Manila:Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded message of support at the 11th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival held in Manila, the Philippines. The event was themed 'Navigating ASEAN's Future Together Young Entrepreneurs Driving Prosperity for All.'

According to Association of SouthEast Asian Nation, Dr. Kao emphasized the crucial role young entrepreneurs play in advancing ASEAN's economic integration, innovation, and inclusive growth. He urged the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council to enhance cross-border collaboration and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in harnessing opportunities from regional economic and digital integration.

Dr. Kao also highlighted the importance of contributing to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030. He called for stronger partnerships to promote youth entrepreneurship, particularly through the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2026-2030, aiming for a more resilient, connected, and prosperous ASEAN Community.