The Journey of Future Generation Leaders 2024

■Introduction

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit serves as a vital platform to connect emerging business leaders from ASEAN and Japan, addressing pressing social challenges and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. ASEAN, recognized as a global growth center, faces various social issues, including inequalities, while Japan grapples with challenges such as an aging population but leverages its wealth of experience and assets from decades of development. Against this backdrop, the summit aims to cultivate meaningful connections among next-generation business leaders who are poised to drive transformative change. The summit was held during three days from 18th to 20th December 2024, culminating with joint statement handover, policy proposals presentation followed with impactful pitch sessions and a panel discussion, showcasing innovative ideas and fostering dialogue among leaders.

■Day 1: Building Bridges Through Creativity and Dialogue (December 18th, 2024)

The Future Generation Leaders Summit commenced with an inspiring Opening and Art Workshop centered on the theme of "Links." The session began with a powerful opening remark by Mr. Hiroshi Ishikawa from METI, who emphasized the critical role of fostering trust and collaboration to address shared challenges and opportunities between ASEAN and Japan. Guided by Mr. Ryutaro Seki (ALT), participants explored the power of connection through art and dialogue. Emphasizing trust and diversity, the workshop fostered creative exchanges and strengthened bonds among ASEAN and Japan's young leaders.

The day concluded with a Welcome Dinner, where prominent speakers such as Mr. Yasuji Komiyama (METI) and Mr. Tetsuya Watanabe (ERIA) shared insights on the pivotal role of young leaders in driving regional innovation and fostering cooperation. The event also set the stage for the upcoming policy proposal discussions with self-introduction pitches by participants, laying a foundation for camaraderie.

■Day 2:Crafting Comprehensive Policy Proposals

The second day focused on Policy Proposal Group Discussions, beginning with presentations from METI and ERIA representatives. Six groups, addressing critical themes such as Decarbonization, AI, and Human Resource Mobility, worked collaboratively to finalize their policy proposals. Led by dynamic facilitators, the groups refined their joint statements for submission.

A highlight of the day was the Lecture at Myoshin-ji Temple, where Mr. Daikou Matsuyama shared profound insights on Zen philosophy. Participants gained unique perspectives on mindfulness, cultural harmony, and business principles rooted in tradition and innovation.

In the evening, leaders from Japan and ASEAN handed over their policy proposals to Vice-Minister Takehiko Matsuo (METI) during the Submission of Policy Statement Ceremony. This marked a significant milestone in fostering actionable cooperation between the regions.

■Day 3: Collaborative Horizons: The Summit Day

The final day featured a series of impactful sessions and concluded with a joint statement presentation.

Session Agenda:

• 9:30-9:40: Opening Keynote by Norihiko Ishiguro (JETRO) and Tadashi Maeda (JBIC)

• 9:40-10:00: Keynote Speeches by Yohanes Lukiman, Khanisorn Meepong, and Yui Ohtsuki

• 10:10-11:00: Panel Discussions

  • 1.1A:　ASEAN-Japan: Collaboration (Recent Developments, Future Expectations, Tradition and Innovation)

  • 1.1B: ASEAN-Japan: Co-Creation Pitch - Digital Innovation

• 11:10-12:00: Panel Discussions

  • 1.2A: ASEAN-Japan x Women Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders

  • 1.2B: ASEAN-Japan: Co-Creation Pitch - Sustainability

• 14:00-15:00: Panel Discussion

  • 2.1A: ASEAN-Japan x AI & Digital

• 15:00-16:00: Panel Discussions

  • 2.2A: ASEAN-Japan x Sustainability & Decarbonization

  • 2.2B: ASEAN-Japan x Startup Ecosystem & Impact Startups

• 16:00-17:00: Panel Discussion and Forum

  • 2.3A: ASEAN-Japan x Art, Culture, Contents and Hospitality

  • ASEAN-Japan Business and Local Government Collaboration Forum

Detailed report of each session can be found on their respective links.

■Highlights from the Joint Statement Presentation by Future Generation Leaders:

The culmination of the Future Generation Leaders Summit was marked by the highly anticipated presentation of the Joint Statement, a comprehensive policy proposal developed collaboratively by young leaders from ASEAN and Japan. This landmark document reflects their shared vision for fostering innovation, sustainability, and regional cooperation across critical areas such as decarbonization, human resource mobility, and AI development. Each representative speaker delivered powerful insights, outlining actionable strategies to address regional challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. The full policy proposals, which form the foundation of this joint statement, can be accessed here: Joint Statement Policy Proposals.

■Misato Nakagawa

• Opened with humor, acknowledging the impactful speeches of earlier presenters.

