one community.
“No one rises alone. No one thrives alone. In ASEAN, we thrive as one—
one vision, one identity, one community,”
C asean as a Platform Beyond Competition
Beyond rankings and awards, every finalist walked away as a winner—each having inspired the audience and demonstrated that the voices of ASEAN’s youth are a powerful driving force for the region’s progress.
ASEAN Youth Speech Contest 2025 was more than just a contest. It was a platform for the next generation to be heard, to exchange perspectives, and to inspire action for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN future.
Stay tuned for more ASEAN youth activities ahead! We look forward to welcoming you again at C asean!
