Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Academic Fellowship

From 2021-2024, we served as an institute host for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program in collaboration with the University of Connecticut. Fellows were undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students from Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Centered on the theme of entrepreneurship and economic development, this program sought to deepen Fellows’ understanding of U.S. society and  provide them with an overview of business techniques and entrepreneurial skills. The goal is to develop their leadership and collective problem-solving skills and inspire them to foster socioeconomic development upon returning home. YSEALI Fellows engaged in academic coursework, leadership workshops, cultural activities, site visits, and community service to achieve these program objectives.