AVNMEDIA.ID -  In an era marked by climate threats, social inequality, and economic disruption, the challenge for the next generation is no longer whether they are ready to lead, but how they will carry forward the legacy entrusted to them.

This question took center stage at the ASEAN Youth Exchange (AYE) 2025 in Bangkok, where delegates from Taylor’s University explored how family values, sustainability, and cultural identity are shaping a new model of leadership for Southeast Asia—rooted in tradition, yet designed for innovation.

Stewardship and Social Innovation

One of the key takeaways from the exchange was the urgency of embedding sustainability into leadership DNA.

At the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), delegates were reminded that the world remains far from meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For Malaysia—whose Twelfth and Thirteenth Malaysia Plans align with these goals—this is a call to action for next-generation family business leaders.

Leadership today must extend beyond the boardroom, embracing social innovation such as transforming food waste into products or building digital mental health platforms.

The goal is not profit alone, but community resilience, dignity, and shared prosperity.

This mindset reflects the spirit of Malaysia’s Social Enterprise Accreditation (SE.A) framework and a rising wave of impact-driven family ventures.

The message is clear: family legacy is not static—it evolves when guided by purpose.