Asean, Maybank Foundation unite to empower youth for sustainable change

SHAH ALAM - As Asean celebrates its anniversary, the Asean Foundation and Maybank Foundation have once again come together to launch the latest chapter of the eMpowering Youths Across Asean (eYAA) Programme.

In the lead-up to Asean Day, the Asean Foundation and Maybank Foundation kicked off a five-day regional workshop at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the fourth cohort of the eYAA Programme.

Since its inception in 2018, eYAA has touched the lives of over 60,000 community members through the dedication of nearly 300 youth volunteers and partnerships with 25 civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises across the region.

The eYAA programme is rooted in the belief that empowering youth is essential for sustainable development.

It aligns with the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, which aims to create an inclusive, sustainable and resilient community in Southeast Asia.

Maybank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Maybank, shares this vision, with a mission to improve the lives of two million households across Asean by 2025.

This year's workshop brought together 99 youth volunteers and 10 representatives from selected CSOs across Asean.

These young leaders showcased 10 innovative projects, explored collaborative opportunities and engaged in experiential learning, all with the goal of creating lasting change in their communities.

A significant addition to this year’s programme was the establishment of an alumni network, with 32 participants from previous cohorts and eight CSO representatives returning to share their experiences and insights.

This inaugural alumni inclusion marks a milestone in the programme’s evolution, highlighting the growing strength of eYAA’s network and fostering a culture of giving back and mutual support.

Before the official opening ceremony, the first-ever eYAA Alumni Impact Forum was held, celebrating the programme's achievements.

These include the empowerment of 293 youth volunteers across three cohorts, who, in collaboration with 25 CSOs, have impacted over 60,000 community members through initiatives in arts and culture, community building, education and environmental sustainability.

Participants in this group engaged in a variety of panel and group discussions, covering topics such as "The Volunteering Effect: Empowering Youth, Igniting Careers and Creating Lasting Change."

They also participated in training workshops on design thinking, financial management, sustainability, volunteering and pitching presentations, all aimed at equipping them with the skills necessary to implement their community projects effectively.

This year’s eYAA programme offers participants the chance to secure grants ranging from USD$ 25,000 to USD$27,000 which will be used to support the implementation of their community initiatives.

One of the standout projects is "Sabahanomics Connect," led by Bait Al Amanah in Sabah.

This initiative aims to preserve the cultural heritage of rural Sabahan communities while empowering them economically through digital inclusion.

Another noteworthy project is "Project Edu-PlastiCycle" in Sarawak which addresses waste management issues by teaching practical upcycling skills and promoting sustainable habits in rural areas.

Past projects from earlier cohorts continue to serve as inspiration for this year's participants.

For instance, the "Future of Work" project from Cohort 3 provided unemployed youths in Kuala Lumpur with digital skills, while the "Danger to Dear" project in Indonesia tackled environmental challenges by removing invasive water hyacinths from a local lake.

Asean Foundation executive director Dr Piti Srisangnam said the eMpowering Youths programme embodies Asean Foundation’s dedication to nurture the next generation of Asean leaders.

"By providing opportunities for young volunteers to engage in impactful projects, we are not only fostering a spirit of collaboration but also driving sustainable development across the region," he said.

Maybank chief sustainability officer Shahril Azuar Jimin echoed this sentiment and emphasised the importance of empowering youth to lead sustainable change across Asean communities.

These initiatives, he said are a testament to Maybank's shared commitment to promoting sustainable development and enriching communities throughout Southeast Asia.

Launched on Asean Day in 2018, the eYAA programme is dedicated to empowering youth aged 19 to 35 across the ten Asean Member States.

Through this initiative, young leaders develop and implement community projects that deliver tangible, long-term social and economic impacts, fostering collaboration and innovation to address local challenges across the region.