Manila, May 23, 2025—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is set to host a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) regional workshop in Manila from May 28 to June 1. The event will gather 60 young content creators from across Southeast Asia to help them establish new connections and enhance their digital storytelling skills.
The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” will address important topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, brand development, and intellectual property. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from notable social media mentors including journalist Jacque Manabat. Additionally, they will visit the Manila offices of leading U.S. tech companies like Microsoft and Meta.
“We are thrilled to support Southeast Asia’s vibrant community of content creators,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “These digital innovators are revolutionizing how we stay informed and connected.”
“You are not just creating content,” Manabat told participants during a virtual orientation session on April 6. “You are bridging connections. Your story and creativity matter.”
Collectively, the participating creators have a total of 15 million followers across various platforms, with ten participants hailing from the Philippines.
YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature program aimed at strengthening leadership development and networking among Southeast Asians under the age of 35. Since its inception in 2013, YSEALI has been focused on developing the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth to promote civic engagement, environmental management, education, economic development, and good governance through various programs including educational exchanges and seed funding.
All workshop participants will join the U.S. government and YSEALI exchange program alumni networks, which offer unique opportunities such as grants and networking.
The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” is implemented by the Out of the Box Media Literacy Initiative with funding from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines in partnership with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN.