ASIA STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEÂ
The Asia Student Leadership Conference (ASLC) was initiated in 2012 and has been held every year since then. It aims to give students a platform to develop and strengthen their leadership skills and character, to receive training on becoming creators of change, and to enhance inter-cultural awareness.
The student-led conference has attained much success over the years. Student leaders from 20 countries converge in Singapore to join hands with their counterparts here to build awareness and learn about core values of service, leadership, education and volunteerism. When students help children in need, they learn first-hand how they can make an impact on the world and help heal humanity.
The conference recognises and celebrates diversity among the participants as students play a vital role in the future of the world.
ASLC 2026
The theme for ASLC 2026, ‘Start A Ripple, Change The Tide’, highlights how small, intentional actions can create meaningful impact. It encourages students to take initiative, inspire others and lead positive change. The conference will be held from 25–26 July.
ASLC 2025
Held from 12–13 July, ASLC 2025 adopted the theme ‘Leading, Learning, Loving’. The conference served as a platform for meaningful initiatives and collaboration, encouraging students to grow together, support one another and lead with purpose.
ASLC 2024
ASLC 2024, themed ‘Leading Together, Lifting Each Other’, was graced by the Philippines Ambassador H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig as Guest-of-Honour. The conference featured panel discussions, alumni sharing and a case study challenge.
ASLC 2023
ASLC 2023, themed ‘Transforming Lives, Restoring Hope’, brought together 100 student leaders from Singapore and across Asia. Participants engaged in discussions and collaborative activities with peers from across Asia.
ASLC 2022
ASLC 2022 was held in a hybrid format, with local students attending in person and international participants joining virtually. Under the theme ‘Emergence’, the conference focused on preparing future-ready youths to connect, collaborate and lead with confidence.
ASLC 2021
Following the cancellation of ASLC 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference returned virtually in 2021 with the theme ‘Lux Brumalis (The Light of Winter)’. It reunited student leaders through meaningful interactions and sharing from social sector speakers.
ASLC 2019
In 2019, ASLC adopted the theme ‘Ex Anima: From the Heart’ and was graced by Philippines Ambassador H.E. Joseph Del Mar Yap as Guest-of-Honour. The conference encouraged student leaders to serve with compassion, conviction and purpose.
ASLC 2018
ASLC 2018 was themed ‘Passion to Action’ and supported by the National Youth Council. Smile Asia International Brand Ambassador Priyanka Yoshikawa joined the conference as a guest speaker, encouraging students to turn passion into purposeful action.
ASLC 2017
ASLC 2017, themed ‘Smile: In Progress’, featured guest speaker Ms Cecilia Chia, Senior Director of Marriott International Asia Pacific. She shared her experience with Smile Asia’s Community Footprints initiatives and inspired students through her service journey.
ASLC 2016
ASLC 2016, themed ‘Inside Out’, encouraged young leaders to discover courage, confidence and passion within themselves. Smile Asia Chairman Dr Vincent Yeow also shared the journey of founding Smile Asia and its growth. The conference was supported by JP Morgan.
ASLC 2015
ASLC 2015, themed ‘Go the Mile for a Smile’, featured a record-breaking Student Chapter logo made from ice cream sticks during the Service-Learning Module. The achievement was recognised by the Singapore Book of Records with support from key partners.
ASLC 2014
ASLC 2014 focused on public engagement in Sentosa, raising awareness of cleft lip and palate. A record-breaking activity involving the largest number of people eating doughnuts added a lively public dimension to the conference with support from Dunkin’ Donuts.
ASLC 2013
ASLC 2013 continued its focus on inspiring youths to become leaders of change. A youth dialogue session allowed students to exchange perspectives, share experiences and learn from panellists as they discussed important social issues and responsibilities.
ASLC 2012
The inaugural ASLC 2012, themed ‘Inspired for Change’, marked the launch of Smile Asia’s student conference platform. Supported by JPMorgan, it featured a social innovation and entrepreneurship competition that encouraged students to develop ideas for social impact.