ASEAN Foundation and Maybank launch EYAA Cohort 3

In anticipation of ASEAN Day celebrations on 8 August 2023, the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation have come together to welcome 120 enthusiastic youth volunteers and ten representatives from selected civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises (SEs) from across the region. This marks the opening ceremony of the Regional Capacity Building Workshop of the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (EYAA) programme, Cohort 3, held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.

The Regional Capacity Building Workshop spans from 24 to 27 July 2023 and acts as a pivotal platform for youth volunteers and CSOs to receive extensive project management training and to finalize their project proposals before embarking on community projects in five ASEAN countries, namely Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

These community projects are focused on addressing various pressing issues related to Arts and Culture, Community Empowerment, Education, and Environmental Diversity in the respective countries. For instance, in Malaysia, initiatives like “Malaysia’s Future of Work” project aims to prepare youth for the changing employment landscape, while “D2D (Danger to Dear)” endeavors to assist underprivileged communities.

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “EYAA Cohort 3 Programme is representing a continued collaborative endeavor between ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation to unlock the boundless potential of ASEAN youth and communities. This programme acts as a powerful catalyst for profound change, empowering young volunteers to embark on purposeful community projects that address the urgent challenges encountered by our people across the region.”

Mr. Shahril Azuar Jimin, Chief Sustainability Officer of Maybank Group, also emphasized Maybank’s dedication to empowering the youth and fostering collaboration for positive change. Through the partnership with the ASEAN Foundation in this program, they aim to cultivate a platform where young changemakers can harness their potential and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Empowering ASEAN Youth

The EYAA programme targets youth between the ages of 19 to 35 years from the ten ASEAN Member States and offers them an immersive and educational learning platform through social volunteerism. In this third edition, participants can look forward to various opportunities and benefits, including the potential to receive a grant of up to USD 27,000 to support the implementation of their community projects.

Beyond the monetary support, participants will also have the invaluable opportunity to build an extensive network at the regional level, connecting with individuals and organizations across Southeast Asia. This expanded network opens doors for future collaborations and partnerships.

EYAA’s remarkable achievements

Since its establishment in 2018, the EYAA programme has made significant strides, empowering 175 youth volunteers and fostering collaborations with 20 CSOs and social enterprises, resulting in a direct impact on 38,933 community members across ASEAN. Moreover, it has reached an additional 851,910 individuals through various online events.

The opening ceremony was graced by a gong ceremony attended by key stakeholders of EYAA Cohort 3, including dignitaries like Associate Professor Sittidaj Pongkijvorasin, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Amb. Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Zamzamzairani, Chairman of Maybank and Maybank Foundation, Dr. Areepong Bhoocha-Oom, Chairman of Maybank Securities Thailand, Mr. Shahril Azuar Jimin, Chief Sustainability Officer of Maybank, and Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation. Additionally, a message video from H.E. Ekkaphab Phanthavong, the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, was delivered during the ceremony.

The event also witnessed the presence of representatives from Permanent Missions to ASEAN, Assistant Professor Dr. Sineenat Sermcheep, Executive Director of ASEAN Studies Center, Professor Suthiphand Chirathiwat, Advisor of ASEAN Studies Center, and Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Executive Director of ASEAN University Network, along with various media personnel.

The EYAA Cohort 3 Programme promises to be an exciting journey of growth, learning, and collaboration, as these young changemakers embark on their mission to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the development of the ASEAN region.