YOUNG SPEAKER CONTEST

Download the programme information about this activity [here].

FUTURE INNOVATOR CHALLENGE

Download the programme information about this activity [here].

FAMILIARIZATION VISIT: ASEAN STUDENT MOBILITY PROGRAMME

As part of the ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Forum 2025 (AEF2025), the Familiarization Visit offers a unique opportunity for students across ASEAN higher education institutions (HEIs) to engage in an immersive cultural, academic, and innovation-driven experience. This program will take place from 19 to 23 February 2025, hosted by various Malaysian universities, fostering regional collaboration and cultural exchange.

Key Highlights of the Familiarization Visit

• Cross-Cultural Exchange
  Participants will experience Malaysia's rich culture, traditions, and hospitality while interacting with peers from diverse ASEAN countries. Host universities will organize cultural activities, including networking events, traditional performances, and local cuisine experiences, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
• Innovation and Leadership Development
  Central to the visit is the ASEAN Future Innovators Challenge, where students collaborate to address regional challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will brainstorm and develop innovative solutions, record 3-minute project videos, and present their ideas during the program’s internal judging sessions.
• Campus and Community Engagement
  Host universities will showcase their academic programs, research excellence, and SDG initiatives through campus tours and presentations. Students will also engage with local industries or communities to understand the real-world application of sustainability projects.
• Collaborative Learning Environment
  Through workshops and facilitated group discussions, students will refine their innovation projects with guidance from university experts. These activities are designed to inspire teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving among participants.

Program Structure

Each day of the Familiarization Visit is structured to balance educational, cultural, and social experiences, ensuring students gain valuable insights and build lasting connections. Key activities include:

• Orientation sessions and campus introductions
• Thematic innovation project workshops
• Visits to local industries or communities
• Cultural immersion activities, such as traditional performances and cuisine tasting
• Reflection and farewell gatherings

Role of Host Universities

Host universities play an integral role in the success of the Familiarization Visit by:

• Accommodating up to 40 students per campus
• Providing transportation, accommodation, and meals for participants
• Organizing engaging academic and cultural activities
• Facilitating workshops for the ASEAN Future Innovators Challenge
• Selecting and showcasing the best 3-minute innovation project video during the AEF2025 closing ceremony

Fostering a Sustainable Future

The Familiarization Visit is more than an exchange program—it’s a platform for ASEAN youth to lead the way in innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration. Together, we aim to empower future leaders and create a stronger, united ASEAN community.

FORUM AND EXHIBITION

 More information is coming soon!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

ABOUT THE ASEAN STUDENT MOBILITY PROGRAMME

Q: What is the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme?
A: The ASEAN Student Mobility Programme is organised as part of the ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Forum 2025 (AEF2025). This hybrid event brings together students, educators, and industry leaders from ASEAN countries to promote collaboration, leadership, and innovation while addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling regional challenges.

Q: When and where will the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme take place?
A: The ASEAN Student Mobility Programme will be held in hybrid mode:

• Online Program: 11-17 February 2025
• Face-to-Face Program: 19-25 February 2025, in Kuala Lumpur and host universities across Malaysia.

Q: Who is organising the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme during the AEF2025?
A: The ASEAN Student Mobility Programme is organised by the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC) at Universiti Utara Malaysia, with support from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), ASEAN University Network (AUN), and Malaysian universities.

YOUNG SPEAKER CONTEST

 Q: What is the Young Speaker Contest?
A: The Young Speaker Contest is a platform for ASEAN students to deliver inspiring speeches on critical topics addressing ASEAN challenges and SDGs. Finalists will compete during the face-to-face program in Kuala Lumpur.

Q: What are the themes for the contest?
A: The themes for the contest are:

1. Empowering ASEAN Youth: Leadership for a Sustainable Future – Focusing on youth leadership and capacity-building to drive sustainable development across ASEAN.
2. ASEAN Climate Action: Pathways to Sustainability and Resilience – Addressing climate challenges and proposing innovative approaches to create sustainable and resilient communities.
3. Strengthening ASEAN Partnerships: Collaboration for Inclusive Development – Promoting regional collaboration and partnerships to ensure inclusive and equitable growth in ASEAN.

Q: How can I participate in the contest?
A: Contact your university’s International Office to be nominated as a participant.

Q: What should I prepare for the Young Speaker Contest?
A: Participants must prepare a speech based on their selected theme from the provided contest themes. Additional guidance will be provided before the preliminary round.

Q: If I don’t make it to the final round, do I still need to attend the face-to-face program?
A: Yes, all participants, regardless of their progression in the contest, are required to attend the face-to-face program. Those who do not make it to the final round will still be assigned to a host university and participate in the Familiarization Visit and other program activities.

FUTURE INNOVATORS CHALLENGE 

Q: What is the Future Innovators Challenge?
A: This is a team-based competition where participants propose innovative solutions to ASEAN issues aligned with SDGs. Teams will develop project prototypes and submit a 3-minute video during the Familiarization Visit.

Q: What happens to the best projects?
A: The best project from each host university will be presented and voted on during the AEF2025 closing ceremony.

Q: Can I stay with my friends from the same university for the Future Innovators Challenge?
A: Students will be assigned randomly to relevant host universities for the Future Innovators Challenge. As a result, students from the same university may be separated and placed in different host universities to ensure diversity and collaboration.

Q: Can I represent my country in the Future Innovators Challenge?
A: The host university may group students based on their countries for the challenge. This arrangement allows participants to collaborate and showcase solutions representing their nation's perspectives and strengths.

