0
Cart is empty

Building Resilient Futures

Youth-Driven Innovations for ASEAN-Japan SME Growth

ASEAN Youth Economic Forum 2026

Manila, the Philippines. 10-12 February 2026

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

The ASEAN Youth Economic Forum 2026 (AYEF) is a youth-led platform that promotes innovation, collaboration, and policy dialogue between ASEAN and Japan. AYEF 2026 aims to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region, with the theme of “Building Resilient Futures: Youth-Driven Innovations for ASEAN-Japan SME Growth.”

AYEF 2026 will bring together over 350 youth leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts to discuss digital transformation, sustainable growth, and inclusive economic recovery in line with the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The forum will culminate in the ASEAN Youth Policy Paper on SME Resilience and Innovation, featuring youth-led recommendations for future cooperation.

Building on the success of AYEF 2025 in Malaysia, AYEF 2026 will be held in Manila, the Philippines, in collaboration with Green Innovation Japan through its side program, the Green Innovator Academy (GIA). The program includes regional site visits to the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong (PRC China), and Japan, nurturing a new generation of changemakers committed to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Sub-Theme

Youth Innovation in Driving Digitization & SME Growth
Greenpreneurs for a Resilient Future
Building Equitable Ecosystems & Future Talent
AYEF25_01
AYEF25_05
AYEF25_02
AYEF25_04
AYEF25_03
AYEF25_06

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Registration & Deadline

Registration

  1. Register an account at ayoacademy.org, then complete the course at AYO Academy to earn a certificate of Climate and Environmental Policy (1,330+ enrolled students)
  2. Click ‘Login to Apply’ below, then refresh this page and complete the registration form.

Please note that:

  1. fully & partially funded delegates’ scholarship recipients will be exclusively selected from applications of APRO members. You may register as an APRO member through this link! Please note that the APRO Registration is non-refundable.
  2. Delegates Registration Deadline: December 6th, 2025 of GMT+8
Requirements

– The Applicants can be from ASEAN Member States & Japan nationality in the age group of 18 to 35 Years Old

– Applicants contributing to SMEs ASEAN-Japan and Public Policy Making development related through their work, study, research, or volunteer undertaking are desirable for selection.

– Youth who possess a valid passport (minimum 6 months before the expiry date) or who are able and willing to obtain a passport.

– All the applications will be considered and accepted on a rolling basis. The shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email, which will contain further instructions and details about making the final decision.

  1. Delegates of Fully-Funded

– Program & E-Learning Platform Fee

– Sharing Room Hotel for 4 Nights 

– Airport Transfers & Local Transportation

– 3x Meals during program for 3 Days

– Site & Cultural Visit Fee 

– Merchandise and Toolkit

– Delegates are responsible for purchasing their own flight tickets and travel insurance (if applicable) based on the budget cap. Then, we will reimburse your flight ticket after only. 

2. Delegates of Partial Funded

– Everything that is mentioned on the fully funded list, excluded flight and travel insurance (if applicable).

  • Day 1 – Tuesday, 10 February 2026: Public Forum
  • Day 2 – Wednesday, 11 February 2026: Policy Making Workshop, Creation, and Launch of the “ASEAN-Japan Youth Policy Paper.”
  • Day 3 – Thursday, 12 February 2026: Site Visit, Cultural & Awarding Night
Climate-and-Environmental-Policy-1

Online Course

The online course introduces learners to basic climate and Environmental Policy. It will provide insight holistically. After the completion of the course & passing the minimum grade points, you will receive an authorized E-certificate from ASEAN Youth Organization. All Applicants for AYEF 2026, fully/partially funded delegates, are REQUIRED to take this course before submitting the application.

Join course for free!
Login to Apply

Public Forum - Free Entry & Self-Funded

10 February 2026

AYEF Public Forum will be a one full-day event on 10 February 2026 and will be attended by professionals and experts, government institutions, high-level speakers, and other stakeholders. This Public Forum will be open to the public for all nationalities. Registration before the forum is required, and only registered persons are allowed to enter the forum.

Please note that: 

  1. Participation for this forum is capped at 120 onsite and 200 online public participants. If the on-site capacity is full when you apply for it, you will automatically be offered an online participation slot instead.
  2. The organizer won’t cover anything for the onsite participant. Thus,  participants are required to arrange their own transportation, lunch, or accommodation.
  1. Youth aged 18-25 years old with any nationality. 
  2. Possess a good command of English.
  3. Youth entrepreneurs, studying in the field of business or climate resilience, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply
  4. Recommended to take the course of Climate Action HERE
  5. For those who cannot attend the forum on-site in Manila, the Philippines, we will provide access to join the forum online. Please choose online participation during your registration.

