Cambodia's Union Of Youth Federations Wins ASEAN Prize 2025

By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Prize 2025 has been awarded to the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) in recognition of its outstanding contributions to strengthening youth engagement and advancing regional integration in ASEAN.

The prestigious award was presented by ASEAN Chair and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to UYFC Vice President Dam Dariny during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today, witnessed by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn.

The winner received a USD20,000 cash prize and a trophy.

Director of Community Affairs of the ASEAN Secretariat Lee Yoong Yoong said UYFC was selected for its dedication to strengthening youth engagement and advancing regional integration through activities that foster people-to-people connectivity and inclusiveness.

Speaking to Bernama, Dariny said the prestigious recognition not only reflects UYFC’s achievements but also the collective efforts of dedicated Cambodian youth in advancing social progress, unity and regional cooperation.

“This award reflects the dedication and spirit of service that drive our members across the country. It reaffirms our long-standing belief that youth is an essential force for national development and regional integration,” she said.

UYFC, established on Dec 2, 1978, implemented a range of programmes focusing on youth leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, volunteerism and providing community service.

“We have also played an active role in regional youth cooperation, encouraging Cambodian youth to participate in ASEAN initiatives and cross-border collaborations.

“These efforts aim to nurture responsible and dynamic youth who can contribute not only to Cambodia’s development but also to ASEAN’s shared vision of a people-oriented and inclusive community,” she added.

The Prize was introduced in 2018 during the 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, celebrating changemakers from all walks of life who have made exceptional contributions to ASEAN community-building.

This year’s Prize is supported by the Hasanah Foundation (Yayasan Hasanah) and the Temasek Foundation.

The 47th ASEAN Summit, held under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, gathers top leaders from all member states as well as key dialogue partners, including the United States, China and Japan.

-- BERNAMA