FAMILIARISATION VISIT 

Q: What is the Familiarization Visit (FAM Visit)?
A: The FAM Visit, held from 19-23 February 2025, involves participants visiting Malaysian host universities to engage in SDG-themed activities, innovation competitions, and cultural exchange programs.

Q: How are students assigned to host universities?
A: Students will be grouped and assigned to host universities based on the program’s three themes: Empowering ASEAN Youth, ASEAN Climate Action and Strengthening ASEAN Partnerships. Students may also be randomly assigned to an appropriate host university to ensure a balanced and diverse representation.

Q: Do I need to bring my traditional attire?
A: Participants are encouraged to bring traditional attire representing their country. You may need to wear it during a cultural day or activities at your host university.

REGISTRATION & FEES 

Q: How can I register for the ASEAN Student Mobility Programme?
A: Students must contact their university’s International Office, which will handle the nomination process.

Q: Are there any fees for participating?
A: Yes, a commitment fee of USD 50 per participant is payable to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

• Account Name: Education Malaysia Global Services
• Account Number: 5640-5250-7660
• Bank: Malayan Banking Berhad
• SWIFT Code: MBBEMYKL
• Bank Address: Maybank Jalan Tun Razak, Ground & Mezzanine Floor,
• Postcode: 50450
• City: Bangunan UTMSPACE, 195a Jalan Tun Razak
• State: Kuala Lumpur
• Reference: AEF2025

Participants are also responsible for their travel to Kuala Lumpur and insurance. Host universities will provide accommodation, meals, and transportation during the program in Malaysia

Q: When should I pay the USD 50 fee?
A: The fee must be paid once the secretariat confirms your place in the program.

Q: How many times a day will food be provided?
A: Food will be provided three times a day, including packed meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Q: What type of accommodation will be provided?
A: During the program, participants will be provided with appropriate in-campus accommodation at their host universities.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Participants should bring the following:

• A sufficient number of sports attire for physical activities.
• Semi-formal attire for day activities, including the forum sessions.
• University t-shirts or corporate shirts can be worn during the forum and exhibition.

Q: I am a non-ASEAN citizen. Can I participate?
A: No, this program is open only to ASEAN students. Non-ASEAN citizens may require a visa to enter Malaysia, and the program does not cover the cost of obtaining a visa. ASEAN citizens, except those from Myanmar, do not require a visa to enter Malaysia. They only need a student pass, which the program will facilitate.

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS 

Q: Who arranges transportation for the program?
A: Participants must arrange their travel to Kuala Lumpur for the face-to-face program. The host universities will organise transportation from Kuala Lumpur to the host universities during the FAM Visit.

Q: Will accommodation be provided?
A: Yes, accommodation will be provided during the FAM Visit and the face-to-face program in Kuala Lumpur.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?
A: Students with ASEAN countries' nationalities, except Myanmar, do not require a visa to enter Malaysia. Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) will assist in obtaining the necessary student passes for participants to attend the program.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes, students have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, accidents, and trip disruptions for the duration of the program. This ensures your safety and provides financial protection during your stay in Malaysia.

Q: Where is the pickup point when I arrive at KLIA?
A: Buses will pick up students at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from 8:00 AM until 1:30 PM on 19 February 2025. The buses will transport participants to a designated meeting point where host university representatives will pick them up and bring them to their respective campuses.

Q: Can I arrive at KLIA after 1:30 PM on 19 February 2025?
A: All students must arrive at KLIA before 1:30 PM on 19 February 2025. Students must arrange their flights or transportation to KLIA accordingly to ensure timely arrival and smooth coordination for the program.

Q: What happens if I arrive after 1:30 PM on 19 February 2025?
A: If you arrive after 1:30 PM on 19 February 19 2025, no transportation support will be provided. You will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to your assigned host university for the Familiarization Visit.

OFFICERS PARTICIPATION

 Q: Can accompanying officers join the program?
A: Yes, accompanying officers can join the program in Kuala Lumpur on February 24–25, 2025. However, officers are required to arrange their own accommodation and transportation.

Q: Can accompanying officers join the Familiarization Visit?
A: No, the accommodation and transportation arrangements are designed to accommodate students only.

Q: Will accommodation be provided for accompanying officers?
A: No, accommodation for accompanying officers will not be provided. Officers are required to arrange their own accommodation for the duration of the program.

Suggested Hotel for Officers:
Officers are advised to attend the event from 23–25 February 2025 and may consider staying at Sunway Resort, located in Sunway City, Malaysia. The hotel offers excellent amenities and is conveniently located for the program's activities.

For more details about the hotel and booking options, visit their official website: Sunway Resort.

GENERAL FAQs

 Q: How many students will participate in AEF2025?
A: A total of 500 students from ASEAN universities will participate alongside 100 officers and volunteers from Malaysia.

Q: Can I participate virtually?
A: The online program from 11-17 February 2025 is open to all registered participants. However, the face-to-face program requires in-person attendance.

Q: Who will participate in the exhibition?
A: Malaysian universities will have dedicated booths to promote their academic programs. ASEAN universities that wish to be exhibitors should contact Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) to arrange for participation in the exhibition.

CONTACT

Q: How can I get more information?
A: For more details, please contact:

• Email: uuminternational@gmail.com
• Phone: +604-928-3416
• Website: AEF2025 Official Website
• Telegram: https://t.me/+tif9Ka82SmoyZmQ1
• Address: Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC), Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.

CONTACT US

For inquiries or further details:
📩 Email: uuminternational@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +604-928-3416, Join Telegram Group https://t.me/+tif9Ka82SmoyZmQ1