April 30, 2025 – Beijing Daily Life | Fujian – During the grand opening of the 2025 Youth Leadership Summit and Awards Ceremony, U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu, together with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, jointly presented the “Outstanding Contribution Award in Youth Leadership” to Mr. Gates Yao, Founder and Chairman of DreamGet Education Group and a prominent international figure in youth development and education innovation.
This award, one of the highest honors for youth development supported by both federal and state governments in the United States, recognizes Mr. Yao’s outstanding contributions to global youth leadership, educational transformation, and social impact. As the sole recipient of the award, Mr. Yao’s recognition reflects growing international acclaim for his enduring commitment to empowering the next generation.
Themed “Educational Innovation and Youth Leadership in the AI Era,” the summit brought together representatives from the U.S. federal government, the State of California, world-renowned universities, tech giants, and youth organizations. It explored how young people can adapt, grow, and lead in the face of rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence and globalization.
As the Chair of the Summit Organizing Committee, Mr. Yao played a leading role in agenda planning, strategic coordination, and keynote curation. He also co-hosted the awards segment with the Councilor of San Gabriel, California, presenting honors to outstanding young leaders from around the globe. In his keynote speech titled “How to Cultivate Future Youth Leaders,” Yao outlined the three essential competencies for young leaders in the new era: strategic foresight, humanistic values, and social responsibility.
Congresswoman Judy Chu praised Mr. Yao as “a remarkable example of youth leadership in our time,” stating:
“Mr. Yao has made exceptional strides in global education, youth empowerment, and intercultural understanding. He embodies the spirit of modern leadership and serves as a beacon for Chinese youth worldwide.”
Treasurer Fiona Ma highlighted his integrative vision, noting:
“Mr. Yao’s efforts in merging education, technology, public service, and entrepreneurship are reinvigorating the landscape of youth affairs, bringing renewed hope and energy to society.”
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Yao said:
“This honor is not just a recognition of the past, but a responsibility for the future. I remain committed to building youth-centered, education-driven, and values-grounded platforms to empower young people worldwide.”
As the founder of DreamGet Education Group, Mr. Yao has expanded operations across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, establishing a comprehensive education service system integrating college counseling, research-based training, and leadership development. His initiatives — including AI literacy programs, global philanthropy projects, Ivy League research practicums, and youth policy studies — have empowered thousands of students to reach global stages.
The 2025 Youth Leadership Summit served as both a cultural exchange and a catalyst for action. Mr. Yao’s participation and recognition reflect the rising global influence and voice of Chinese youth in shaping a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future.
Looking ahead, Mr. Yao and DreamGet Education Group aim to further advance a resilient, open, and globally-oriented youth development ecosystem grounded in global vision, technological innovation, and humanistic values. As Yao concluded in his closing remarks:
“The purpose of education is not to prepare youth to follow the world, but to enable them to lead and reshape it.”
Gates Yao 