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Youth Engagement Summit 2009
posted November 21, 2009 2:26 pm
The Youth Engagement Summit 2009 was many different things to many different people.
It was an adventure in this humble country for many Southeast Asians who’ve not stepped out of their countries before, let alone Malaysia. Some didn’t even know how to get a passport.
It was an opportunity of a lifetime for some to meet their idols. You should see the standing ovation Tony Fernandes received at the end of his session. You should hear how some youths fumbled in sheer excitement during the Q&A’s.
Biz Stone on Day 1
Randi Zuckerberg on Day 2
Tony Fernandes on Day 2
It was a honeymoon to one couple. Let me go bug my colleague Audra about this next week, and shed some details here.
It was one big classroom where thousands of people learn things they don’t teach you in schools, universities or any learning institutions. I, on a personal level, have learned a lot. Sir Bob Geldof sharing insights on how LiveAid got to be so big – the formula which involves a larger than life vision, and the right ways to target the right parties in order to realize that vision. Donald Trump telling you ‘if someone screws you over, you screw them back’. Beat that, education system.
It was, no doubt, a social event. People made friends. Exchanged contact details. Forged friendships.
I recall days before the event, my dear friend Suit Lin asked me a question I was not able to answer. What do you hope the Summit to be/do for you?
I remember telling her I look forward to learn a thing or two. And to see in person the young people behind the inspiring stories of change I have read in the course of the preparation for the SEAchange Youth Report.
But as I stood there that day, at the end of the Summit, watching groups of young people running dashing pouncing their way up on the stage to party & celebrate the closing of the event, I saw something magical happen right before me. All cultural disputes, all racism issues, all language barriers.. they were gone. These kids who came from all corners of the region were now holding hands, singing the same song, collectively chanting ‘Southeast Asia YES WE CAN’ and dancing. Youths from different countries pouncing upon one another to fit their faces in front of the camera, not caring where they came from, or what divided them to start with.
The amount of positive energy in that hall was astounding.
So what was YES2009 to me?
I found inspiration from the speakers, especially Sir Bob & Donald Trump. I found myself starstruck more than once, and completely weak at the knees when Biz Stone walked past me with a smile. I learned more than a thing or two. But most of all, YES2009 was where I found my passion for youth empowerment going up a few notches higher.
The view from above
Can’t wait to work on our next project already.
Posted in , work, YES2009, Youth Asia
