Welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Youth Forum 2026!

 

Are you ready to learn about the jobs of tomorrow, build new skills and expand your network? Join us for an exciting, hands-on forum designed for young changemakers—just like you!

 

What to Expect

 

  • Understand the Jobs Landscape: Learn more about the future of jobs in East Asia and Pacific, and the challenges and opportunities for youth in the digital age.
  • Learn and Collaborate: Participate in interactive sessions led by partner organizations, focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment pathways through digital transformation.
  • Expand your Network: Build connections with peers and professionals to accelerate your career and share ideas on scaling effective solutions.

 

This event will be in a hybrid format. After registration for virtual participation, you will receive a livestreaming link closer to the event.

 

 

After registration for in-person participation, you will receive instructions by email on how to attend the event.

 

 

 

 

East Asia and Pacific: The Jobs Challenge

 

Picture this: over the next decade, 320 million young people across East Asia and Pacific will be ready to launch their careers—but only 110 million jobs will await them. That’s a staggering gap of 210 million opportunities, threatening not just economic growth, but the hopes and dreams of an entire generation.

 

Stepping up to meet this challenge, the World Bank Group rallied more than 100 youth leaders from across the region last year, determined to take action—not just talk. This year’s Youth Forum walks the talk.

 

 

Unlocking Employment Pathways through Digital Transformation

 

The Forum brings together youth, government officials, business leads, partners, and World Bank Group experts to discuss scalable solutions for jobs in the East Asia and Pacific region.

 

Get ready to share ideas, explore employment, skill training, entrepreneurship, and see how digital innovation bridges skills gaps.

 

Expect lively discussions on apprenticeships, networking, and access to cutting-edge digital and AI-powered jobs.

 

This event kicks off ahead of the World Bank Group Global Youth Summit (June 11-12, 2026).

 

Are you between 18 and 35 years old? Are you a student or entrepreneur who would like to learn more about jobs in the age of AI and digital transformation? If yes, you are the delegate we are looking for!

 

The EAP Youth Forum is a HYBRID event taking place over the course of two, half days. An in-person event will be hosted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok for Bangkok-based youth. Broader virtual participation is available across the region. Delegates, either virtual or in-person, will actively participate in:

 

  • Opening and Panel Discussions: Engage with policymakers, business leaders and development experts on regional employment challenges and solutions.
  • Knowledge and Learning Sessions: Take part in interactive sessions to learn about skill development, internships and programs to foster your career plans.
  • Interactive Q&A and Polling: Engage with speakers and panelists through live Q&A sessions and polls.

 

AGENDA (Bangkok time)

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

 

08:45 – 10:45

Opening Plenary

  • Welcome and introduction
  • Setting the scene: Youth employment in EAP: challenges & opportunities
  • Panel discussion:
    1. Skills and education gap
    2. AI and digital transformation
    3. Collaborative solutions
  •  Q&A with Youth Panelists
  • Closing reflections

10:45 – 11:00

Break

 

11:00 – 13:00

Partner Session 1 (Generation): Finding Employment Success in an AI‑fueled Workplace

  • Workplace trends
  • Voices of young workers
  • Practice human skills with an AI coach
  • Reflections and Q&A
  • Recap and commitments
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch and Networking
CLOSING OF DAY 1

 

Thursday, May 21, 2026

 

08:45 – 09:00

Welcome and Recap

 

09:00 – 11:00

Partner Session 2 (Junior Achievement): From Campus to Career: Bridging the Employability Gap

  • Job market insights and in-demand skills
  • Panel discussion with employers and youth
  • Interactive “Are You Work Ready?” activity
  • Key takeaways
11:00 – 11:15 Break  

11:15 – 13:15

Partner Session 3 (Save the Children): From Learning to Earning | Youth-Led Pathways to Inclusive Employment

  • In-country group discussions with experts
  • Focus on employment pathways, soft skills and inclusion
  • Youth insights and recommendations
13:15 – 13:30 Reflections and Way Forward
13:30 – 13:35 Closing Remarks
13:35 – 15:00 Lunch and Networking
EVENT CLOSES

 

PLENARY SPEAKERS

 

 

Edith Jibunoh Headshot New

Edith Jibunoh

Director, Regional External Affairs, World Bank Group

Edith Jibunoh is Director of the World Bank Group’s Regional External Affairs department where she oversees strategic engagement and communications for the World Bank Group’s regional offices, institutional mandates such as Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV), and corporate policies related to operations. Her global team of more than 200 communications professionals are located in Washington and across the seven client regions of the World Bank Group. Before her current role, Edith held managerial positions in the External Affairs teams of the World Bank Group’s East and Southern Africa and the Infrastructure Vice Presidency. She also worked as Global Policy Director at the ONE Campaign, served as Economist in the Nigeran President’s Millennium Development Goals Office and as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Finance.

