MANILA — The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines is hosting a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) regional workshop in Manila from May 28 to June 1. The event will bring together 60 young content creators from across Southeast Asia to help them build new connections and strengthen their digital storytelling skills.
The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” will cover key topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, brand development, and intellectual property.
They will learn from notable social media mentors including journalist Jacque Manabat. The participants will also visit the Manila offices of leading U.S. tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta.
“We are thrilled to support Southeast Asia’s vibrant community of content creators,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. “These digital innovators are revolutionizing how we stay informed and connected.”
“You are not just creating content,” Manabat told the participants during the virtual orientation session on April 6. “You are bridging connections. Your story and creativity matter.”
The participating creators collectively have a total of 15 million followers across multiple platforms. Ten of the 60 participants are from the Philippines.
YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking among Southeast Asians under the age of 35. Since its launch in 2013, YSEALI has been developing the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth to promote civic engagement, environmental and natural resource management, education, economic development, and good governance through a variety of programs, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding.
All participants of the workshop will become members of the U.S. government and YSEALI exchange program alumni networks that will open them to unique opportunities, including grants and networking.
The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” is implemented by the Out of the Box Media Literacy Initiative through funding from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN.|
