The United States embassies in Indonesia and Singapore have united efforts to support the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Blue Economy Regional Workshop in Batam, Indonesia, and Singapore. The initiative gathered 59 youth leaders from ASEAN and Timor-Leste to enhance their abilities in driving innovation and economic growth in maritime sectors.
U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir highlighted the significance of the workshop: "This is the first time two U.S. embassies have co-sponsored a regional YSEALI workshop, and it provides an exciting opportunity to see how both Indonesia and Singapore are advancing a blue economy." She emphasized the importance of the blue economy in ensuring future economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region.
During the workshop, participants attended seminars and discussions on marine technology, carbon capture, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, and marine transportation. They were introduced to the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework and other regional initiatives promoting economic growth. The event featured speakers from the United States, Fiji, Micronesia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Participants also visited the Batam Mariculture Development Center and Mangrove Setokok to explore opportunities in the blue economy.
Chargé d’Affaires Casey Mace from the U.S. Embassy in Singapore commented on the initiative's objectives: "At the heart of YSEALI is a simple but powerful idea: that the best way to ensure a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future is to invest in the next generation of changemakers."
This initiative is expected to foster lasting connections and ventures. Participants will leave with actionable plans for economic change in their countries. Selected teams will receive funding through a small grants program to implement projects fostering industry innovation and regional economic development.
YSEALI was established in 2013 to enhance leadership skills in Southeast Asia and strengthen ties with the United States. The program includes various exchanges and funding opportunities to nurture ASEAN community bonds.
The workshop was collaboratively developed with the Biji-biji Initiative from Malaysia, Divers Clean Action from Indonesia, and Seastainable from Singapore.