Wilert Puriwat

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat

President, Chulalongkorn University

Melinda Good

Melinda Good

Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar, World Bank

Melinda Good is the World Bank Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar, based in Bangkok. Prior to this role, she was the Country Director for the World Bank in Kabul, Afghanistan, where she oversaw the country program, working with international partners to support the Afghan people. Before her tenure in Afghanistan, Melinda was the Operations Manager in Islamabad, Pakistan overseeing a portfolio of IDA and IBRD lending and guarantees. Melinda has also worked in the World Bank’s Washington, D.C., and Indonesia offices, and with the Asian Development Bank in Manila, Philippines, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation in Washington, D.C. Melinda began her career as a lawyer in private practice in New York and Singapore, working on project finance and equity transactions in Asia.

Kraiyos Patrawart New

Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart

Managing Director, Equitable Education Fund (EEF)

Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart is the Managing Director at the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), an independent public fund for equitable education and human development in Thailand. Kraiyos had recently served two terms as a member of the Thailand’s independent national education reform committee to oversee the national education reform plan and makes policy recommendations to the Royal Thai Government. He had helped drafting a number of key education reform legislations as authorized by the 2017 constitution of Thailand.

Kraiyos obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of London and his MSc in Economics at the University of Warwick. Prior to his appointment at EEF he was Assistant Managing Director on policy and research at the Quality Learning Foundation and Research Fellow at Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science.

Mook Chaichirawiwat Correct

Mook Promphorn Chaichiraiwiwat

Country Manager (Thailand), Thinking Machines

As Country Manager, Mook oversees the expansion of Thinking Machines in Thailand. She draws from ten years of experience with digital and data transformation, cloud technology, and software solutions in Thailand and Singapore. Prior to joining Thinking Machines, she worked with Temasek as a product manager for AI and Big Data Products. Mook holds a master’s degree in Information Systems Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Engineering from Chulalongkorn University.

Kori Chan

Kori Chan

Co-founding Director and Managing Director, Total Waste Management (TWM), Papua New Guinea

Kori Chan is the Co-founding Director and the current Managing Director of Total Waste Management (TWM). Total Waste Management (TWM) Group is a leading, 100% Papua New Guinean-owned environmental services company. Established in 2011, it provides integrated waste, water, and industrial solutions primarily for the mining, oil, and gas sectors. Based in the capital Port Moresby, his role as GM encompasses all business functions with a critical focus on regulatory and compliance, business development, logistics, marketing, and public relations. Before founding TWM in 2011, Kori was managing his family business of coastal shipping (IROK). He has a postgraduate degree in waste management, water and waste treatment, and environment engineering from Griffith University, Australia.

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian

Dato’ Loo Lee Lian is the CEO of InvestPenang, the principal investment promotion agency of Penang, which is wholly owned by the state government.

Backed by 25 years of industry background in the manufacturing industry, Dato’ Loo came into her position in 2010. Her responsibilities include strategizing state’s investment and industrial policies, identifying new areas of growth to broaden state’s GDP base and per capita income levels, to maintain Penang’s status as an economic powerhouse of Malaysia. She also leads state’s strategies on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Global Shared Services, SMEs and talent initiatives.

Born and bred in Penang, Dato’ Loo graduated with Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide, South Australia, and received her MBA from the University of South Australia.

Rosanna A. Urdaneta

Rosanna A. Urdaneta

Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippines

Rosanna A. Urdaneta is a distinguished leader recognized for advancing the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector both nationally and internationally. Starting her career at the National Manpower and Youth Council, she rose to her current position, specializing in community enterprise systems, informal sector development, and training technologies.

Ms. Urdaneta spearheaded key initiatives, including the establishment of the ASEAN TVET Council, and led the formulation of the National Technical Education and Skills Development Plans since 2018. Her leadership has positioned TESDA as a global force while ensuring local relevance through innovations. With over 40 years of public service, her work continues to shape the future of technical and vocational education in the Philippines.

Habib Nasser Rab

Habib Nasser Rab

Practice Manager, Prosperity, World Bank Group

Habib Rab was appointed Practice Manager for Economic Policy in the East Asia and Pacific Region in July 2025. In this role, he oversees country economists across the region, guides analytical programs on macroeconomic issues, and ensures support for lending operations and advisory services. Prior to this, he served as Lead Economist for the World Bank in Indonesia (2021-2025) and Türkiye (2017-2020). He has over 20 years of experience working on macroeconomic policy, fiscal management, and structural reforms across Africa, Asia, and Europe and Central Asia. Before joining the World Bank in 2006, he worked in the UK Government Economic Service and as an ODI Fellow. He holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in economics from Oxford University and University College London.

