eYAA Cohort 4 Empowers ASEAN Youth for Sustainable Change

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The ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation have launched the fourth cohort of the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) program, marking another step in fostering sustainable development across the region.

Held at Chulalongkorn University, the five-day regional capacity-building workshop brought together 100 youth volunteers and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) to showcase impactful projects and explore new collaboration opportunities.

Since its inception in 2018, the eYAA program has impacted over 60,000 community members through the efforts of 293 youth volunteers and 25 CSOs, addressing key issues such as education, environmental sustainability, and community development.

The program is aligned with the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, which seeks to create a more inclusive and resilient ASEAN community.

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasized the program’s role in developing future leaders.

“The eMpowering Youths program embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of ASEAN leaders. By providing opportunities for young volunteers to engage in impactful projects, we are not only fostering a spirit of collaboration but also driving sustainable development across the region.”

This year’s cohort introduced a new alumni network, involving 32 youth from previous cohorts and eight CSO representatives.

The inclusion of alumni is a milestone that highlights the growing strength of eYAA’s network and promotes a culture of giving back. The alumni shared their experiences, offering valuable insights to inspire new participants.

Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank, highlighted the program’s broader goals.

“We are enabling ASEAN youth to lead sustainable changes across our communities through the Regional Capacity Building Workshop of eMpowering Youths: Cohort 4. These initiatives testify to our shared commitment in promoting sustainable development and enriching communities throughout Southeast Asia.”

Following the workshop, youth volunteers and CSOs will implement community projects in six ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Among the projects in the Philippines, “Angat Edukasyon” will focus on improving reading proficiency among early-grade learners, while “Waves With WASH-Ed (Caloocan)” aims to enhance access to sanitation and education in vulnerable communities.

Participants in this cohort will have the opportunity to receive grants ranging from USD 25,000 to 27,000 to support their initiatives.

The eYAA program, launched on ASEAN Day in 2018, continues to empower youth aged 19 to 35 to lead meaningful change and address socio-economic challenges across the region.

For more information about the eYAA program and its initiatives, visit the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation websites.