The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program (AFP) has opened its application process from June 23 to July 21, 2025. This program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is designed for young leaders aged 18-25 from Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Singapore, and Vietnam. It aims to enhance their professional and leadership skills through a five-week academic experience in the United States.
Participants will engage in academic Institutes at U.S. colleges and universities that focus on themes such as Civic Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Natural Resources, and Society and Governance. According to U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Jamie Ravetz: “The U.S government is committed to empowering young leaders and to strengthening ties between the combined one billion people of the United States and Southeast Asia.” Ravetz emphasized that the program invests not only in individual potential but also in the future of the region.
The fellowship includes community service activities, a networking event in Washington D.C., and field experiences across various American communities. Participants are expected to design projects during their stay which they will implement upon returning home.
Since its inception, over 2,200 alumni have participated in YSEALI AFP across Southeast Asia. These alumni have become significant figures in sectors such as government, business, civil society, and education. The program covers essential expenses like visas, travel costs, living expenses, tuition fees, insurance, and other related costs. Details about eligibility requirements and applications can be found on the U.S. Embassy Jakarta website.