The Next Generation: Globally Connected, Locally Passionate
Socially and politically interconnected
The world is currently home to 1.8 billion young people, more than half of whom live in the Asia-Pacific region. Having grown up in the digital age, they are socially and politically interconnected in unprecedented ways, and are often at the frontier of innovation and change … .
Mekong youth are digitally connected
Mekong youth are online, on the phone, and on social media. With the accessibility of communications technologies and digital platforms skyrocketing across the region, the ways in which young people interact with each other and learn about the world are radically different from their parents’ generation.
Changing lifestyle and leisure trends among young Cambodians
Global connectivity has also increased visibility within Cambodia of international brands and lifestyle trends, particularly among the growing urban middle class. Discerning Cambodian and international entrepreneurs are tapping in to these changing consumer preferences, and new options for entertainment, fashion, and dining are emerging, particularly in the cities.
Connectivity, Competitiveness, and Community: The rise of the Mekong
Young people in the Mekong countries of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are at the forefront of a wave of innovation and change that is capitalizing on the booming growth of their region. Increased levels of integration in regional and global supply chains, as well as widespread adoption of digital technologies, are changing the way Mekong youth eat, drink, spend their free time, interact with each other, buy, sell, work, create, and think. Their countries are growing and changing fast, and today’s youth are simultaneously benefitting from new products and opportunities, while also grappling with complex social and economic challenges.
A Perspective on Modern Cambodian Youth Culture
Filmmaker, festival director, artist manager and youth thought leader, Lomorpich Rithy (Yoki) explains how much the western culture has influenced her and the Cambodian youth
“As young Cambodians, we have a silent fear. It’s not the fear many people abroad may assume; we do not fear living or making life in Cambodia. Overseas, there are many negative narratives and misperceptions about Cambodia. The truth is that we are living in peace, rebuilding and moving on. Our beautiful country has been through a lot; through periods of amazing art and culture and also through genocide ….”
Read her opinion piece
Mekong Youth: Globally Minded, Regionally Integrated
By Hayley Welgus
This first publication highlights how the experience of Mekong youth has been transformed by increased connectivity with the global economy. In particular, the digital economy has rapidly changed the speed at which these changes are taking place.
The youth are engaged in building their future and entrepreneurship is a key avenue for value creation. The new generation is digitally connected to the global economy in interesting new ways and there is a strong role for Western countries to play in youth engagement.
Read the Executive Summary
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