TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – The World Youth Festival (WYF) 2024 emerged once again as a global stage for talented young minds to showcase their creativity, ideas, and innovative solutions. Held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 5-8, the event, organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), drew participants and leaders from across the world, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration.

Key figures such as Dr. Saleh Mubarak Bazead, philanthropist and analyst representing the NAMA Foundation, and Agustinus Toko Susetio, Head of CSR & Institutional Relations at PT ANTAM Tbk, delivered powerful messages during the festival. Susetio, affectionately known as Pak Koko, emphasized the importance of youth in shaping a sustainable future.

“The younger generation holds the key to the future. Festivals like WYF offer invaluable opportunities for them to exchange ideas and cultivate the mindset necessary for sustainable development,” Koko said in his keynote speech.

Sabrina Ridzal, Co-Founder of Brik and a prominent content creator, also attended the event, providing inspiration to the young participants with her entrepreneurial journey.

Innovation Takes Center Stage

One of the festival’s main highlights was the series of competitions, where young delegates presented their groundbreaking ideas. In the Best Essay of the World Youth Festival 2024 category, three individuals stood out: Amadou Gissay from Gambia, Gwayne Fabian from Asy Syahid Quran School, and Raisya Azka from Indonesia, who were all celebrated for their compelling ideas on youth empowerment and global change.

The festival also showcased the creativity of young entrepreneurs in the Business Idea Competition. Group 3 from Thursina IIBS Islamic Boarding School took first place with their innovative project, Botaniq—a smart planter made from recycled materials.

Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), Botaniq monitors soil moisture, light, and temperature, making indoor plant care effortless. This forward-thinking idea earned the team the Best Group award of the event.

Second place went to HOPE Union from Asy Syahid Quran School, with their innovative platform that connects young artists with global audiences, giving them a much-needed space to exhibit their work. The platform aims to overcome the barriers young artists face in accessing international recognition, particularly in Indonesia.

Edumotion, another project by Group 8 from Asy Syahid Quran School, secured third place. This digital platform aims to help children better understand and manage their emotions, offering educational tools designed to improve emotional well-being.

Sustainability in Focus: Coco Case

In the General Business Idea category, Coco Case from Group 1 emerged victorious. Their eco-friendly phone case, made from cocopeat (a byproduct of coconut farming), provides a sustainable alternative to plastic phone cases.

Coco Case not only delivers a practical solution but also contributes to reducing plastic waste in Indonesia. The team received the Best Group award and a cash prize of 300 USD to further develop their project.

WYF 2024 successfully created a platform for young leaders to shine, demonstrating that with the right support and resources, the younger generation can drive real change. The festival highlighted how today’s youth are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow, offering innovative solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive world.

The energy and creativity displayed at the World Youth Festival underscore a central message: the future is bright, and it is in the hands of young people ready to break boundaries. (*)