JAKARTA: Addressing a gathering of aspiring young leaders at the ASEAN Future Leaders Summit (AFLES) 2025, which took place at Universitas Pancasila in Jakarta, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, the former Chief Minister of Sabah, urged the youth of Indonesia and Malaysia to take initiative in defining the future of the region through innovation, teamwork, and common goals.
In his speech themed “Indonesia – Malaysia: Constructing a Shared Future Through Youth”, Salleh highlighted the vital importance of young individuals in influencing the next fifty years of ASEAN.
In his remarks, Salleh reminded the participants that Indonesia and Malaysia share deep historical and cultural roots, but that building the future requires intentional effort, innovation, and inclusion.
He highlighted the demographic strength of the two nations, noting that together they represent over 220 million young and productive citizens — a unique advantage for the region.
This, he emphasised, is a “strategic advantage” for ASEAN in an era defined by digital transformation, sustainability and global connectivity.
“Heritage alone will not build our future. A shared future must be built intentionally—with innovation, with inclusion, and with the energy of our youth,” he said.
Salleh outlined three pressing areas where Indonesia and Malaysia must work together with youth at the forefront, which are:
Climate Action – calling for youth-led solutions in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economies.
Digital Inclusion – urging both countries to close the connectivity gap to unlock equal opportunities in education, jobs, and entrepreneurship.
Future Skills – stressing the need to equip ASEAN youth with AI, data, and digital economy skills to remain globally competitive.
He also underscored the power of people-to-people diplomacy through student exchanges, joint innovation hubs, and volunteer programmes.
“Indonesia and Malaysia are like two mighty rivers — carrying different waters, yet flowing towards the same ocean. If we merge our currents, no obstacle can stop us from reaching that horizon of peace, prosperity, and shared purpose,” Salleh concluded.
The AFLES 2025 brought together young leaders, academics, and policymakers from across ASEAN to discuss challenges and opportunities in shaping a united and prosperous regional future.
Also in attendance at the summit are Associate Professor Dr Anees Janee Ali, Founder and Advisor of AFLES; Professor Dr Adnan Hamid, Rector of Pancasila University; Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris, Vice Chancellor of University College Sabah Foundation; Dr Harnovinsah, Dean of Pancasila University Faculty of Economics; and international delegates from ASEAN countries, besides China, Bangladesh, and Timor-Leste.