 

GENERATION SESSION SPEAKERS

 

 

Jeremy Fox

Jeremy Fox

CEO, Asia-Pacific, Generation

Jeremy Fox is a leader in cross-cultural environments with almost 25 years working experience in the Asia-Pacific region. Working for over 10 years at McKinsey & Company, and another 10 years in his own advisory firm, he has extensive experience in strategy, operations, organizational development, HR/talent management, leadership development, and large-scale transformations with both Fortune 500 companies and SMEs. Jeremy also founded and ran a multi-disciplinary research and advisory think-tank for health policy challenges in Asia with the National University of Singapore and Singapore Ministry of Health. He is a founding director of the Variety Children’s Charity of Singapore and was an advisory board member for the Centre for Global Health at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Marina Pardo Granillo

Marina Pardo Granillo

Global Curriculum and Instruction Lead, Generation

Marina Pardo Granillo is a global education leader with more than two decades of experience advancing teaching, learning, and curriculum design across diverse contexts. Beginning her career as an English teacher in Mexico, she has worked with learners from youth to adults at multiple educational levels. Her work has consistently centered on equity, inclusion, and empowering young people with skills for meaningful participation in the future of work. In her current capacity, Marina leads the adaptation of global, AI-informed and technology-enabled curricula to local labor markets, with a strong emphasis on youth employability, accessibility, and relevance.

Phunyanuch Pattanotai

Phunyanuch ‘Aom’ Pattanotai

Chief Executive Officer, Generation Thailand

Phunyanuch Pattanotai (Aom) has more than 14 years of experience in education and international development at the policy and grassroots level. Prior to joining Generation, she worked with Right To Play using sport and play to protect, educate, and empower vulnerable children and youth across Thailand. She also led a dynamic team at an inter-governmental organization supporting education ministries in 11 countries. She has also  worked on combating sexual trafficking at a grassroots organization (Alliance Anti Trafic) and on advocating for independent living of people with disabilities (Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability).

Nitchata Chumjai

Nitchata ‘Ne’ Chumjai

Program Manager, Generation Thailand

In her current capacity, Nitchata (Ne), supports unemployed individuals in upskilling, reskilling, and finding job opportunities. She is also an independent English communication coach with over seven years of experience helping Thai adult learners improve their communication skills. Previously, she worked at Excedo (by Nikkei and The Financial Times), a startup coaching platform focused on intercultural business communication for global managers from Japan, Latin America, and Thailand. Before that, she was a program officer at SEAMEO RIHED, organizing international conferences and capacity-building programs for higher education leaders across Southeast Asia.

(More details forthcoming)

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT SESSION SPEAKERS

 

 

Khun Thada Sawetsila

Thada Sawetsila

Board Chairman, Junior Achievement Thailand and Member of the Board of Directors, Junior Achievement Asia Pacific

Pariyada Diskul

Pariyada Diskul

Executive Director, Junior Achievement Thailand

Nok Maneerut Anulomsombut

Nok Maneerut

Chief Executive Officer, Sea (Thailand)

Nok Maneerut oversees Sea’s digital ecosystem including Garena, Shopee, and Monee. She joined Sea in 2014 as Chief Operating Officer and was appointed CEO in 2016.  Prior to this, she was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, specializing in energy and organizational transformation, and has experience in investment banking and manufacturing. Ms. Maneerut holds an MBA from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Chulalongkorn University. She is widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to business and society.

Simon Matthews

Simon Matthews

Regional Manager, Southeast Asia, ManpowerGroup

Simon Matthews is a Regional Manager Southeast Asia at ManpowerGroup, with almost 30 years of experience in workforce and talent solutions across Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Based in Thailand for over two decades, he drives regional growth, strategic partnerships, and future-ready workforce transformation across Southeast Asia. He currently oversees Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, focusing on workforce optimization, business scalability, and talent strategies in increasingly dynamic and competitive markets.

Vivek Kumar

Vivek Kumar

Chief Executive Officer and President, Junior Achievement Asia Pacific

In his current capacity, Vivek Kumar is advancing youth employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence across the Asia pacific region. With over 20 years of leadership across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, he previously served as CEO of WWF‑Singapore and held senior roles at Shell and the Singapore Labor Movement. He is a Harvard Business School alumnus and a respected thought leader on sustainability and youth development.

