​Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) recently hosted the fourth ASEAN Student Forum 2019 (ASF 2019).

Themed 'Advancing Partnership for Sustainability', the event was organised by UTP ASEAN Students Association (UTP ASA), supported by Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Education Ministry, with Yayasan UTP as the main sponsor.

Officiated by Perak Youth, Sports and Human Development Committee Chairman, Howard Lee Chuan How, the yearly held event saw participation from more than 60 delegates from 13 ASEAN Plus Three nations. 

The four-day forum beginning 27 August, aimed at enhancing integration and cooperation among ASEAN youths as well as nurturing future leaders through youth empowerment.

ASF 2019 also provided a platform for youths to discuss, debate and design solutions to issues faced by ASEAN countries. 

In addition, the forum helped to strengthen UTP's networking and collaboration with its other ASEAN counterparts to support the university´s mission towards becoming a globally prominent university.

This year the forum focused on issues related to cyber security, human capital in STEM and waste management.  

Other segments featured were keynote addresses by experienced speakers, townhall meetings as well as debate and engagement sessions. 

The forum ended with a gala dinner which provided an excellent opportunity for delegates and guests to network.  It was graced by the presence of ASEAN Malaysia National Secretariat Director General, Dato' Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani.

The UTP ASA was established in 2016 with the aim to boost ties between ASEAN students and integrate different ASEAN communities into a one diversified entity.

Since its establishment, UTP ASA has discussed on varied topics related to social, environment, politics, economy and media with the participation of more than 700 youths.