ASEAN youth drive cultural exchange, sustainability in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU (July 15): Kampung Kobuni in Inanam is the primary location for the ongoing ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme 2025 (AYV 2025) in Sabah, involving 40 youth participants from ASEAN member countries.
The seven-day programme, running from 12 to 19 July, is organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in conjunction with ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship 2025. Its objectives include empowering youth through volunteer activities, cultural exchange and community development.
Kampung Kobuni village chief, Aji Rombuton, 66, stated that the community's involvement in the programme recognises residents' commitment to preserving culture and supporting community-based rural tourism.
'This village is well-known and has participated in various programmes even before AYV. Residents always warmly welcome guests and leverage local culture as a strength. Activities include revitalising the community hall with mural paintings, traditional sports, communal work (gotong-royong), cultural exchanges and environmental awareness programmes involving villagers and international participants.
Kobuni Cultural Hall also hosts art performances, traditional heritage displays and ethnic cooking demonstrations, allowing participants to experience local culture firsthand,' he said during the AYV 2025 welcoming dinner on Sunday.
Homestay Desa Cinta Kobuni and Homestay Id Kalangadan recently received the ASEAN Homestay Standard Award (AHSA) for achievements in preserving culture, boosting community economies and practising sustainable tourism meeting international standards.
Cambodian participant Sos Solihen described joining AYV 2025 as a heartfelt experience strengthening regional ties: 'We were welcomed like family. Sharing meals with host families and joining village activities was deeply meaningful.'
Meanwhile, Brunei participant Aqilah Aziemah Junaidi expressed excitement about contributing to a solar panel installation project and plans to share this experience in her home country.
'This programme inspires how youth can become grassroots agents of change,' she said.
Jeremiah Lucas Jugo from Sarawak, representing Malaysia, called AYV 2025 a platform connecting youth across backgrounds through service and culture.
'Our identities differ, but this unites us through ASEAN humanity and solidarity. It also highlights Sabah's cultural richness and rural community strength, proving small villages like Kobuni can foster regional cooperation,' he said.
AYV 2025 gathers youth from all 11 ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, and Laos.
According to the ASEAN Secretariat, youth comprise one-third of ASEAN's population and are projected to exceed 220 million by 2038. Thus, empowering youth through programmes like AYV 2025 is vital for building a more inclusive and resilient regional future.
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