Kirk Kenny

Kirk Kenny (Moderator)

Chief Operating Officer, Junior Achievement Asia Pacific

Based in Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Kenny serves as Chief Operating Officer at JA Asia Pacific, overseeing partnerships, strategy, growth and impact across more than 15 markets. Culturally and linguistically fluent in Chinese, Mr. Kenny has spent the past 20 years in senior roles spanning business, education and social impact, prior to joining JA.  Mr. Kenny is currently completing his degree at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and has completed an executive education program at Cambridge’s Judge School of Business in Circular Economy and Sustainability.

Pimrux Kongkriengkrai

Pimrux P. Kongkriengkrai (JA Alumni)

Manager, Issuer Department, Stock Exchange of Thailand

Pimrux P. Kongkriengkrai has more than 16 years of experience in the capital market, spanning financial advisory, capital market education, listed company development, and IPO promotion. She was actively involved with SIFE-Rakkaew-Enactus from 2007 to 2009, serving as Team President and Presenter before later becoming a Team Advisor, and is now a proud Enactus alumna.

Ms. Kongkriengkrai continues to contribute to social impact through her current role as Enactus Thailand Country Leader, as well as by supporting Junior Achievement Thailand in both its Thai and international programs, and through volunteer work with her local church.

SAVE THE CHILDREN SESSION SPEAKERS

 

 

Jaya Atmaja

Jaya Atmaja

Director of Human Resources, Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers

Jaya Atmaja began his hospitality career with the Marriott Group in Surabaya, his hometown, and later continued with Marriott in Dubai, where he worked for 10 years. He then held positions at Bulgari Hotel Bali and Grand Hyatt Jakarta for two years. He strongly supports inclusive employment through the Marriott Group’s participation in the Skills to Succeed program, which promotes opportunities for young people with disabilities in internships, apprenticeships, and employment. Working with IBU Foundation and Save the Children, he advocates for continued collaboration to expand access and inclusion in the hospitality industry.

Edwin Philip Horca

Edwin Philip P. Horca

Development and Humanitarian Leader, Save the Children (Philippines)

Edwin P. Horca is a development and humanitarian leader from the Philippines with more than 20 years of experience in humanitarian response, development, and peacebuilding  across Southeast Asia. He has worked extensively in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, collaborating with governments, international organizations, and local communities. Currently leading external partnerships and funding development at Save the Children Philippines, Edwin has also served as Director for Program Planning and Technical Design and consulted for institutions including the World Bank and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. His work focuses on strengthening systems and creating opportunities for children and families affected by poverty, conflict, and climate-related risks.

Daryn Hudson

Daryn Hudson

General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, Thailand

Originally from Australia and now based in Phuket, Thailand, Daryn Hudson is a hospitality leader with more than 40 years of experience, including 21 years with Marriott International. He currently serves as General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort and Chair of the Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar Marriott Worldwide Business Council. Daryn focuses on developing high-performing teams, advancing Marriott’s Serve360 initiatives, and supporting local communities. Passionate about youth employment, he advocates for creating opportunities that help young people build adaptability, leadership, communication, and resilience for successful careers in hospitality.

Evie Yulianti

Evie Yulianti

Senior Manager, Inclusive Youth Empowerment and Urban Programming, Save the Children (Indonesia)

Evie Yulianti has more than 30 years of experience in the NGO sector, beginning as a field facilitator and advancing to managerial roles across programs in health, education, child protection, youth employment, financial literacy, and community development. She has worked with Save the Children Indonesia since 2008 and currently serves as Senior Manager for Inclusive Youth Empowerment & Urban Programming. In this role, she leads the Accenture-funded Skills to Succeed program, which prepares youth, including youth with disabilities, for employment. She also manages Korea-funded initiatives on financial literacy, EV Bus STEAM, and the circular economy. Evie is passionate about community-led solutions and sustainable local partnerships.

SAVE THE CHILDREN SESSION YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES

 

 

Jan Ember S. Bato-on

Jan Ember S. Bato-on

Jan Ember S. Bato-on is a Social Work student at Philippine Women’s University–Manila and a dedicated youth advocate for child rights. He began his advocacy work with Save the Children Philippines as a Child Campaigner and Child Health Promoter, supporting programs on health, WASH, and adolescent development. Over time, he assumed leadership roles in child participation and governance, representing children in platforms such as the Local Council for the Protection of Children and contributing to discussions on child protection and online safety. He currently serves as a Global Child Advisory Body Shadow Member and Regional Child Representative for the National Capital Region, promoting child protection, youth participation, and climate action.

