Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in collaboration with the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), successfully concluded the 2026 ASEAN-Korea Youth Network (AKYN) Workshop with a Closing Ceremony held at UBD.
Held from 24th to 27th June 2026 in the Republic of Korea and 28th June to 1st July 2026 in Brunei Darussalam, the workshop brought together 50 university students representing all ASEAN Member States alongside participants from the Republic of Korea. The programme provided a platform for emerging youth leaders to strengthen regional understanding, develop cross-cultural friendships, and explore the role of digital innovation in shaping an inclusive and sustainable future.
Organised under the theme “Empowering ASEAN-Korea Youth: Digital Innovation for Inclusive Development,” the workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of ASEAN-Korea relations while equipping them with knowledge and practical insights on digital transformation, innovation, and youth leadership. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in expert lectures, interactive discussions, site visits, team-building activities, cultural exchange sessions, and collaborative group projects, culminating in presentations of youth-led policy proposals addressing regional digital challenges.
The Closing Ceremony was graced by His Excellency Kim Jae-shin, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre and His Excellency Sun Nam Kook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam. Also present was Ms. Lee Eunok, Head of Information and Data Unit, ASEAN-Korea Centre, Ms. Kim Su Youn, Deputy Head of Information and Data Unit, ASEAN-Korea Centre and Ms. Sokpanya Phon, Deputy Head of Information and Data Unit, ASEAN-Korea Centre.
Delivering the closing remarks, His Excellency Kim Jae-shin commended the participants for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment throughout the workshop, highlighting the important role of youth in advancing ASEAN-Korea cooperation and shaping an inclusive digital future. Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice–Chancellor (Global Engagement) of UBD, congratulated the participants on successfully completing the programme and expressed appreciation for the strong collaboration between UBD, the ASEAN-Korea Centre, and regional partners in providing meaningful international learning experiences for youth across ASEAN and Korea. She emphasised that collaboration was about learning to listen, adapt, and combine strengths across borders, which creates opportunities for joint research, internationalised curricula, and community benefit. Meanwhile, His Excellency Sun Nam Kook, reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s continued commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and youth engagement with ASEAN, encouraging participants to remain connected and contribute actively to future regional cooperation initiatives.
The ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop, first launched in 2012, continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening youth engagement and people-to-people connectivity between ASEAN and the Republic of Korea. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, the initiative empowers young leaders to contribute meaningfully towards regional cooperation and inclusive development.
Through its partnership with the ASEAN-Korea Centre and KAIST, UBD continues to strengthen its role as a regional platform for international collaboration, youth development, and knowledge exchange. By hosting initiatives such as the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop, the University remains committed to providing transformative global learning experiences that equip future leaders with the skills, perspectives, and networks needed to address regional challenges and contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN community.
For more information on UBD’s short-term programmes, please visit www.ubd.edu.bn or email globaldiscovery.ga@ubd.edu.bn.