CFAs: eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) Cohort 6

The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) Cohort 6 programme by the ASEAN Foundation supports young changemakers aged 19–35 to gain hands-on community development experience across Southeast Asia. The initiative builds future-ready leadership skills while enabling youth to co-create inclusive, sustainable social impact projects with local organisations across ASEAN.

Programme Overview

The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) programme is a flagship youth leadership and community engagement initiative led by the ASEAN Foundation in partnership with the Maybank Foundation. Cohort 6 continues the programme’s mission to nurture socially responsible youth leaders by combining capacity building, cross-cultural collaboration, and on-ground community action across Southeast Asia.
Each year, eYAA brings together diverse youth volunteers from ASEAN Member States and connects them with civil society organisations and social enterprises to co-design and implement solutions that address real community needs.

Core Objectives of eYAA

Building Socially Responsible Youth Leadership

The programme cultivates youth leaders who embody ASEAN values by learning, collaborating, and building a shared regional identity.

Developing Practical and Future-Ready Skills

Participants gain hands-on experience by designing and delivering community projects, strengthening leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Creating Meaningful Community Impact

eYAA supports inclusive, sustainable initiatives that respond directly to local social, environmental, and economic challenges.

What Makes eYAA Unique

Youth-Led, Community-Centred Projects

Youth initiatives under eYAA address issues such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and empowerment of marginalised communities, grounded in empathy and collaboration.

Strong Local Partnerships

Projects are implemented with local organisations deeply embedded in their communities, ensuring relevance, sustainability, and real-world impact.

Regional Exposure and Cultural Exchange

Participants work across multiple ASEAN locations, fostering cross-cultural understanding and long-term regional networks.

Programme Structure and Journey

Selection and Matching Phase

• Structured selection of youth volunteers and partner organisations

• Matching participants with community projects aligned to their interests and skills

Regional Capacity-Building Workshop

• Preparatory regional workshop for all selected participants

• Focus on leadership, project design, community engagement, and intercultural collaboration

Community Project Implementation

• Immersive, on-ground engagement with local organisations

• Youth volunteers translate learning into action through real community work

Closing and Reflection Event

• Participants reconvene to reflect on experiences, lessons learned, and regional impact

• Strengthens shared identity and collective learning across ASEAN

Learning, Mentorship, and Skill Development

Beyond community projects, eYAA provides:

• Regional workshops and leadership development sessions

• Hands-on mentorship from experienced practitioners

• Immersive fieldwork experiences

• A safe, inclusive environment for dialogue, learning, and personal growth

Who Is Eligible?

Participant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 19 and 35 years

• Be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State

• Have experience or exposure to volunteering, community work, or organisational activities

• Be able to communicate effectively in English

• Be willing and able to travel within ASEAN for programme activities

Why the eYAA Programme Matters

eYAA plays a strategic role in ASEAN’s youth and development ecosystem by:

• Empowering youth as active contributors to regional development

• Strengthening cross-border collaboration and mutual understanding

• Supporting grassroots innovation and sustainable community solutions

• Aligning youth action with ASEAN’s shared values and regional priorities

Alignment with Regional and Global Goals

The programme aligns with:

• ASEAN Chairmanship priorities

• ASEAN Community Vision 2025

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  As a flagship partnership between the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation, eYAA contributes to long-term, inclusive development across Southeast Asia.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Application Process

1. Prepare application materials demonstrating relevant experience and motivation

2. Submit the application through the official eYAA application channel

3. Await shortlisting notification if selected

Interview and Selection

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted

• Interviews will be conducted as part of the final selection process

Important Dates and Deadline

• Application deadline: Sunday, 25 January 2026

• Time: 23:59 (GMT+7)

• Notification: Only shortlisted applicants will be notified and interviewed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without relevant volunteering or organisational experience

• Submitting incomplete or unclear application materials

• Missing the deadline due to time zone confusion

• Underestimating the importance of regional collaboration and community impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is eYAA?

eYAA is a regional youth leadership and community engagement programme led by the ASEAN Foundation that supports youth-led social impact projects across Southeast Asia.

2. Who can apply for eYAA Cohort 6?

Young changemakers aged 19–35 from ASEAN Member States with volunteering or organisational experience.

3. Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Participants must be able to communicate effectively in English.

4. Does the programme involve travel?

Yes. Selected participants must be able to travel within ASEAN for programme-related activities.

5. What kind of projects will participants work on?

Projects address real community needs, including environmental challenges, social inclusion, and empowerment of marginalised groups.

6. Will participants receive mentorship?

Yes. Participants receive hands-on mentorship, regional workshops, and targeted upskilling opportunities.

7. When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 25 January 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7).

Conclusion

The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) Cohort 6 programme offers a structured, hands-on pathway for young ASEAN leaders to develop future-ready skills while delivering meaningful community impact. By combining regional collaboration, local partnerships, and youth-driven action, eYAA strengthens both individual leadership journeys and ASEAN’s collective social development.