Young leaders from across Southeast Asia and Japan gathered in Manila to put youth-driven innovation and entrepreneurship at the center of regional economic cooperation, as the ASEAN Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026 opened on February 10 at the Century Park Hotel.
With the theme “Building Resilient Futures: Youth-Driven Innovations for ASEAN-Japan SME Growth,” the three-day forum convened emerging professionals, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to discuss how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can remain competitive and resilient in a rapidly evolving economy.
Opening the event, Mr. Naobumi Yokota, Minister of Foreign Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping long-term prosperity in both regions, particularly through strengthening SMEs.
“Innovative ideas and bold actions are the way to achieve growth, and the youth are the driving force for this,” Mr. Yokota said, emphasizing the limitless potential of the young generation in shaping the social and economic development of ASEAN and Japan through building competitive and future-ready SMEs.
SMEs form the backbone of the ASEAN economy, accounting for the majority of businesses and generating most employment across the region. Despite their significance, many still face structural challenges, including limited access to policy support and resources that can hinder growth and competitiveness.
Mr. Masayoshi Tamura, Chief Representative of the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) Secretariat, stressed the importance of bringing young voices into regional dialogue to help address these persistent gaps.
He noted that fresh perspectives and creative thinking from the next generation are essential to strengthening regional cooperation and developing practical, inclusive solutions to the challenges faced by SMEs.
Setting the tone for the forum, Ms. Sarah Rauzana, chairperson of the ASEAN Youth Organization, called for deeper, systemic economic change centered on inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability.
“We are not too young. We are not powerless. We are not waiting for permission,” she said, stressing that the youth should not be merely symbols of sustainability but be active leaders and decision makers in shaping policies and developmental pathways.
This year’s AYEF places SMEs at the heart of ASEAN-Japan economic collaboration, highlighting how youth-driven innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy engagement can help strengthen enterprise resilience and deepen regional integration.
The ASEAN Youth Economic Forum 2026 is being held in partnership with the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).