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OSAKA: The Japan Youth Summit 2024, organized by Youth Break the Boundaries, took place in Osaka from July 1 to 4. The event brought together over 100 young leaders from 28 countries, fostering a collaborative environment for global exchange.

Throughout the four-day summit, delegates engaged in cultural tours, keynote speeches, and presentations aimed at developing solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants had the opportunity to present their projects, interact with experts, and build international networks, all geared towards preparing the next generation to address global challenges and promote sustainability. 

Notably, Hawa Anak Ringkai, a Ph.D. student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, attended as the sole representative from Malaysia.

Day 1: Arrival and Warm Welcome

Delegates from around the world arrived at Osaka Kansai Airport, where they were warmly welcomed by the Japan Youth Summit organizers.

They were then transported to their accommodations—Sarasa Hotel Namba, Chisun Standard Osaka Shin-Imamiya, and FP Hotel Osaka.

At the hotels, delegates were paired with roommates from different countries, promoting international collaboration from the start. 

The day concluded with a welcome dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where delegates received their summit kits.

Hawa (fifth from the left) arriving at Osaka Kansai Airport alongside other delegates who arrived at the same time

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Following a hearty breakfast, delegates departed for Kyoto City at 8 am by tour bus.

Their first stop was the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the hills.

Despite the rainy weather, delegates eagerly explored the shrine's scenic beauty. Lunch was enjoyed at a nearby restaurant, featuring a unique grilling beef experience.

The day’s itinerary continued with a visit to the Kyoto Railway Museum, where delegates explored the history and technology of trains through interactive displays, ranging from early models to the latest Shinkansen technology.

The cultural tour concluded at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, known for its towering bamboo groves and tranquil ambiance. 

The gentle rustling of the bamboo, noted as one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes” enhanced the serene experience. 

These cultural visits highlighted the synergy between culture, innovation, and environmental conservation in fostering social progress.

Dinner was served at a restaurant on Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street Osaka, where delegates enjoyed shabu-shabu.

The evening concluded with delegates returning to their hotels to make final preparations for the upcoming innovation project competition.

Hawa (fourth from the left, bottom row) with delegates and committee members at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto

 

Committees and delegates in their official Japan Youth Summit shirts, captured at the Kyoto Railway Museum

Day 3: Industry Insights and Innovation Presentations

In the early morning, delegates first experienced Osaka's public transportation with a provided 2-day pass, as the day's official event was hosted at Osaka Castle Hotel. The summit commenced with an opening address by the CEO of Youth Break the Boundaries, Mr. Aldi, followed by insightful keynote speeches.

Prominent industry leaders, including Mr. Masaaki Yoshikawa, Founder and CEO of Human Hub Japan Corporation, Ms. Priscilla Ariani Limawan, Head of Product Development at Paragon Technology and Innovation, and Ms.Deanna Annisa Dewi, Product Innovation Manager, shared their extensive experience related

to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

Ms. Hiroko Kawamorita, Lecturer at the Faculty of Regional Management at Hachinohe Gakuin University, provided invaluable insights on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Additionally, Mr. Rafyoga Jehan Pratama Irsadanar, a MEXT scholar and Ph.D. student at Kobe University, offered his perspective on integrating technology and tradition in Japanese education (SDG 4: Quality Education).

After lunch, delegates received certificates of appreciation, followed by presentations from 12 groups showcasing their innovative projects.

Hawa and her team, presenting sixth, addressed the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education (SDG 4) with a focus on equal opportunities.

As the project leader, Hawa emphasized the critical need for educational equity irrespective of gender and background.

The award ceremony honored outstanding delegates and groups, with Hawa’s team earning the 1st Place Award for Best Innovation Project Idea.

Their mobile app prototype, EQUAL Platform, designed to improve educational accessibility and support for all students especially those who are under-represented or vulnerable impressed the panel of experts with its user-friendly digital interface.

From left—Muhammad Rigel Alhuda (Indonesia), Malikova Assem (Kazakhstan),Adella Zamiel Arifin (Indonesia), Ms. Priscilla Ariani Limawan, Hawa Anak Ringkai (Malaysia), Mubina Arslanova (Uzbekistan), Munkh-Uyanga Enkhbaatar (Mongolia), and Ronald Michael Brookie-Betham (New Zealand) receiving the 1st Place Award for Best Innovation Project Idea

Day 4: Farewell and Departure

On the final day, delegates received their certificates, completed check-out procedures, and departed for their next destinations.

While some extended their stay in Japan, others returned to their home countries.

Closing Insights: Fostering Friendships and Innovating for a Better Community Hawa praised the summit as a pivotal moment for young innovators to present their ideas to distinguished industry leaders.

The event encouraged meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and forged lasting friendships, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in shaping future leaders.

The knowledge and inspiration gained will empower delegates to enhance their communities and drive significant progress