Filipino youth once again proved they have a strong voice in global conversations, this time in the fast-evolving world of communication and artificial intelligence. At the 2025 #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition Competition by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management (GA), students from the Philippines claimed three of the ten top spots in the Asia-Pacific region.
The regional winners were announced during GA’s final Hero Web Conference on December 5, highlighting how young communicators from the Philippines are helping shape discussions around ethical, purpose-driven communication in the age of AI.
What Is the #NextInLine Changemakers Competition?
The #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition is a global essay-writing competition that invites students and young communication practitioners to reflect on the future of the profession.
A Timely and Thought-Provoking Theme
For 2025, participants were challenged to respond to the theme:
“How Can AI-Driven Communication Transform the World? From Information to Impact: Reimagining the Future of Ethical, Purpose-Driven Communication.”
Entrants submitted original essays exploring how innovation, empathy, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence can improve how people communicate, build trust, and create meaningful impact.
In a time when AI tools are becoming part of everyday work, the competition encouraged young voices to think beyond efficiency and focus on ethics, accountability, and human-centered communication.
Filipino Changemakers Recognized in Asia-Pacific
The Philippines stood out in this year’s competition, with Khrysza Paras, Edmund Rhei Morada, and Jillian Barreiro earning recognition among the Asia-Pacific region’s most promising young communicators.
Their work placed them alongside fellow honorees from Indonesia and other parts of the region. All regional winners received a Global Alliance Certificate of Distinction, marking their ideas as standout contributions to the global dialogue on AI and communication.
For Filipino students, this recognition reflects not only individual excellence but also the growing strength of communication education and thought leadership in the country.
Praise for a New Generation of Ethical Communicators
Ana Pista, APR, Chair of GA’s Student and Young Practitioners Month (SYPM) 2025, shared high praise for the winners.
She noted that the judges were impressed by both the quality of ideas and the passion behind them. According to Pista, the essays demonstrated that the next generation of communicators understands the importance of using AI responsibly while keeping people and values at the center of their work.
This perspective is especially important as communication professionals navigate challenges around misinformation, public trust, and digital ethics.
Full List of 2025 Regional Winners
Asia-Pacific
- Khrysza Paras (Philippines)
- Edmund Rhei Morada (Philippines)
- Desak Ayu Bulan Trisna Aprilia Putri (Indonesia)
- Nabilah Azzahra Putri Bastari (Indonesia)
- Jillian Barreiro (Philippines)
- Stephanie (Indonesia)
- Priscilla Audric Kanabi (Indonesia)
- Syfa Aulia Manezha (Indonesia)
- Mumtaaz Qadhifa (Indonesia)
- Adinda Silvia Maharani (Indonesia)
Africa
- Aromaradu Salahudeen Salihu (Nigeria)
- Azeez Sulaiman (Nigeria)
- Benaja Nkemzikann (Cameroon)
- Daryl Tchabat (Cameroon)
- Elvis Miba Pengou (Cameroon)
- Emmanuel Chiwila (Zambia)
- Ikwuorgu Favour Eloho (Nigeria)
- Jessica Gbedemah (South Africa)
- Venant Axel Alima (Cameroon)
- Ogunsemowo Moyinoluwa Elizabeth (Nigeria)
North America
- Amber Marthinsen (USA)
South Asia and Middle East
- Tisha Jain (India)
- Abhijit Rawat (India)
- Divyangna Mehrotra (India)
- Lamisha Akter Fiza (Bangladesh)
- Komal Iyer (India)
- Poshita Jain (India)
- Pratibha Pandey (India)
- Senjuti Paul (Bangladesh)
- Shrida Trivedi (India)
- Shrimoyee Sur (India)
Why Youth Leadership in AI Communication Matters
The #NextInLine Changemakers’ Recognition is a key initiative under GA’s annual Student and Young Practitioners Month (SYPM). The program spans GA’s six global regions and is designed to elevate youth leadership while encouraging ethical thinking in communication.
This year’s winning essays reflected a shared belief among young communicators. While AI can transform how information is created and shared, it should never replace empathy, inclusivity, and accountability.
GA emphasized that its mission is to support future leaders who see technology as a tool to amplify human values, not overshadow them.
A Proud Moment for Filipino Students
For the Philippines, the strong showing at GA 2025 is a reminder that Filipino students are not just adapting to global trends but actively helping shape them.
As AI continues to influence communication worldwide, these young changemakers represent a generation ready to lead with both innovation and integrity.