APEC Voices of the Future (VOF) is an annual event for youth leaders in conjunction with the APEC summit meetings organized by the host country. VOF aims to provide a platform for youth leaders to engage government and business leaders on issues relevant to APEC. For this year, APEC VOF was held in Yokohama, Japan from November 8^th – 14^th, 2010. APEC VOF 2010 was officiated by Ms Fumiko Hayashi, Mayor of Yokohama.

Last year, I was one of the three delegates representing Brunei Darussalam for the similar event that was being held in Singapore and due to the valuable experience gained, I have applied for another round in this year’s APEC VOF in Japan. Initially, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports would publish invitations to the public for this event but since there are no openings by the Ministry this year, I took the initiative to apply as an individual applicant.

Upon arrival at the hotel, we were each assigned to a different group to give us the opportunity to network and work together with other youths from different nations more closely. It was indeed a great opportunity for each of us to forge a friendship at a deeper level when we were each given different roommates from different countries. As it is common that we have our own perception to a given agenda influenced by our cultures, the exchange of ideas and opinions by aspiring youths of the participating APEC economies could later be concluded with a resolution on a global standpoint that fits with every participating nation’s interest.

The programme put together by the committee was not only filled with very insightful seminars and experience but the participants were also given the opportunity to experience the various aspects of Japan such as visits to APEC Exhibition “Japan Experience” at Pacifico Yokohama and the Yokohama City Walking Tour, Yamashita Park and Port Area.

From my experience with APEC VOF, it has truly been an insightful experience from meeting and interacting with global world and business leaders; and also working with youth leaders from different participating APEC economies. All these require excellent communication skills and team work cooperation which I have humbly learned with great determination during the course of the programme. Among those whom I met and interviewed during APEC VOF 2010 from Brunei Darussalam were the three ABAC Brunei members; Mdm Fauziah Dato Talib, Mdm Haslina Taib and Mr Javed Ahmad. On the international level, I also had the opportunity to witness other influential world leaders having a dialogue session during the APEC CEO Summit. Among those in presence was HE Mr Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States; HE Mr Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan; HE Mr Barack Obama, President of the United States of America; HE Ms Julia Gillard MP, Prime Minister of Australia; HE Mr Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China; HE Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore.

For this year’s APEC 2010 in Japan, there were quite a number of recurring participants from the previous VOF programme as they believe that APEC VOF has opened doors to various great opportunities which would lead them to a brighter future ahead. For most participating APEC economies, recurring participants of the youths are selected to be the head of delegate for which their responsibility is to advise and take care of the social well being of the newly selected group of delegates. Since they have the experience of what APEC VOF has to offer, hence their role as the head of delegate is crucial as they advise matters upon preparation to the new delegates.

Finally, the youth in Brunei have a very high potential in excelling in various areas, let it be arts or science. Thus, if Brunei were to have an active support of governing body to promote youth’s interest, I am very sure that the participation of youth in Brunei would increase tremendously. What we need is that these hidden skills to be extracted out to give them more exposure such as by providing them with international exchange programmes. This programme is definitely necessary for them as it will help them shape up their confidence at a very young age.