HONOR Commits To APAC’s Future By Empowering Youth With AI Literacy And Digital Skills

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HONOR, a global leader in AI-powered technology, today launched the AI + Youth Empowerment Society (AYES) at the inaugural HONOR AI + Design Summit 2025 (APAC Edition) held in Malaysia. The initiative is designed to equip young people in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region with essential AI literacy, digital skills, and creative confidence.

With over 700 million young people in the region, AYES aims to bridge the skills gap in an increasingly AI-driven job market. AYES launches with 25 founding members, comprising government bodies, higher education institutions, and industry partners. Key members include the National AI Office (Malaysia), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Central Academy of Fine Arts (China), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore), and GSMA APAC. HONOR will serve as the initiating unit and coordinating party of the initiative.

Senior Vice President of HONOR, Martin Xu, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “By breaking down barriers in industries across APAC, we believe that young minds can drive economic growth and create sustainable solutions for the future. In addition to AYES, HONOR has long supported young talent through initiatives such as the HONOR Talents Design Competition, which has engaged over 35,000 creators from more than 40 countries.”

Xu added: “Asia-Pacific is our partner in progress, not just a market. HONOR is deeply committed to supporting the region’s industrial transformation through localised innovation. We’re breaking industry barriers with our open AI ecosystem to deliver seamless intelligent experiences that boost productivity and drive quality growth across sectors. Together, we’ll build an Asia-Pacific where AI and design drive inclusive growth and empower every talent.”

The launch took place before over 200 scholars, industry leaders, and young talents, including official tech media collaborators Amanz, Zing Gadget, and TechNave, who participated in the HONOR AI + Design Summit. This summit served as a platform for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and co-developing solutions to the region’s unique challenges.

During the event, HONOR also presented its first AYES Outstanding Contribution Award to renowned Malaysian designer Joseph Foo, in recognition of his exceptional work in championing youth empowerment and creative education across the region. Beyond serving as a judge for the HONOR Talents Global Design Awards for the past two years, Foo has actively empowered over 10,000 young creators through workshops, the HONOR Global Design Summit, and the Alpha Technology & Art Tour.