• Expressed deep gratitude to organizers, committee members, and delegates for their dedication.

• Summarized key achievements:

  1. Delivered comprehensive policy proposals from six working groups.

  2. Reinforced the importance of sustaining ASEAN-Japan collaboration and shared values.

  3. Launched the ASEAN-Japan Future Generation Leaders Community Steering Committee.

• Transitioned to introducing speakers, starting with Kimihiro Katsumi on the business ecosystem.

■Kimihiro Katsumi (Business Ecosystem)

• Advocated for stronger ASEAN-Japan collaboration under the theme “Make Asia Great Again”.

• Highlighted issues:

  • Startups face limited resources, lack of infrastructure, and weak market access.

  • Challenges in facilitating cross-border exits and scaling businesses.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Improve cross-border market access and develop sustainable infrastructure.

  • Encourage collaboration between ASEAN and Japanese companies to address resource shortages.

• Concluded that cohesive regional cooperation would enhance competitiveness and innovation.

■Patrick Aritonang (Human Resource Mobility)

• Stressed the importance of matching talent to opportunities within ASEAN-Japan.

• Identified issues:

  • Complicated visa processes and lack of awareness about available visas.

  • Limited retraining programs for lower-skilled workers and disadvantaged groups.

  • Gaps in data sharing on workforce mobility and national labor needs.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Create the ASEAN-JPAS platform for collaboration and rapid decision-making.

  • Enhance training programs to bridge skills gaps and promote social inclusion.

• Envisioned an agile ASEAN-Japan workforce with equitable opportunities and maximized potential.

  

■Lydet Pidor (Decarbonization and Circular Economy)

• Highlighted pressing issues of fossil fuel dependency and limited adoption of renewable energy.

• Pointed out challenges in waste management and the circular economy across ASEAN.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Strengthen green technology transfers and public-private partnerships.

  • Establish a regional circular economy platform and increase sustainability awareness.

  • Foster co-research on innovative solutions and educate youth on decarbonization.

• Anticipated outcomes included improved recycling rates, cleaner energy adoption, and closer ASEAN-Japan cooperation on sustainability.

■Yassine Belmamoun (AI and Web)

• Addressed challenges in AI, such as talent shortages, weak policy alignment, and underfunded startups.

• Identified risks of brain drain and insufficient adoption of AI in traditional sectors.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Promote academic cooperation, talent mobility, and increased funding for AI startups.

  • Develop a regional AI legal framework and support businesses in adopting AI technologies.

  • Establish a regional AI committee to align policies and ensure safety.

• Expected results included a thriving AI ecosystem, improved talent retention, and enhanced global competitiveness.

■Taka Nakagawa (Impact Investment)

• Emphasized the growing relevance of impact investing, targeting both financial returns and social impact.

• Highlighted challenges in sectors like decarbonization, financial inclusion, and healthcare:

  • Insufficient investments for high-risk technologies and underdeveloped rural infrastructure.

  • Healthcare access disparities and low digital adoption in agriculture.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Advocate for ASEAN leaders’ commitment to social impact initiatives.

  • Develop standardized impact measurement metrics in collaboration with ERIA.

  • Utilize JICA ODA funds to attract institutional investments and mitigate risks.

• Projected outcomes included increased investments, accelerated innovation, and stronger social impact.

■Phillip An (Consumer Technology)

• Discussed significant risks of automation and labor displacement in Southeast Asia.

• Highlighted issues:

  • Limited access to technology and internet connectivity in rural regions.

  • Underperforming startup ecosystems with insufficient exits and investments.

• Proposed solutions:

  • Launch workforce reskilling programs and AI training academies in partnership with Japan.

  • Improve digital access by subsidizing affordable technology and internet services.

  • Create a Japan-ASEAN startup fund and innovation hubs to foster ecosystem growth.

• Expected outcomes included empowered workers, reduced digital divides, and a vibrant startup ecosystem.

■Closing by Misato Nakagawa

• Invited audience feedback, emphasizing the importance of their proposals for the next generation.

• Concluded with a call for consensus and a round of applause for the speakers.

The summit concluded with a round of applause, reflecting the collective commitment of young leaders to fostering a resilient, collaborative, and innovative future for ASEAN and Japan.

For readers interested in the detailed policy proposals of the joint statement, please access them via this link: Joint Statement Policy Proposals.

■Join the Movement

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit is not just an event but a call to action for fostering innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shared challenges. As we continue to build a stronger, more connected future, we invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in driving impactful change across ASEAN and Japan. To explore collaboration opportunities or to become part of this dynamic initiative, please contact PoliPoli’s secretariat at:

asean-japan-business-leaders-summit@polipoli.io 

Together, let’s shape a future of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.