Application Deadline: 3 March 2024 

Submit Applications through: bit.ly/eMpoweringYouths4_YV

Send Inquiries to: [email protected]

OVERVIEW 

The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN—launched in conjunction with the ASEAN Day on 8 August 2018—is a collaborative programme by the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation dedicated to empowering youth and communities across the region. The Programme provides youth with an experiential and educative learning platform through social volunteerism. They collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds to implement their ideas and advocate solutions to grounded issues in local communities across ASEAN. They delve into an impactful journey to make a tangible, meaningful change among target communities in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. 

OBJECTIVE 

This application package aims to provide detailed information about the benefits of participating in the Programme, eligibility, submission requirements, the application process, and the deadline of the eMpowering Youth Across ASEAN Programme Cohort 4 to prospective candidates of Youth Volunteers aged 19 to 35 from the ten ASEAN Member States (i.e., Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) to implement projects in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. 

PROGRAMME BENEFITS FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS 

The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN Programme Cohort 4 will provide the selected Youth Volunteers (i.e., people aged 19 to 35) from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with the followings: 

• A grant of up to USD 27,000 per project. 
• Mentor (i.e., Civil Society Organisation/Social Enterprise) that leads the projects to which Youth Volunteers are assigned. 
• Ever-expanding alumni network across Southeast Asia. 
• Exposure across ASEAN as the Programme involves various stakeholders in the region. 

FUNDING 

In addition to the allocated grant for project implementation, the Programme will cover the following:  

• A round-trip travel from the airport in the country of origin (i.e., ASEAN member states) to eMpowering-Youths-related events in the hosting country (i.e., ASEAN member states)  
• An accommodation and meal during eMpowering-Youths-related events 
• A variety of professional development activities. 

However, the Programme will not cover the following:  

• Transportation arrangements from home to the nearest airport in the country of origin (i.e., ASEAN member states). 
• Travel insurance of the participants. 
• Health insurance of the participants. 
• Any expenses that are not directly related to the Programme. 

ELIGIBILITY 

Any person who meets the eMpowering Youths eligibility criteria listed below is welcome and encouraged to apply. Competition for the eMpowering Youths is merit-based and open to any person who is: 

• Aged a minimum of 19 years old by 1 January 2024 and a maximum of 35 by 31 December 2024. 
• Citizen of ASEAN Member States (i.e., Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) who resides in the abovementioned countries. 
• Able to communicate, both written and spoken, in English. 
• Available to travel to eMpowering-Youths-related events in any ASEAN member state where the events take place. 
• Committed to fully participate in the Programme events, including but not limited to; Regional Capacity Building Workshop; Project Design and Implementation; and any tasks related to the Programme requested by the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation 

POSSIBLE SOCIAL PROJECTS 

If selected, candidates, alongside the assigned CSO/SE partner, may propose project ideas provided that the focus of the project falls under the four thematic areas of community building/empowerment, arts and culture, environment, and education. The followings are samples of viable social project ideas that candidates may consider: 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 

To apply, candidates should fill in the online application on Jotform (click here) and submit the following documents: 

• Photo (sample) 
• Copy of Passport proving their citizenship of ASEAN nationals* 
• 300-to-500-word essay explaining what motivates you to apply for the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN Programme and how you will use the knowledge and skill you gain from the Programme once you return home. 

After the announcement of selected participants, the following documents must be submitted a month after the announcement:  

• A letter of permission from your employer/school/university to take part in the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN Programme Cohort 4* 
• Proof of third vaccination of COVID-19* 
• Copy of Medical Certificate issued by public health officials (i.e., doctors) at your local clinic or hospital*  

*Any cost incurred to obtaining these documents will be borne by the participant. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Candidates should complete the online application on Jotform (click here), which can only be accessed when the new application cycle begins. 

DEADLINE 

The deadline for submitting application materials for the Programme is 3 March 2024 at 23:59 (GMT+7). Only short-listed applicants will be notified and interviewed. 

PROGRAMME TIMELINE** 

**Please note that this timeline is subject to change depending on the progress of each phase and will be updated regularly. 

MORE INFORMATION AND INQUIRY 

Should you have any inquiries, please visit https://www.aseanfoundation.org/empowering_youths_across_asean or email us at [email protected] and cc [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].