The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2025 is being held in Penang, Malaysia from September 8 to 11. The event brings together 113 young leaders from Southeast Asia for a four-day program focused on leadership, innovation, and practical responses to regional challenges.
The summit is hosted by the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Biji-biji Initiative and Cent-GPS. Participants are provided with opportunities to build networks and access resources aimed at strengthening their leadership skills and generating ideas that contribute economic and social value.
The YSEALI Summit emphasizes collaboration between Southeast Asian nations and the United States on key policy issues such as innovation, governance, and economic development. These areas are seen as essential for ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented during the ASEAN meetings: “The history of the 21st century will largely be written in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in Southeast Asia. This is a region where over 6,000 American companies have invested heavily, and where we see extraordinary opportunities for economic cooperation and growth. The United States is committed to strengthening and building upon these partnerships, ensuring that we remain engaged and focused on the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Summit participants take part in activities including leadership simulations, expert-led panels, and site visits to local organizations. These sessions address topics such as economic development, resource management, and energy diversification—issues considered important for long-term regional growth.
Organizers say that support will continue after the summit concludes so participants can implement their ideas beyond the event itself. The goal is to foster cross-border partnerships that promote sustainable development throughout Southeast Asia.
YSEALI was launched by the U.S. government in 2013 as its main program for developing youth leadership skills across Southeast Asia. It offers various programs including educational exchanges with the United States, regional networking events, and seed funding initiatives designed to strengthen ties between ASEAN countries and nurture a sense of community among young leaders.
More information about YSEALI can be found at https://asean.usmission.gov/young-southeast-asian-leaders-initiative/.