Three YES alumni were among 20 youth delegates selected to attend a recent meeting of ASEAN Youth Leaders. A highlight of the meeting was a visit from Secretary John Kerry, who held a dialogue with the group to exchange views on issues of importance to the region's youth as well as their efforts to create positive change in their home communities. The selected YES alumni were Naim Laeni (2009) and Sunwanee Dolah (2007) from Thailand, and Luqman Ramli (2011) from Malaysia.

From October 8-10, these young leaders from 10 ASEAN countries came together in Brunei for leadership training and networking. Participants also spent time planning an ASEAN Youth Leaders Summit, which will be held in December.

Luqman remarked, "It's indeed a wonderful opportunity for me to participate in such an inspiring event. I managed to be among a few people to get to share thoughts and ask questions to Mr. Secretary, and I brought up our alumni association as well as focusing on specific alumni, YES alumni Malaysia. He was really happy to hear that and I was glad to be able to talk to him."

Read Secretary Kerry's opening remarks.

Top photo: Sec. Kerry speaks with ASEAN Young Leader delegates. Source: Brunei Darussalam ASEAN Chairmanship

Bottom Photo: l. to r. YES alumni Naim from Thailand, Luqman from Malaysia and Sunwanee from Thailand at ASEAN conference. Photo courtesy Naim Laeni.