Dr Sonexay Siphandone (centre) and Dr Kao Kim Hourn (left) jointly present the award to the AYO Founder, Mr Senjaya Mulia.

Regional youth organisation receives ASEAN Prize 2024

ASEAN officially awarded the ASEAN Prize 2024 to the ASEAN Youth Organisation (AYO), a regional youth body based in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
At the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister of Laos, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, joined by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, gave away the ASEAN Prize trophy to the AYO Founder, Mr Senjaya Mulia. The ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests present at the Summit.
As the recipient of the 7th ASEAN Prize, ASEAN acknowledges AYO’s influential and impactful contributions to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and promoting ASEAN identity among the region’s youth, thus contributing to further regional community engagement and ASEAN community building efforts.
In his congratulatory remarks, Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn recognised the recipients’ commitment and services in streamlining youth participation and forging the regional integration journey.
“The steadfast contributions demonstrated by the ASEAN Youth Organisation in harnessing youth potential and promoting their pivotal role as the region’s future assets have significantly assisted in generating a greater awareness and heightened interest among the youth to contribute to the fostering of the ASEAN regional development agenda and community-building,” Dr Kao said.
Dr Kao added, “ASEAN acknowledges AYO’s exemplary efforts in empowering young generations across the region. This ASEAN Prize stands as a tribute for their outstanding work, and a recognition of the good work of the youth movement in the region”.
As a youth organisation, AYO has showcased exemplary actions in advancing initiatives that streamline the significant roles of youth in the region’s development. Its commitment in promoting the youth’s interest and involvement in ASEAN is evident in its pioneering efforts to drive and facilitate ASEAN youth through various key initiatives.
AYO’s contributions have contributed to strengthening connections and networks among ASEAN youth, broadening positive youth engagement that resonate with the regional integration journey, and support the realisation of the ASEAN Youth Development Index (ASEAN YDI).
Upon officially being awarded the ASEAN Prize 2024, Mr Mulia, as the founder of the ASEAN Youth Organisation, said: “This prestigious regional award marks a significant milestone not only for the ASEAN Youth Organisation but also for the entire youth community in the region and beyond. It underscores the invaluable contributions that our youth have made to ASEAN community-building efforts. Their dedication and hard work have been duly recognised and appreciated through this award and it serves as a powerful inspiration for all young people to continue driving positive change at the local, regional and international levels.”
Furthermore, AYO is committed to continuously foster people-to-people engagement towards promoting a participatory and inclusive ASEAN community. As a way forward, AYO envisions expanding its networks and enhancing collaboration among youth and relevant stakeholders across ASEAN and its partners, to create more sustainable impacts on the development of the region’s youth.
Administered by the ASEAN Secretariat and catalysed by the Temasek Foundation of Singapore, the ASEAN Prize is an annual regional premier award that honours ASEAN’s individuals or organisations who have demonstrated outstanding contributions and significant efforts to foster the region’s community building process. The recipients receive the ASEAN Prize trophy and an award of US$20,000.
Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, said, “Our heartiest congratulations to the ASEAN Youth Organisation for being named the ASEAN Prize 2024 recipient. Temasek Foundation is honoured to support the ASEAN Prize since its inception in 2018. AYO’s remarkable efforts showed an inspiring example of dedication and resilience, where we can all collectively contribute towards a more people-centred, inclusive and resilient ASEAN. We look forward to initiatives that will foster stronger connections and a brighter future for the region.”

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update October 11, 2024)