RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Singapore are joining forces to strengthen youth development, aiming to prepare a new generation of leaders equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir and Singapore’s Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth David Neo during the Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports (SEAMMYS) 2026 in Sanur, Bali.

“Through cooperation with Singapore, we want to nurture future leaders who are adaptive to technology and who embody empathy and strong social commitment,” Minister Erick said in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The MoU commits both countries to expand collaboration in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and volunteerism, while also focusing on building a safe digital ecosystem to support innovation.

Minister Erick described the initiative as a concrete step in advancing Indonesia’s youth diplomacy. “This is Indonesia’s youth diplomacy in action, ensuring our young people become resilient and competitive on the global stage,” he added.

In his presentation titled Strengthening Youth Resilience and Supporting Success in the AI Age, David Neo stressed the importance of preparing young people to navigate uncertainty while harnessing artificial intelligence for success.

He highlighted the need for a secure and supportive digital environment to foster innovation. Neo also pointed out Singapore’s top ranking in the Global Youth Development Index (YDI) 2023, underscoring the strategic value of the partnership.

The collaboration is expected to enhance connectivity between citizens of both nations, nurturing future leaders and athletes who can compete internationally.

Beyond youth development, the agreement also covers sports cooperation, including the integration of sport science and technology to accelerate athletic achievements. ***