Lwin Thiri Khaing

Lwin Thiri Khaing

Lwin Thiri Khaing, known as Lwin, is an aspiring hospitality professional from Myanmar currently based in Mae Sot, Thailand. Passionate about customer service and people engagement, she has developed her skills through training, volunteering, and internships in the hospitality sector. Through the Achieve for Youth Employability program implemented by Save the Children Thailand, she completed a Service Attendant Trainee internship at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where she gained technical expertise and renewed confidence. Alongside her hospitality experience, Lwin has held leadership roles in youth organizations and volunteer initiatives. She plans to pursue a career in hospitality and event management while supporting other young people facing similar challenges.

Nyi Min Khant

Nyi Min Khant

Nyi Min Khant, known as Ko Khant, is a young professional from Myanmar currently based in Mae Sot, Thailand. He began his career in education, working as a tutor in science and English and volunteering as a Science teacher, demonstrating his commitment to learning and community support. Through the Achieve for Youth Employability Project implemented by Save the Children Thailand, he received hospitality training and completed an internship in Barista and Food & Beverage Service at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. He now works in the Cold Kitchen at Larder BKK, building his hospitality skills while pursuing long-term career growth in the service industry.

Farid Luthfi’ul Mustopa

Farid Luthfi’ul Mustopa

Farid Luthfi’ul Mustopa, known as Ufi, is a young deaf professional working part-time at PT Indomarco (Indomaret) in Bandung while also working as an online motorcycle taxi driver. A graduate of a special needs school (SLB), he joined the Skills to Succeed program implemented by IBU Foundation and Save the Children, where he received training in social-emotional learning, computer skills, communication, advocacy, and organizational development. The program boosted his confidence and led to his first off-campus internship, making him the first student from his school to achieve this milestone. Ufi is also actively involved in the Youth Advisory Council for persons with disabilities.

Nazmi Rahma Putri

Nazmi Rahma Putri

Nazmi Rahma Putri is a participant in the Skills to Succeed Project, implemented by the IBU Foundation in partnership with Save the Children Indonesia. Selected through an open recruitment process, she is currently undertaking an apprenticeship with the Marriott Group Bandung through the Career Start Hospitality Program. A vocational high school graduate in office administration, Nazmi now interns as an engineering administrator at Four Points by Sheraton Bandung. After struggling to find suitable employment for two years, she joined a Life Skills Bootcamp that prepared her for a hospitality career. The program has strengthened her technical, green, and interpersonal skills while building her confidence, networks, and positive mindset.

Kerati Yingyuen

Kerati Yingyuen

Kerati is an International Relations student at Thammasat University and an advocate for inclusive development. As a participant in the Dots to Dreams project by Save the Children Thailand, he supports youth with visual impairments through leadership and innovation. A former national athlete, Kerati represented Thailand in Goalball, winning gold at the 2019 World Youth Championships and silver at the 2017 Asian Para Games. He has also earned recognition in technology and policy, including a Silver Medal at the Global IT Challenge and an Outstanding Policy Award from the YSEALI Symposium. Kerati currently leads inclusive learning initiatives while promoting equality and accessibility for all.

 

(More details forthcoming)

Meet our powerhouse partners: Chulalongkorn University (host venue), Generation, Save the Children, and Junior Achievement bring deep experience and global networks to the Forum.

 

Chulalongkorn University is Thailand’s first higher education institution and serves as a leading center for academic excellence and professional development. It empowers students through knowledge creation, practical skills, and research, while also promoting cultural preservation and strong ethical values. The university is committed to nurturing graduates who are socially responsible and dedicated to serving society. It aims to lead as an innovative institution focused on developing future leaders, advancing impactful research, and promoting sustainable development.

 

Generation is a global nonprofit that helps people to transform their lives through employment. Since 2015, it has trained and placed more than 150,000 adults into careers that might otherwise be out of reach, while advocating for stronger workforce systems. Today, Generation operates a global hub and a network of affiliates across 17 countries.

 

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organization for children. Guided by its Ambition for Children 2030—that every child survives, learns, and is protected—Save the Children works across 100+ countries with children, communities, governments, and partners to tackle the biggest challenges facing children and deliver lasting change at scale across health and nutrition, education, child protection, and livelihoods. Asia sits at the heart of this mission. With 60+ years of continuous presence across 15+ countries and 18.4 million children reached in 2025 alone, it is one of Save the Children's most established regional platforms.

 

Junior Achievement (JA) Asia Pacific is a member of JA Worldwide, one of the world’s largest youth-serving NGOs, delivering hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy to over 4 million students across 13 countries in the region. JA has empowered young people—including those in underserved communities, with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to start businesses, find meaningful work, and build thriving communities worldwide.

 

EAP Youth Forum Logos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please reach out to us if you have any questions: eapnews@worldbank.org