23-26 JUNE 2023, KUALA LUMPUR
Are you an emerging leader?
We are looking for the 40 most dynamic and motivated young leaders aged 18-29 from across ASEAN and Australia to represent their country at the third ever ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum.
ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum
Kuala Lumpur
23 - 26 June, 2023
40 Young leaders, professionals & entrepreneurs
Experience of a lifetime



Forum Programme
Online Community
Introducing you to the latest in ASEAN-Australia affairs and engaging you in pre-forum introduction activities with fellow delegates.
Pre-Forum
Expert Panels
Exposing you to the latest ideas, insights and trends from expert across Southeast Asia and Australia.
forum
Business Networking
Kick-starting your regional career by providing networking opportunities with prominent people and organisations in the region.
forum
AAYLF x Policy Hackathon
Catalysing your journey as an advocate and policy influencer in the ASEAN-Australia space, on the theme of Future Cities 2050.
forum
Cross-Cultural Connections
Creating a community of young leaders from countries across Southeast Asia and Australia.
forum
ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Leader Role
Providing a platform for you to capitalise on the skills and ideas gained during the Forum as an alumni.
post forum
Applications for takeoff to KL are open!
Start your application
This is your chance to embark on the trip of a lifetime to our third Aus-ASEAN Young Leaders Forum.
To apply, you need to:
1) Fill in the basic details (name, email, the essentials) and prep a headshot
2) Share in 500 words your idea for our region’s Future Cities 2050. If selected as a delegate, your submission will be included in the AASYP Review 2023
3) Spell out your motivation for how the Forum will accelerate your professional path
Be chosen as 1 of 40 selected delegates
You’ll be notified of the outcome via email and if successful, will need to:
1) Have a standout application
2) Transfer your $150AUD Forum contribution that locks in your participation and goes towards accommodation and fun social events
3) Book your own flights/transport & travel insurance, We encourage you to seek university/work sponsorship
Fly to KL
You will receive your delegate info pack which includes all the brilliant delegate bios and Forum programme.
Arrive between 2pm-11:30pm on Thursday 22 June.
The AAYLF will be a full four-day intensive from Friday to Monday. The Forum includes official Opening & Closing ceremonies, a cultural showcase night, site visits, panels and more!
Depart on Tuesday 27 June anytime
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
The ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum will converge 40 young leaders in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a four-day intensive workshop.
Now in its third iteration, the Forum is supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australia-ASEAN Council. The AAYLF’23 is also delighted to announce the UWA Public Policy Institute, The Global Student and Study Melbourne as major partners of the Forum.
This Forum aims to bring together young people from all different backgrounds in an entirely unique experience. From artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, business people, future diplomats and policymakers, we are excited to welcome you to the Aus-ASEAN Young Leaders Forum 2023~
Who is eligible?
Citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia or an ASEAN Member State.
Delegates must be aged 18-29 years (inclusive) at the time of application.
How many delegates will be selected?
40 delegates will be selected, via a competitive process.
Delegates will be selected for the quality of their ideas, leadership efforts and motivation. Each ASEAN member State will be represented by at least 2 delegates and Australia will be represented by at least 15 delegates.
Where will the Forum be hosted?
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Friday 23 & Monday 26 June will be hosted at the Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur.
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June will be hosted at Study Melbourne Hub, Kuala Lumpur.
When is the Forum?
The Forum is a four-day intensive that will be held from Friday 23- Monday 26 June 2023.
The schedule is an intensive and designed to promote maximal connections, learning and experience. For this reason delegates must be able to fully participate in the programme.
Delegates will be required to arrive Thursday evening 22 June and depart Tuesday 27 June 2023.
What is covered?
We will cover accommodation, transport to venues, activities, lunches each day and select dinners for special events (e.g. the first night networking reception).
You will be required to book and pay for your own flights and travel insurance, your transport between the airport and the hotel, and breakfasts and dinners not covered in the program, and the $150AUD Forum participant fee.
What funds will I need to attend the Forum?
Depending on your location and how much you eat – this will vary.
You will be required to lock in your spot as a delegate by transferring the $150AUD delegate contribution fee which goes towards your accomodation and activities.
As a general rule you will need to cover your flight and travel insurance if you do not manage to secure your university, work or local organisation/government’s support.
We also recommend approximately $30AUD per day for pocket money and incidental meals during the Forum.
Can I approach my work / university to fund the flights?
Yes! We highly recommend this. There are many organisations that try to support young people, including local government, groups such as Rotary, churches and community organisations, your university and your workplace. We will provide materials to help selected delegates reach out to sponsors.
What are your application tips?
The most important part of the application is getting it in on time!
Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. If you are looking for ideas on what topics you could potentially write about within the theme of Future Cities – check out our Horizons blog top titles and AASYP Review publications contents pages for inspiration.
What is the Forum programme?
The Forum theme for 2023 is Future Cities 2050. The programme will include:
Expert Panels
Exposing you to the latest ideas, insights and trends from expert across Southeast Asia and Australia.
Business Networking
Kick-starting your regional career by providing networking opportunities with prominent people and organisations in the region.
Cross-Cultural Connections
Creating a community of young leaders from countries across Southeast Asia and Australia.
AAYLF x Policy Hackathon
Catalysing your journey as an advocate and strategic influencer in the ASEAN-Australia space.
Will AASYP provide official letters?
AASYP will provide an official invitation letter to the 40 selected delegates. This can be used as part of your approach when seeking support from your university or work for flights.
When do applications close?
Applications close midnight KL time on 16 April 2023. But the application is quick, so there’s no reason not to pop yours in now!