KUCHING: Sixty youth volunteers from AZAM Young Souls (AYS) have gained hands-on experience in event management and international coordination during the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2025.
The volunteers were deployed across key venues, including The Spring, Borneo Cultural Museum, Pullman Hotel, Grand Margherita Hotel, Kuching International Airport, and the Kuching Amphitheatre, assisting with delegate coordination, venue management, and guest services.
AZAM Sarawak chief executive officer (CEO) Ali Suhaili said the programme provided practical experience that complements classroom learning.
“AIFFA brought together creative industry players from across ASEAN. For our volunteers, it offered meaningful experience that built confidence and practical skills.
“At AZAM, we believed youth development contributed directly to Sarawak’s growth,” he said.
AZAM’s Strategic Communications, Media and Youth Relations manager Mohd Hassnal Hakim said AYS emphasised hands-on learning through major events.
“AIFFA required clear communication, operational discipline and teamwork. These shaped young Sarawakians to be more competitive and ready for future responsibilities,” he said.
AYS volunteer Arween Zahra, who assisted with airport arrivals, said coordinating international delegates had been an exciting task.
“We also met several film personalities from Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Brunei. It opened our eyes to the regional creative scene,” she said.
Another volunteer, Fadzim Aeman, said the experience gave him a clearer view of international festival operations.
“It trained us to be more alert, proactive and professional,” he said.
AIFFA 2025/2026 project director Karen Ong said AYS also praised the volunteers.
“They brought positive energy and strong professionalism. Their contribution kept operations running smoothly, and we appreciated AZAM Sarawak’s consistent support since 2013,” she added.
