Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Scouting across APR,

We are excited to present the very first edition of the RYR Newsletter!

The RYR Newsletter is one of the communication channels initiated by the RYR 2025-28 to connect directly with young people in the Region. We believe that Youth Empowerment and meaningful Youth Leadership begin with open communication, transparency, and equal access to information. Together with the upcoming APR Youth Town Hall, we are putting our beliefs into action and bringing APR closer to you.

This inaugural edition highlights our ongoing work and key milestones since our election at the 11th Asia-Pacific Youth Forum in Taipei, Taiwan in October 2025. From celebrating youth-related best practices across NSOs to unlocking international opportunities, this Newsletter captures the vibrancy of young people in the Region. You'll also find updates on your RYRs' engagement as we represent you on institutional bodies in the APR.

We hope this publication connects you more deeply with our regional family and inspires you to take the next step in your Scouting journey. On behalf of the RYR team, I wish you the very best in your endeavor and look forward to meeting many of you in person very soon.

Together, let us empower our communities and empower APR!

Yours in Scouting,

David Yen-Cheng Lai
Chairperson, AP Regional Youth Representatives (2025-2028)

Young people play an essential role in shaping the present and future direction of Scouting. Across the Asia-Pacific Region, young leaders are contributing actively through youth forums, national youth structures, Rover leadership, community initiatives, participation in governance and various regional programmes.

While regional conferences, youth forums and leadership training programmes provide valuable opportunities for engagement, there remains a need for a regular and accessible platform where young people can reconnect, exchange experiences, share perspectives and remain engaged beyond regional events, especially with the ongoing work of the Regional Youth Representatives (RYR).

To address this opportunity, the Asia-Pacific Regional Youth Representatives are introducing the APR Youth Town Hall Series as an interactive regional platform that connects young people, strengthens communication and promotes meaningful dialogue among youth representatives and young leaders across National Scout Organizations.

The initiative also provides an opportunity for young people to better understand the role of the Regional Youth Representatives and explore ways to contribute to regional priorities and initiatives.

Purpose of the Youth Town Hall

The APR Youth Town Hall aims to:

• Strengthen connections among young leaders and youth representatives across the Asia-Pacific Region

• Provide an inclusive platform for youth dialogue, consultation and exchange of perspectives

• Introduce the roles and priorities of the Asia-Pacific Regional Youth Representatives 2025–2028

• Promote the sharing of youth-led initiatives, experiences and good practices

• Strengthen communication between Regional Youth Representatives and young people across National Scout Organizations

• Encourage greater youth participation in regional programmes, volunteering opportunities and decision-making processes

• Empower young people to contribute towards sustainable development and positive social impact