ASEAN Symposium for Youth Leaders 2026 in Singapore

The ASEAN Symposium for Youth Leaders (ASYL) 2026 is a regional leadership forum designed to equip emerging leaders with insights, networks, and practical perspectives on governance and public policy in Southeast Asia.

The program is organized by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. It brings together youth leaders from across ASEAN countries to exchange ideas, build regional networks, and collaborate on solutions to shared regional challenges. (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy)

Program Overview

• Event: ASEAN Symposium for Youth Leaders 2026
• Organizer: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
• Host University: National University of Singapore
• Location: Singapore
• Dates: 10–12 September 2026
• Duration: 3 days

The symposium serves as a flagship program focusing on governance, regional cooperation, and public policy issues affecting Southeast Asia. (Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy)

Theme of the Symposium

The inaugural theme of the symposium is:

• “ASEAN Youth Leaders: Diverse Perspectives, Shared Future.”

The theme highlights the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue among young leaders from diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds.

Participants will explore governance challenges, regional cooperation strategies, and policy innovation within ASEAN.

Program Activities

Participants will engage in a variety of interactive learning experiences during the symposium.

• Keynote lectures by policy experts
• Facilitated dialogues with academics and practitioners
• Skills workshops on leadership and policymaking
• Policy discussions on ASEAN regional issues
• Learning journeys to Singapore’s policy institutions

These activities help participants gain real-world insights into policymaking and governance practices in the region.

Benefits of the Program

Participants gain several valuable opportunities from the symposium.

• Certificate of participation from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
• Networking with youth leaders from across ASEAN
• Exposure to governance and public policy practices
• Learning from policy experts and university faculty
• Access to the school’s academic and leadership network

Selected international participants may also receive travel and accommodation sponsorship.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Current students from ASEAN higher education institutions
• Strong interest in governance, public policy, and international affairs
• Ability to participate in the full duration of the symposium
• Submission of a short essay and video during the application process

Participants will be selected based on their leadership potential and commitment to regional development.

Application Deadline

• Application deadline: 31 March 2026
• Selected participants notification: 30 April 2026

Successful applicants will attend the symposium in Singapore in September 2026.

Why This Symposium Matters

The ASEAN Symposium for Youth Leaders provides a platform for young leaders to engage with pressing regional issues while developing policy knowledge and leadership skills. By bringing together students from across Southeast Asia, the program fosters collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and future regional cooperation.

For students interested in public policy, diplomacy, and international affairs, the symposium offers valuable exposure to real policy discussions and leadership development opportunities.