Engagement Session with ASEAN Foundation in Indonesia

Handover of Souvenir to Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation

Date: 31 August 2023

Author: UTP-ASEAN Student Association

[31 August 2023 - Jakarta, Indonesia]

Closing our Indonesia journey with purpose and pride. On the morning of 31 August 2023, just hours before returning to Malaysia, the UTP-ASEAN Student Association was honored to hold its final engagement session with none other than the ASEAN Foundation, at the iconic ASEAN Secretariat Heritage Building in Jakarta.

Engagement Session with Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation

This visit was more than symbolic—it was deeply inspiring. We had the privilege to engage directly with Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, and Mr. Mahmudi Yusbi, Head of Programme, who shared their powerful vision for youth engagement, regional cooperation, and the ASEAN Foundation’s role in shaping a more connected and inclusive Southeast Asia.

From initiatives in education and innovation to youth leadership and people-to-people diplomacy, their stories and strategies offered valuable insights into ASEAN’s commitment to building regional identity and unity. Our dialogue reaffirmed that youth play a pivotal role in driving the ASEAN agenda forward—not tomorrow, but today.

The highlight of the visit was a personalized tour of the ASEAN Gallery, guided by Mr. Mahmudi Yusbi himself. Through this cultural and historical journey, we were reminded of ASEAN’s vibrant heritage, collective struggles, and shared triumphs—elements that continue to shape our regional narrative.

This final engagement served as a meaningful capstone to our Indonesia Trip 2023, which included impactful CSR programs, institutional visits, and strategic youth dialogues across Bandung and Jakarta. Each step of our journey strengthened our resolve to serve as youth ambassadors of ASEAN values, promoting unity, sustainability, and cooperation.

Group Photo at the Old Building of ASEAN Secretariat

Group Photo at the New Building of ASEAN Secretariat

Group Photo at the Logo of Indonesia ASEAN Chairmanship 2023

As we bid farewell to Indonesia, we carry with us renewed purpose, cherished connections, and an unwavering commitment to the ASEAN spirit. Our deepest gratitude to the ASEAN Foundation for the hospitality, wisdom, and the unforgettable experience.