Article

Youth Voices, Youth Actions for a Digital Future

12 Aug,2025 - Yangon | 3 mins read

Author: Zarni Htun, CHRO at ATOM

Every year on August 12th, we celebrate International Youth Day, a moment to reflect on the power, potential, and promise of young people around the world. Defined by the United Nations as individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, today’s 1.8 billion youth are not just participants in the digital age; they are the architects of it. Though they may not yet hold decades of experience, their creativity, influence, and energy make them indispensable in conversations about the future. As Houlin Zhao, former Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for ICTs stated: “Youth must be included in solutions for the future.” Recognizing their voices, including their ideas, and investing in their growth is not only the right thing to do, it is essential for building a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking world.

The Architects of Our Digital Future

Today’s youth, often called digital natives, are fluent in technology and driving the digital economy. In Myanmar, internet penetration is 61.6% with 33.4 million users, and young people aged 18–24 make up over 11.4% of the population. This connected generation fuels innovation in areas like AI, software, automation, and digital design—reshaping industries, especially mobile and telecom, where they create trends and shape the digital landscape.

ATOM Nurtures the Digital Trailblazers

Since youth are the heartbeat of our digital future, driven by bold dreams, boundless curiosity, and a natural fluency in technology, it is a necessity to equip them with the skills, tools, and opportunities to ensure they thrive. By investing in their development and enabling access to digital knowledge, we are not only nurturing the leaders of tomorrow; we are empowering the changemakers of today.

Through initiatives like the Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP), Structured Internship opportunities, and ATOM’s ‘Beyond Better’ programme, we provide youth with vital digital skills, real-world experience, and meaningful mentorship from industry leaders. These programs not only foster hands-on learning but also create a collaborative environment where young talent actively contributes to innovative and sustainable solutions for Myanmar’s digital future. As Ko Thant Htoo Aung, a TAP participant and now an Officer of Billing & Charging (B2B), Business Group, shared that the program offered enriching exposure to real business operations, helping him develop both technical and soft skills, most notably the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in today’s fast-evolving workplace. And, Ma Shwe Yee Win Myint, another TAP participant and now an Officer of FTTH Operations Coordinator, Fixed Connectivity Operations, Business Group also mentioned that through TAP programme, she had the opportunity to learn technical skills and other functional skills that she wasn’t familiar with before. The most valuable lesson was learning the fundamentals of GPON technology and getting hands-on experience in FTTH ODN design.

Through our Beyond Better Future programme, we have welcomed over 650 students from more than 13 colleges, equipping them with telecom knowledge and real exposure to how their ideas can shape meaningful change. Many have gone on to take pivotal roles in driving our digital evolution, and some have proudly joined us as full-time team members. Their journeys are a testament to what’s possible when youth are given the space, support, and belief to thrive in an environment that values growth and innovation.

Conclusion

The future is moving, and it is being shaped by the bold actions and voices of youth who dare to challenge norms and create change. International Youth Day reminds us that meaningful impact begins with individuals, and today’s youth are proving, every day, that they have the vision and energy to lead. ATOM is proud to walk alongside these young trailblazers, providing the tools, platforms, and mentorship that transform potential into progress. When we create space for youth to rise, we all rise together.

Sources:

Digital 2025: Myanmar

https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-myanmar

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/youth/