DEADLINE: December 15th, 2025 (GMT+8)

Full Program - Partial & Fully Funded

10-12 February 2026

Full program of AYEF 2026 will be held from February 10 to 12, 2026. AYEF 2026 will invite around 30 young professionals, policymakers, researchers, economists, government officials, and university students from ASEAN and Japan.

The program will consist of the public forum, policy dialogue, networking, workshops, site visit, and cultural night. Youth Leaders and Professionals from Japan and all ASEAN Countries with work expertise, study focus, or volunteering experience in SMEs, innovation, sustainable development, and youth leadership are encouraged to apply. AYEF will provide scholarships: FULLY FUNDED for 15 delegates and PARTIALLY FUNDED for 15 delegates.

Fully Funded Type will include: Return flight tickets (Departure must from/to one of ASEAN Countries or Japan or Timor Leste), program and activities, hotel, meeting package, meals during the program, merchandise, airport transfer, and local transportation.

Partially Funded Type will include:  Program and Activities, hotel, meeting package, meals during the program, merchandise, airport transfer, and local transportation. Partially funded Delegates should cover their own flight tickets to Manila, the Philippines

Criteria:

  1. ASEAN and Japanese nationals aged 18-35 years old (by February 2025) based in Japan or one of ASEAN member states are eligible to get the Fully Funded or Partial Funded program.
  2. Possess a good command of English in writing and speaking.
  3. Having a knowledge of cooperation between ASEAN and Japan related to the Green Economy, Climate-Resilient Economy, and SMEs is more desirable.
  4. Have an active passport of at least 6 months from March 2026. 
  5. Youth with disabilities or from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
  6. Required to complete the Basic Climate and Environmental Policy Online Course at AYO Academy. We will require the certificate number of the course during the application. Click Here to know how to obtain the certificate number.
  7. Having a background related to Climate Change, Environmental, Sustainability, Economic and Business, International Relations, environmental policy, and/or public policy is desirable. But any backgrounds with an interest in the above-mentioned theme are welcome to apply.
  8. Have a minimum of 1 (one) year of experience and currently work in institutions/organizations related to climate-change governance or study in the related field.
  9. Please prepare your current CV/Resume (In English) or your LinkedIn Profile before you apply for the fully funded/partial funding.
  10. We provide partial funding for waiting list applicants. Should you be interested in obtaining this partial funding, please check the form in the section on partial funding needed later.
  11. AYO Support the Tobacco Control Initiatives. Please do not smoke (Tobacco, vape, or others) during the AYO Programs.

DEADLINE: December 6th, 2025 (GMT+8)

About ASEAN Youth Economic Forum

On 8 August 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established to promote regional cooperation in the spirit of equality and partnership. The establishment of ASEAN was also aimed to contribute towards creating peace, prosperity, and social integration in the region through the collaborative efforts of its member states. In achieving its objectives, ASEAN also opened up opportunities to cooperate with other countries outside this regional cooperation through collaborating with dialogue partners.

ASEAN Youth Economic Forum is a collaboration program between AMEICC and AYO that focus on promoting the youth inclusivity in the economic development area. This program is annually organized by the ASEAN Youth Organization and other partners. AYEF allows the youth generation to improve their understanding on business culture, landscape, and sustainability as well as expanding their networks to ASEAN and beyond.

Not only that, AYEF is also promotes the youth involvement on policy recommendation making process and presented to the Senior Economic Official Meeting (SEOM) and supporting the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth key priorities Participation and Engagement.

We invite you to be part of the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum and work hand-in-hand to develop our region.

DSC07951 Large
DSC_0502 Large
DSC_0379 Large
DSC08254 Large
DSC08214 Large
DSC_0161 Large
DSC_0062 Large
DSC_9936 Large
DSC_9870 Large
DSC07637 Large
DSC07567 Large
DSC07545 Large
DSC_9800 Large
DSC_9823 Large
DSC_9974 Large
DSC07672 Large
CLICK FOR MORE PICTURES
Web banner desktop - 1
AYEF 2024

Topic: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

CHECK REPORT
DOCUMENTATION
AYEF 2023

Topic: Circular Economic in ASEAN and Japan

CHECK REPORT
DOCUMENTATION

What are the benefits for partial funded delegates?

