Jakarta, August 16–23, 2025 – The ASEAN Future Leaders Summit (AFLES) 2025 has officially opened as a prestigious event to develop the potential of ASEAN's young generation in leadership, culture, and international collaboration. This event is organized in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Pancasila University, with support from various partner universities and institutions.
AFLES 2025 is a collaboration between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pancasila University, and support from various partner universities and institutions.
A number of figures/leaders attended this meeting, including:
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anees Janee Ali (Founder and Advisor of AFLES, School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia)
• Datuk Dr. Rafiq Bin Idris (Vice Chancellor, University College Sabah Foundation, Malaysia)
• Datuk Salleh Said Keruak, Ph.D. (Member of The Sabah State Legislative Council, Malaysia)
• Prof. Dr. Sri Widyastuti, SE, MM, M.Si (Vice Chancellor for Resources, Pancasila University)
• Muhammad Rizky Aldila, SH, M.Kn (Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, Pancasila University)
• Dr. Harnovinsah, SE, Ak., M.Si., CA., Cert.IPSAS (Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Pancasila University)
• Prof. Devi Roza Kausar, Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Pancasila University)
• Dr. Erwin Permana, SP, ME (Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Economics and Business)
In addition, academics, industry practitioners, and entrepreneurs from Indonesia and Malaysia were also present to provide perspectives on strengthening regional leadership networks.
In addition, academics, industry practitioners, and entrepreneurs from Indonesia and Malaysia were also present to provide perspectives on strengthening regional leadership networks.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony & Welcoming Dinner (August 16, 2025)
The first day of AFLES 2025 took place at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Pancasila University. Delegates from various ASEAN countries registered and were warmly welcomed. The event continued with a Welcoming Dinner and a Program Briefing, which provided a comprehensive overview of the series of activities.
Day 2: Independence Day Celebration & Leadership Kick-off (17 August 2025)
The momentum of Indonesian Independence Day 2025 was celebrated with delegates through a campus parade and a people's party. This event also marked the AFLES Kick-off Launching Ceremony, with remarks from Muhammad Rizky Aldila, SH, M.Kn (Vice Chancellor of Pancasila University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anees Janee Ali (Founder of AFLES), Datuk Dr. Rafiq Bin Idris (UCSF), and Datuk Salleh Said Keruak, Ph.D. (Sabah Government). Inspirational sessions presented speakers such as Devi Aprianty (Director, Head of Insurance Services, Bolttech Insurance Broker) and Mr. Josandy Maha Putra (Official LinkedIn Local Partner Indonesia). Prof. Anees also provided guidance regarding the Gala Night and Business Proposal preparation.
Day 3: Cultural & Educational Trip in Jakarta (August 18, 2025)
The third day was filled with cultural and educational experiences. The delegation visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) to learn about the diversity of Indonesian culture. Then, they continued on a city tour of Jakarta's iconic landmarks, including the National Monument (Monas), Thamrin City, and Jakarta's Old Town.
Day 4: Innovation & ASEAN Entrepreneur Pitching Competition (19 August 2025)
The fourth day featured inspirational sessions from cross-sector figures, namely Mr. Mufizar Mahmoud (Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations, Head of Indonesian Region for Gojek Indonesia), Dr. Guido Scheider (Director, DAAD Regional Office Jakarta), and Mr. Jeffry Lim (COO & Co-founder Fracsio Malaysia). AFLES 2025 also held the ASEAN Entrepreneur Pitching Competition, where delegates prepared business proposals in the fields of research, management, tourism, and communications.
Day 5: Educational Trip to Bandung (August 20, 2025)
The delegation undertook an educational visit to Bandung, beginning with an Angklung Workshop at Saung Angklung Udjo. They also visited the Geology Museum, Gedung Sate, and enjoyed the atmosphere at the Al Jabbar Grand Mosque.
Day 6: Expert Sharing Sessions (21 August 2025)
The sixth day featured speakers from various backgrounds. Madame Chan Li Jin (Exco Member of Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, Former Head of Communications & Volunteer Management of MERCY Malaysia) shared her experiences in the fields of communication, volunteerism, and humanitarianism. The session was continued by Fahrurozy Darmawan, S.Ikom., MPPar (Faculty of Tourism, Pancasila University), Gunawan Baharuddin, Ph.D., and a successful entrepreneur from Malaysia.
Day 7: Student Presentations & ASEAN Gala Night (August 22–23, 2025)
The final day featured presentations from five Pancasila University students on the theme of ASEAN & Cultural Adaptation, accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anees Janee Ali (USM). The closing ceremony was the ASEAN Gala Night, a culminating event celebrating friendship, cultural diversity, and the leadership of ASEAN's young generation.
AFLES 2025 serves as a strategic platform to instill leadership values, strengthen networks, and celebrate cultural diversity across the ASEAN region. Through this seven-day event, ASEAN's youth are expected to emerge as Next Generation Leaders, ready to bring positive change to the nation and the region.
