The Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Committee description:
ADVANCED COMMITTEE
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established to promote regional peace, stability, and economic growth. This committee operates within a landscape of shifting geopolitical dynamics and complex economic challenges that test the unity and goals of ASEAN. Through strategic dialogue and cooperative efforts, delegates are tasked with developing innovative solutions that enhance stability and prosperity for ASEAN member states in the face of these challenges.
Topic 1: Expanding Financial Access for Asian Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth in ASEAN, yet many small business owners—particularly women and those in rural areas—struggle to access financial resources and the knowledge necessary to scale their ventures. Limited financial literacy, bureaucratic lending policies, and a lack of investor confidence in small-scale ventures create significant barriers to success. In this session, delegates will examine how ASEAN member states can work together to improve financial education, streamline access to capital, and foster cross-border investment in startups. Key discussions will explore the role of microfinance, digital banking, and fintech in democratizing financial access and ensuring that the next generation of ASEAN entrepreneurs can thrive.
Topic 2: Confronting Myanmar's Military Regime
As Southeast Asia rapidly emerges as a tech hub, AI and digital innovation are transforming industries ranging from finance to manufacturing. While these advancements present immense economic opportunities, they also introduce ethical and social challenges, including job displacement, data privacy concerns, and economic inequality. This topic will explore how ASEAN nations can craft policies that foster responsible AI development while ensuring economic inclusivity. Delegates will discuss strategies for balancing innovation with labor market stability, regulating data use and cybersecurity, and ensuring that digital transformation benefits all ASEAN communities, not just the tech elite.
ABOUT YOUR DIRECTOR:
Jayanti Gupta
Jayanti Gupta (she/her) is a junior in Berkeley College from Michigan, majoring in Global Affairs and Statistics & Data Science. She’s thrilled to serve as USG of Committees for YMUN South Asia and is excited to help lead her first YMUN Conference! At Yale, Jayanti is the President of the Dwight Hall SRI Fund, the nation’s oldest and largest student-run socially responsible investment fund. She also volunteers through CityStep, teaching dance to kids at IRIS, and leads entrepreneurship programming at the Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking. In her free time, you’ll find Jayanti doing Just Dance with friends, browsing vintage stores, going on long hikes, or watching Bollywood movies. Feel free to reach out to her at committees@ymunsouthasia.org with any questions!