Partial funded delegates are responsible for their flight from and to Malaysia. Program fee, airport transfer and accommodation needs will be covered .

If I receive a partially-funded offer, can I inquire about the possibility of a fully-funded position?

If you receive a partially-funded offer, it’s definitely appropriate to inquire with the organizers about the possibility of any remaining fully-funded positions. Please note that the organizers cannot guarantee the availability of any fully-funded positions. They have a specific selection process and may have limitations on the number of fully-funded delegates they can accommodate.

In the event of my acceptance as a delegate, what is the anticipated timeframe for receiving the acceptance notification?

The anticipated timeframe for receiving an acceptance notification, if selected as a delegate, will be communicated within 3 weeks after the application deadline.

Do I need climate change education or experience background to be involved in this event?

Individuals with backgrounds in Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Economics, Business, International Relations, Environmental Policy, or Public Policy are highly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds who possess a strong interest in these themes and a keen desire to deepen their understanding of climate resilience and climate policy.

Will the committee cover transportation and accommodation for the public forum participants?

There is no flight or any transport support and no accommodation will be provided for participants. Participants are responsible for covering all their expenses, including the accommodation, and travel costs.

What benefits do fully-funded AYEF delegates receive?

Fully-funded delegates will receive the following benefits:

  1. Return flight tickets – economy class (depart from/to one of ASEAN Countries/Japan/Timor Leste)
  2. Program and activities
  3. Hotel accommodation
  4. Meeting package
  5. Program meals
  6. Airport transfer
  7. Local transportation

How many days will the AYEF last?

The AYEF will be a 3-day event held in Manila, the Philippines, from February 10-12, 2026. However, Fully Funded Delegates are required to arrive a day early on 9th February and depart a day later on 13th February.

I have a disability. Can I still apply?

Yes, please apply! We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Is proficiency in English mandatory for participants?

Yes, delegates must be proficient in both written and spoken English as all the sessions are conducted in English. 

What is the dress code for the forum?

Business or formal attire is required for all event sessions.

Is full attendance mandatory throughout the forum duration?

Yes. Full attendance is required.

What are the selection criteria for AYEF delegates?

  1. Individuals ASEAN, Timor-Leste or Japan Nationality, aged between 18 and 35 years old are eligible to apply, 
  2. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is a requirement as most of the sessions will be conducted in English. 
  3. Differently abled individuals are strongly encouraged to submit their applications. 
  4. A foundational understanding of cooperation between ASEAN and Japan related to Climate Change and Climate-Resilient Economy is advantageous. Participation in the course “Basic Climate and Environmental Policy 101” by the AYO Academy is required. 
  5. Individuals with backgrounds in Climate Change, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Economics, Business, International Relations, Environmental Policy, or Public Policy are highly encouraged to apply. However, individuals from diverse fields with a strong interest in these themes are also welcome to submit their applications.
  6. We strongly encourage those who have led impactful projects at the youth level, especially initiatives that promote youth empowerment and active participation, to register.

What is the difference between “public forum participant” and “delegate”?

Participants will only attend the Public Forum on Day 1, whereas Delegates will participate in all three days of the event. Delegates who are fully funded by the organizers and should attend the entire programs from 13 – 17th February.

What is the typical selection procedure?

  1. Registration: Aspiring delegates must complete an application form that includes:
    • A current CV/Resume or LinkedIn Profile (In English) along with any relevant additional details; 
    • Complete the online course by the AYO Academy – A certificate number of the course is required. 
  2. Commitment Fee: A non-refundable commitment fees of USD 5 (IDR 80.000) are to be paid before the application submission.

Do you have to pay a registration fee to register for AYEF?

There is no registration fee for this AYEF. All ASEAN youth are welcome!

What are the requirements to register as a delegate of AYEF?

If you register for the Public Forum participants, you only have to fill out the registration form and the survey form listed on the website. However, if you want to register for full-funded or partial-funded delegates, you must submit a CV, Recommendation Letter, and complete the registration form. For further information, you can access aseanyouth.net/ayef.

What is the difference between fully funded and partially funded?

Fully funded will cover all the needs during the program including hotel, meals, meeting package, merchandise, local transportation, airport transfer, and site visit. Meanwhile, partially funded will not cover the flight ticket.

Do I need an environmental education or experience background to be involved in this program?

A background related to the environment, circular economy, or policy-making would be a plus, but anyone with any background can still register for AYEF.

Shopping Basket
AYO Presents
AYEF

Jakarta, 16-21 March 2023

JOIN NOW