AI + Youth Empowerment Society Launched at HONOR Summit 2025: A Positive Step for Malaysia and the Region
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and digital creativity across the Asia Pacific region continues to reshape how the region prepares for the future. This direction was clearly reflected at the HONOR AI + Design Summit 2025 (APAC Edition) in Kuala Lumpur, where leaders from government, diplomacy, academia and industry gathered to discuss practical pathways for advancing AI adoption, creative industries and youth development. The event also celebrated a major milestone with the official launch of HONOR’s AI + Youth Empowerment Society (AYES), a collaborative platform designed to equip young people across Asia Pacific with AI literacy, digital skills and creative confidence.
The presence of distinguished leaders added significant depth to the discussions. Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, Special Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, highlighted the growing importance of digital readiness within the national education system. Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, underscored the strength of Malaysia–China cooperation in technology, innovation, and talent exchange. Guidance on Malaysia’s national AI direction was provided by Mr Sam Maild, Chief Executive Officer and Head of the National AI Office (NAIO), whose leadership continues to shape the country’s AI governance and policy landscape. HONOR’s global and regional commitment was articulated by Mr Martin Xu, Corporate Senior Vice President of Honor Device Co., Ltd., and Mr Justin Li, General Manager for the South Pacific Region at HONOR Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, who reaffirmed the company’s focus on empowering communities and enabling access to future technologies.
AYES marks an important step for the region. By building a platform that engages universities, government agencies, and industry networks, the initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem in which young people can confidently experiment, design, and innovate with AI. For Malaysia, where human capital development is a national priority, such initiatives support the country’s ambition to position itself as a trusted regional hub for digital transformation.
TAPiO Management Advisory views the summit and the launch of AYES as strongly aligned with Malaysia’s long-term digital aspirations. The themes discussed mirror many of the priorities we see in our engagements with public sector stakeholders, international partners, and private organisations positioning themselves for the next phase of technological change in Malaysia. As a firm deeply active in the AI and digitalisation space, we recognise the importance of cross-border cooperation, regulatory clarity, cultural intelligence and talent development in ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive and future-ready.
Commenting on the importance of responsible and inclusive AI adoption, TAPiO’s Chairman, Mr Bernhard Schutte, noted:
“Artificial intelligence will shape every layer of economic and social development, but its true value depends on how well people are prepared to use it. The countries that will lead are not only the ones that adopt technology quickly, but the ones that invest in talent, creativity and the human understanding required to guide AI responsibly.”
Youth empowerment stands at the centre of this transformation. TAPiO places strong emphasis on nurturing young talent and has welcomed students from across the world into its international leadership and internship programme for many years. These students join TAPiO to gain hands-on experience, learn from real-world projects and develop an understanding of Malaysia’s role in the global economy. This focus on practical learning and cross-cultural exposure reflects our belief that the next generation of leaders must be both technically capable and globally aware.
The creation of AYES is therefore a very positive step for the region. It reinforces the idea that preparing young people for a digital future requires collaboration between government, academia, industry and international partners. By empowering youth with AI literacy and creative skills, the region strengthens its capacity for innovation, resilience and long-term growth.
HONOR’s leadership in establishing this initiative, combined with the commitment of Malaysia’s key national institutions and regional partners, lays a strong foundation for continued progress. TAPiO remains committed to supporting the development of a robust and responsible AI ecosystem in Malaysia and to fostering opportunities that help young people thrive in an increasingly digital world.
