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RFAs: Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Regional Workshop

Deadline: 12-Dec-2025

The YSEALI Regional Workshop: CyberSafe ASEAN is a fully funded, four-day program in Jakarta (January 27–30, 2026) that brings together 60 young professionals from all 11 ASEAN member states to develop solutions against online scams. Participants engage in expert-led sessions, collaborative design labs, and a live pitch competition, with select teams receiving small grants for pilot projects. The initiative strengthens regional cooperation on cybersecurity, digital safety, and scam prevention.

Introduction

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop: CyberSafe ASEAN is a hands-on program designed to unite emerging leaders from Southeast Asia to combat online scams and cyber-enabled crimes. Through a mix of virtual learning, in-person collaboration, and post-workshop grants, the initiative empowers mid-career professionals to develop actionable, cross-border solutions.

Program Overview

The 2026 workshop convenes 60 young professionals from all 11 ASEAN member states for a four-day, in-person program in Jakarta from January 27–30, 2026. Participants engage in:

  • Expert-led sessions on cybercrime and scam prevention

  • Hands-on collaborative design labs

  • A live pitch event at the American Cultural Center

  • Peer learning with representatives from diverse sectors
    The workshop emphasizes practical solution-building rather than awareness alone.

Pre-Workshop and Post-Workshop Activities

Pre-Workshop Virtual Component

Participants complete an online session that introduces:

  • Scam typologies and emerging trends

  • Victim behavior pathways

  • Rule-of-law and enforcement frameworks

  • Foundations for shared regional understanding

Post-Workshop Support

Selected teams receive:

  • Small grants to run short-term pilot projects

  • Mentorship from YSEALI alumni

  • Implementation guidance for community-based or cross-border solutions

Why CyberSafe ASEAN Matters

Online scams are one of the fastest-growing cyber threats in Southeast Asia. The program addresses:

  • Increasing sophistication of scam networks

  • Regional gaps in digital literacy and cyber-awareness

  • Cross-border nature of cybercrime

  • Need for coordinated responses across government, private sector, and civil society
    CyberSafe ASEAN empowers young leaders to take ownership of solutions and strengthen cyber resilience in their communities.

Who Should Apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizens of an ASEAN Member State

  • Aged 27–35

  • Minimum two years of professional or volunteer experience in fields such as:

    • Cybersecurity

    • Law enforcement

    • Financial compliance or anti-fraud

    • Technology and digital innovation

    • Public policy and governance

    • Education and digital literacy

    • Online safety initiatives

    • Community advocacy and outreach
      Participants must commit to:

  • The virtual sessions in January 2026

  • The in-person workshop in Jakarta from January 27–30, 2026

What the Program Covers (Fully Funded Benefits)

The initiative is fully funded by the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, including:

  • Round-trip airfare

  • Accommodation

  • Meals

  • Local transport

  • All workshop materials and participation costs

What Participants Will Create

Participants work in teams to design outputs that reduce scam victimization, including:

  • Prototype Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • Victim-support tools or reporting guides

  • Scam-detection or early-warning protocols

  • Community engagement or digital literacy strategies

  • Cross-border coordination frameworks between sectors
    Solutions should be practical, replicable, and suitable for pilot testing.

How the Workshop Works: Step-by-Step

1. Application and Selection

Candidates apply through the designated YSEALI application portal. A selection panel reviews:

  • Professional experience

  • Leadership potential

  • Motivation to address cybercrime

  • Regional collaboration mindset

2. Pre-Workshop Virtual Session

Participants join an online learning module covering core cyber-scam concepts.

3. In-Person Workshop (January 27–30, 2026, Jakarta)

  • Networking and orientation

  • Expert briefings

  • Group design labs

  • Field insights from practitioners

  • Pitch preparation with mentorship

4. Final Pitch Event

Teams present solutions before experts at the American Cultural Center.

5. Pilot Implementation Phase

Selected pitches receive small grants and mentorship to execute short-term pilots.

Common Mistakes in Applications (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistakes

  • Vague explanation of interest in cybersecurity

  • Weak connection between applicant’s background and program goals

  • Overemphasis on personal gain, not community impact

  • Generic descriptions of proposed ideas

How to Avoid Them

  • Demonstrate clear knowledge of cyber-safety challenges in your country

  • Highlight practical experience and leadership roles

  • Show readiness to collaborate regionally

  • Provide a concise idea or theme you hope to work on during the workshop

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this program only for cybersecurity professionals?

No. Professionals from law enforcement, public policy, education, finance, digital literacy, and community advocacy are encouraged to apply.

2. Do I need a project idea before applying?

A clear interest in cyber-safety or scam prevention is required; a fully developed idea is not mandatory.

3. Will all participants receive grant funding?

No. Only selected teams from the pitch event receive small pilot grants.

4. Is English proficiency required?

Yes. All workshop sessions and materials are delivered in English.

5. Can I apply if I am turning 27 or 36 in 2026?

You must be between 27 and 35 on the program dates.

6. Are travel, accommodation, and meals fully covered?

Yes. The U.S. Mission to ASEAN funds all program-related costs.

7. Do I need prior YSEALI experience?

No. Both new and returning YSEALI applicants are eligible.

Conclusion

The YSEALI Regional Workshop: CyberSafe ASEAN offers a powerful opportunity for emerging Southeast Asian leaders to collaborate on real, scalable solutions to combat online scams. With expert guidance, hands-on design work, and post-workshop funding, participants gain the tools and partnerships needed to strengthen digital safety across the region. This fully funded program is ideal for professionals committed to building a safer, more cyber-resilient ASEAN.

For more information, visit CyberSafe ASEAN.