VIENTIANE, 9 October 2024- Today, ASEAN officially awarded the ASEAN Prize 2024 to ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO), a regional youth organisation based in Jakarta, Indonesia.

At the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR Sonexay Siphandone, joined by Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn, bestowed upon the ASEAN Prize trophy to AYO Chairman, Senjaya Mulia. The ceremony was witnessed by ASEAN Leaders, the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests present at the Summit.

As the 7th ASEAN Prize Recipient, ASEAN acknowledges AYO's influential and impactful contributions to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and promoting ASEAN identity among the region's youth, 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 youths' participations and forging regional integration journey. "The steadfast contributions demonstrated by the ASEAN Youth Organization in harnessing youth potentials and promoting their pivotal roles as region's future assets have significantly assisted in generating a greater awareness and heightened interests among youths to contribute to the fostering of ASEAN regional development agenda and Community-building".

Dr Kao further 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 youth movement in the region". As a youth organisation, AYO has showcased exemplary actions in advancing initiatives that streamlines the significant roles of youth in the region's development. Their commitment in promoting youth's interest and involvement in ASEAN is evident in their pioneering efforts to drive and facilitate ASEAN youth through various key initiatives. Their contributions have further contributed to strengthen connections and networks among ASEAN youths, broadening positive youth engagement that resonates to the regional integration journey, and supported the realisation of the ASEAN Youth Development Index (ASEAN YDI).

Upon officially awarded the ASEAN Prize 2024, Senjaya Mulia as the founder of the ASEAN Youth Organization, expressed "This prestigious regional award marks a significant milestone not only for the ASEAN Youth Organization 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 recognized and appreciated through this award and it serves as a powerful inspiration for all young people to continue driving positive change at 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 to expand its networks and enhance collaboration among youth and relevant stakeholders across ASEAN and its partners, to create more sustainable impacts on ASEAN youth development.

Administered by the ASEAN Secretariat and catalysed by the Temasek Foundation of Singapore, the ASEAN Prize is an annual regional premier award that is mandated to honour ASEAN's individuals or organisations who have demonstrated outstanding contributions and significant efforts to foster the region's community building process. The recipients will receive the ASEAN Prize trophy and an award of US$20,000.

Ng Boon Heong, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Temasek Foundation, remarked, "Our heartiest congratulations to the ASEAN Youth Organization 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."

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