Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) | Engineering

Funder 

U.S. Department of State, United States Mission to Vietnam

Project dates 

2019-2022 (3 years)

Program Background

Presidential signature program launched in 2013 by President Barack Obama to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia

Focus 

Leadership development, civic engagement, environmental sustainability, economic growth and STEM

$830,727 USD

Amount Awarded

Region 

Southeast Asia:

Key innovation

Multi-modal approach combining U.S.-based fellowships, regional workshops, annual summits, and seed funding to build leadership capabilities and nurture ASEAN community

A group of people in a greenhouse, holding signs among rows of green plants.

Project Overview

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative strengthens leadership, innovation and cross-border collaboration among emerging leaders in Southeast Asia. Through fellowships, regional exchanges and seed funding, YSEALI builds the skills, networks and partnerships that support civic engagement, entrepreneurship and long-term regional resilience.

Strengthening Emerging Leaders Across Southeast Asia

Launched in 2013 as President Barack Obama’s signature initiative for Southeast Asia, YSEALI strengthens leadership development and regional networking among emerging leaders. Implemented by Arizona State University with support from the U.S. Department of State, the initiative builds leadership capacity, strengthens U.S.–ASEAN ties and fosters a more connected and resilient regional community.

Through academic fellowships, regional workshops, seed funding and exchange programs, YSEALI equips young leaders with the skills and networks needed to drive impact in civic engagement, social entrepreneurship and economic development. Programming combines experiential learning, mentorship and cross-border collaboration to cultivate inclusive leadership and long-term partnerships.

Impact at a glance

11

southeast asian countries engaged

3+

regional convenings and workshops

1

academic fellowship track at ASU

$830K+

total program investment (2019–2022)

2015–2018

civic engagement and social entrepreneurship fellowship

Multiple

seed grant competitions delivered

Key Achievements and Strategic Approach

Academic Fellowship at ASU
Hosted Civic Engagement and Social Entrepreneurship fellows at Arizona State University from 2015 to 2018, providing immersive academic experiences and leadership development.
Regional Innovation Workshops
Organized a regional agricultural technology incubator workshop in Laos in 2020, equipping participants with entrepreneurship tools and sector-specific expertise.
Regional Summit and Cross-Border Engagement
Convened annual regional summits, including a virtual summit hosted from Ho Chi Minh City during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining regional collaboration during global disruption.
Seed Funding for Youth-Led Solutions
Awarded seed grants across program tracks to support youth-driven projects that advance civic innovation, entrepreneurship and regional development.

Impact in Action

Learn more:

Agribusiness Regional Workshop in Laos

YSEALI Agribusiness Incubator Workshop