Tristan Rae D. Torres, a student of the University of La Salette, Inc. (ULS), was among the eight youth delegates from the Philippines to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Youth Summit 2025 held on December 3, 2025, at Monash University, Sunway, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Torres was chosen from a pool of applicants across ASEAN coontries, where 100 were selected as delegates and 25 as speakers and young professionals. He was accompanied by Limuel Arjay A. Esteban, MBA, Dean of the Office of Student Services and Affairs.

The summit, themed “Next-Gen Disruptors: Driving Inclusivity & Sustainability in the Digital Age,” brought together youth leaders from ASEAN member-states to discuss innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development in a digital-driven region. 

The plenary session focused on “Building the Next Unicorn: Empowering ASEAN Youth to Drive Economic Growth,” with speakers from Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Brunei sharing insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact.

Torres joined the plenary and seminar sessions as a delegate. He said the message of Myanmar’s Kaythari Kyaw stood out, emphasizing that young leaders must create opportunities instead of waiting for them. He added that the summit encouraged him to think more strategically and become a more solution-oriented student leader through innovation.

He also connected with delegates from various ASEAN countries, describing the experience as both challenging and fulfilling due to some differences.

Torres said the summit improved his perspective on leadership and encouraged fellow Salettinians to continue amplifying their voices.

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