What is YSEALI Boot Camp 2022?
The U.S. Embassy of Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Biji-biji Initiative and Mereka aspires to ignite new ideas and innovations in civic engagement through the YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Boot Camps. This 3 month initiative aims to empower and provide a community of young leaders with opportunities and necessary skills in becoming relevant and impactful civic participants in Malaysia.
What is YSEALI?
Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding. YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region:
- Civic Engagement
- Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship
- Education
- Environmental Issues
Is this program for all Malaysians?
This program is specifically for Malaysian citizens.
What will the Boot Camp focus on?
This Civic Engagement capacity-building program aspires to ignite new ideas and innovations in youths within our community. Some of the possible areas of advocacy are Digital Access and Literacy, Environmental and Climate Action, and Human Rights & Civil Liberties.
Why should I join this program?
This YSEALI program will equip you with valuable skills and necessary knowledge that will help you begin your civic engagement journey.You will also learn skills and gain extensive knowledge to be solution providers to issues and challenges faced in your community through the use of dialogue, media communication tools, and technologies. You will also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded young leaders.
Do I get to pick my team members?
Yes! You have full control over whom you want to be in your team. Your teammates do not have to be from the Boot Camp but need to register as a YSEALI member.
Are the bootcamps physical or virtual?
The bootcamps will be held physically. However, there will be pre-bootcamp sessions that will be held virtually for all locations.
Where will the physical boot camps be hosted at?
The boot camps will be held across 4 locations:
American Corner Kedah - Kedah State Public Library
American Corner Kelantan - University Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia - Johor Bahru Campus
Universiti Malaysia Pahang - Gambang
Do participants have to be residing in any 4 locations to participate?
Nope! Participants coming from all across Malaysia can participate!
Do I have to join all the boot camps?
Nope! You only need to join either one of the four boot camps.
How do I apply?
When is the application deadline?
Application opens on Oct 3, 2022 and closes depending on the location:
Pahang - November 25, 2022 (Friday)
Kedah - January 14, 2022 (Saturday)
Kelantan - February 15, 2023 (Wednesday)
Johor - March 10, 2023 (Friday)
Apply Now!
Are there any application fees?
It is completely free!
Do I need to bring anything for the physical boot camp?
Yes, you will need to bring your laptop!
What is the commitment required to participate? How long do I have to participate?
By applying, you would agree to fully participate in any one of the 2 day physical Boot Camps located in Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang or Johor throughout October and November. The Boot Camp program will cover topics such as advocacy, digital media literacy, campaign management, media communication, impact assessment, and leadership to bring positive changes to communities. For the 8 winning teams, there will be a 3 month mentorship program.
Does the YSEALI Boot Camp 2022 provide a cash prize?
Yes! The top eight teams from Phase 2 of the Boot Camp will continue the journey with us and will receive seed funding as well as 3 months of mentorship program to accelerate their campaigns! Two teams from each location will receive RM 4,500 each.
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