Youth involvement in major climate events like this year’s COP29 is crucial. Young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of climate issues. They are the future leaders who will shape the world’s response to the climate crisis. 

That’s why we are excited to introduce the nine Southeast Asian Youth in Climate Diplomacy Fellows, a group of passionate and talented young leaders who are ready to drive ambitious climate action. 

Get to know these young climate change makers who are set to make waves at COP29!

Maisarah Firdaus, Brunei

Maisarah is a communications and international officer at the Brunei Climate Change Office, working with government agencies, the private sector, and civil society on climate change efforts. 

In 2023, she received the Youth Sustainability Award 2023 (Environmental Category) and was selected as a YSEALI Academic Fellow on Environmental Issues & Natural Resource Management.

Pengsan Huon, Cambodia 

Pengsan is a climate advocate passionate about empowering young people and promoting social entrepreneurship for sustainable development. He mentors social enterprises and develops youth programs as the co-founder of the Youth Council for Climate Action. 

Pengsan also pioneered Cambodia’s Climate Action Week in 2021 and led the Local Conference of Youth in the Southeast Asian nation last year. 

Mega Ayu Lestari, Indonesia 

Mega is the national chapter co-coordinator of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) Indonesia, which conducts research and promotes policy areas of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 

Mega studied media and cultural studies, which furthered her interest in developing the connection between local norms, customary law, and environmental protection.

Safita Ardhia Pangestika, Indonesia

Safita has been working in biodiversity conservation and mangrove restoration for the past four years. 

She primarily engages with coastal communities in East Java to South Sulawesi to decrease social inequities and safeguard natural resources.

Khalisah Kairinah Binti Razman, Malaysia

Khalisah is a researcher with over three years of experience in climate change, environmental engineering, and sustainable development. 

Khalisah is skilled in life cycle management (LCA), and experienced in leading multidisciplinary projects in water management, renewable energy, and waste treatment.

Aye Mon Aung, Myanmar 

Aye is an environmental consultant with over four years of experience in environmental and social study projects across mining, rural road development, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. 

She holds a master’s degree in environmental engineering and management from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.

Alex Wen Jie Lew, Singapore

Alex is a 28-year-old passionate about the intersection of Ocean Health and Human Health. As the CEO of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, he believes in the power of young people to create significant change. 

He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Southeast Asian studies at Chulalongkorn University, where he delves into oceans, environmental action, and business. 

Bhubordee Ngamphueak, Thailand

Bhubordee is a nuclear engineering graduate from Chulalongkorn University with experience in operations management, sustainability consulting, and environmental advocacy. 

He served as the project manager for LCOY Thailand 2024 and has been involved in policy advocacy and youth empowerment initiatives at the Global Youth Biodiversity Network.

Nguyen Tien Dao, Vietnam

Tien is a Vietnamese youth advocate for the country’s energy transition. He was an organizer of LCOY Vietnam in 2023, volunteer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s Resource Management Young Members Group, and an energy transition researcher. 

Tien is currently pursuing a master’s degree in energy economics at the University of Milan under an Italian government-funded scholarship grant.