From the 22nd until the 27th of October 2019, 150 delegates from ASEAN attended the 11th China-ASEAN Youth Camp held in Beijing, China. Hosted by the All-China Youth Federation, the 1 week-long conference centered around its theme Uniting Youths, Inspiring Change: Paving the Way for a China-ASEAN Future.
Through a series of rigorous model-ASEAN conferences, youth delegates explored China-ASEAN political, economic, social and cultural cooperation prospects through an academic and policy-driven approach. They were provided the platform to debate and engage intellectually amongst each other, to express and embrace the different cultures present in ASEAN.
On the opening ceremony, the delegates were treated to a stimulating primer by YB Lew Chin Tong, Deputy Defence Minister of Malaysia where he raised thought-provoking questions about the future of China-ASEAN relations and applauded the building momentum in bilateral relations we see today.
I was invited to be a panelist on its Main Forum talking about China, ASEAN, and Technology in the Age of Collaborative Innovation. Engaging the delegates discussing and exchanging ideas regarding 5G, IR4.0, job prospects for youths, embracing the transition into a more interconnected world as well as the side effects we must be anticipating moving forward such as mental health issues.
Idzham Haqim Mat Rasid
Secretary
International Affairs Bureau
Malaysia Youth Council (MBM)
