YSEALI Alumni Summit: Empowering Leaders for Impact

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Jan. 9-12, 2025

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute on Civic Engagement at UNO, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and Portland State University (PSU), proudly hosted a vibrant YSEALI Civic Engagement Alumni Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jan. 9-12, 2025. This dynamic four-day event brought together 172 alumni of the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program on Civic Engagement from across Southeast Asia, alongside U.S.-based staff, faculty, and distinguished guests. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Educational & Cultural Affairs Bureau with local support from the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, the summit offered participants an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect, expand youth networks, and collaborate on innovative solutions to regional challenges. Attendees honed their leadership skills, exchanged best practices, and celebrated the power of civic engagement to achieve policy goals.

“My heart is full as I reconnect with the people I called family during my transformative five weeks in the US, catching up on lost time while welcoming new members into this growing YSEALI family,” exclaimed Shawn Obek, YSEALI alum from Malaysia. “This summit not only celebrates our achievements but also embraces the shared struggles of young changemakers, providing us with the opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn. When iron sharpens iron, I can’t help but feel that ASEAN has something extraordinary in store for the future of world leaders.”

As the signature program of the U.S. State Department in the region, YSEALI is key part of the US agenda to engage the ASEAN region. “The person-to-person diplomacy and collaboration on regional projects develops and strengthens youth leadership in addition to serving US foreign policy and security goals like the promotion of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” noted Dr. Jody Neathery-Castro, Director of the UNO YSEALI Institute on Civic Engagement. “These young leaders are shaping the future of Southeast Asia, addressing critical issues with creativity and determination.”

Under the theme “SEA Changemakers: Empowering Alumni for Impact”, the summit provided a platform for 172 YSEALI alumni to share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and engage in discussions centered on civic engagement and community development. Featured speakers included Ms. Lyta Kater, YSEALI Professional Fellowship Alumna and Head of Impact at SHE Investments, Ms. Bridgette Walker, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia, and H.E. Dr. Romny OM, Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. The event also marked the start of a yearlong celebration commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cambodia.

YSEALI alumnus Bodalin Heng expressed, “I’m super honored to have participated in the Summit as both a speaker and member of the planning committee. It was not only an opportunity to share our grassroots initiatives but also a beautiful reminder of the positive impact we can create when we come together and collaborate. Reconnecting with young leaders and discussing civic engagement topics has inspired me to continue advocating for meaningful change in our community. It was also a privilege to host such an impactful event in my country, Cambodia, showcasing our vibrant culture and commitment to progress.” Check out our summit video highlights.