ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders Programme (AYPP) 2026, which has selected a cohort of young leaders for its upcoming residential training (scheduled for January 17–29, 2026, at Sunway University, Malaysia).

While a public list of every individual name is typically reserved for internal distribution or official press releases at the start of the event, below is a detailed introduction to the profile and composition of this selected cohort.

Overview of the 2026 Cohort

The ASEAN Youth Peacebuilders are a select group of 40 young leaders chosen from over a competitive pool of applicants to represent the 11 ASEAN Member States (including Timor-Leste).

• Total Participants: 40

• Representation: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste.

• Mission: To bridge cultural differences, strengthen social cohesion, and lead conflict transformation initiatives across Southeast Asia.

Participant Profile: Who are they?

The selected participants are not just students; they are emerging leaders and active change-makers in their respective communities. The selection process (conducted Aug–Oct 2025) prioritized individuals who demonstrated:

• Diverse Backgrounds: The cohort includes activists, NGO workers, government officers, fresh graduates, young academics, and community organizers.

• Leadership Potential: Proven track record in community service and the ability to mobilize peers.

• Focus Areas: Applicants were selected based on their engagement in critical regional issues, including:

  • Conflict Transformation & Mediation

  • Mental Health Advocacy (The "Silent Pandemic")

  • Climate Resilience & Environmental Action

  • Gender Equality & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

The Program & Organizers

These participants have already completed an intensive Online Training Module (in Nov/Dec 2025) covering Positive Peace and conflict analysis. They are now preparing for the immersive residential training at Sunway University, Malaysia.

The initiative is a major multi-sector collaboration involving:

• Rotary Club of Ipoh Central (Host & Organizer)

• UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

• Sunway University (Venue & Academic Partner)

• Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) (Training Partner)

• Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) (Framework Partner)