HONOR, a global leader in AI-powered innovation, has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to youth development across the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of the AI + Youth Empowerment Society (AYES). Announced at the first-ever HONOR AI + Design Summit 2025 (APAC Edition) in Malaysia, the initiative aims to equip young people with vital AI literacy, digital skills, and creative confidence to prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven future.
With a population of over 700 million youths in APAC, AYES seeks to close the widening skills gap as AI reshapes industries and job requirements. The initiative begins with 25 founding members made up of government agencies, universities, and industry partners, including the National AI Office (Malaysia), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the Central Academy of Fine Arts (China), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore), and GSMA APAC. HONOR will lead coordination efforts as the initiating unit for the programme.
During the launch, Martin Xu, Senior Vice President of HONOR, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening the region’s digital future. He shared that empowering young innovators will be key to driving economic progress while generating sustainable solutions for emerging challenges. Xu also noted HONOR’s ongoing support for young creative talent through efforts such as the HONOR Talents Design Competition, which has attracted more than 35,000 participants from over 40 countries. He emphasised that HONOR views the Asia-Pacific region as a partner in growth, and that the company is committed to supporting industrial transformation through localised innovation and an open AI ecosystem that enhances productivity across sectors.
The summit brought together more than 200 scholars, industry leaders, digital creators, and the region’s promising young talents. It also welcomed participation from key technology media platforms such as Amanz, Zing Gadget, and TechNave. Attendees engaged in discussions, formed new partnerships, and collaborated on ideas aimed at addressing the region’s evolving digital challenges.
As part of the event, HONOR presented the first AYES Outstanding Contribution Award to distinguished Malaysian designer Joseph Foo, honouring his influential role in nurturing youth creativity and championing design education throughout the region. Foo, who has served as a judge for the HONOR Talents Global Design Awards for two consecutive years, has also empowered over 10,000 young creators through workshops, the HONOR Global Design Summit, and the Alpha Technology & Art Tour.
