Delegates gained insights, envisioned a brighter and better ASEAN

Jakarta: The CIMB Young Leaders ASEAN Summit 2012 ended today after two days of intensive discussions and debates on the challenges that the region faces in promoting leadership and innovation. At the close, delegates arrived with a resolution in support of greater economic integration of ASEAN.

“It is inspiring to see such an embrace of diversity and how much our young people today can contribute when they are given the right platform, treated with respect and heard with open minds" said Dato’ Sri Nazir Razak, Group Chief Executive, CIMB Group.

Meanwhile, Arwin Rasyid, President Director, CIMB Niaga said: "It is apt that this inaugural Summit is held in Indonesia, ASEAN's largest country in terms of population and economy as well. We hope that this Summit will now move from country to country and inspires more and more next generation leaders to support the ASEAN agenda".

In the course of the discussions, the 50 young participants representing all 10 member-countries of ASEAN not only had a chance to exchange view points and ideas, they also formed a strong camaraderie among themselves.

The CIMB Young Leaders ASEAN Summit, modelled after the ASEAN Summit, is held for the first time through the joint initiative by CIMB Foundation and CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI). This year’s theme “Our Next Generation: Leadership and Innovation for the New ASEAN” explores existing issues that are faced by ASEAN leaders.

Among the speakers are His Excellency (H.E.) Ong Keng Yong, High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia and former ASEAN Secretary General; and Tatang Razak, Director for Protection of Indonesian Citizens and Legal Entities, Indonesia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Malaysia.