APEC Youth Forum 2023: Empowering the Next Generation for a Promising Future
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Youth Forum 2023 gathered young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and observers from the 21 APEC member economies to explore opportunities for global economic cooperation and regional integration. Hosted by CGTN, the forum, titled “Empowering the World: Shaping a Promising Future,” served as a platform for inspiring dialogue and collaboration among the future leaders of the Asia-Pacific region.
We Inspire – Keynote Speeches
The forum commenced with keynote speeches under the theme “We Inspire,” featuring prominent figures who shared their insights and experiences:
- Chris Pereira, Founder and CEO of iMpact, discussed the vital role of innovation in driving economic growth.
- Jackie Wang, Co-founder of 1003 POLO, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in the modern economy.
- Mika Hashizume, Artist, emphasized the power of creativity and cultural exchange in fostering understanding and cooperation.
We Connect – Panel Discussions
The forum included three panel discussions, each focusing on critical aspects of regional development.
Forum 1: Opportunities and Challenges
Moderated by CGTN host Dean Yang, the first panel addressed the opportunities and challenges facing young professionals in the Asia-Pacific region. Panelists included:
- Chris Pereira, Founder and CEO of iMpact
- Joseph Chan, Associate Director at the Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, The University of Hong Kong
- Jackie Wang, Co-founder of 1003 POLO
- John Woo, Chief Scientist at Apailang Creativity Tech
- Alexander Chan, Head of ESG Client Strategy Asia at Invesco
- Ivan Park, Chairman of Dropflow Inc.
The discussion centered on leveraging technology and innovation to overcome regional challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Forum 2: Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
Hosted by CGTN’s Chen Yilin, the second panel explored the significance of cultural exchange in enhancing cooperation among APEC economies. Panelists were:
- Mika Hashizume, Artist
- Jackie Wang, Co-founder of 1003 POLO
- Yuval Zohar, Architect and Product Manager for ARtefacts at EXP. JOURNEYS
- Anjali Nadaradjane, Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University
- Joseph Chan, Associate Director at the Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, The University of Hong Kong
- Sunatta Pongcharoen, Foresight Research Director at FutureTales Lab by MQDC
The speakers shared their perspectives on how cultural understanding can drive collaboration and innovation across borders.
Forum 3: Sustainable Development
The final panel, moderated by Dean Yang, focused on sustainable development strategies in the region. Panelists included:
- Yuval Zohar, Architect and Product Manager for ARtefacts at EXP. JOURNEYS
- Ivan Park, Chairman of Dropflow Inc.
- Mika Hashizume, Artist
- John Woo, Chief Scientist at Apailang Creativity Tech
- Dave Ang, Founder of The Sustainable Gardener
Discussions highlighted the urgency of sustainable practices and the role of youth leadership in achieving environmental goals.
Shaping the Future Together
The APEC Youth Forum 2023 provided an invaluable platform for young leaders to exchange ideas, foster connections, and envision a collaborative future. Through inspiring speeches and engaging discussions, participants reaffirmed their commitment to shaping a promising future for the Asia-Pacific region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
