The eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA): Cohort 6 is now open for applications! We invite civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises (SEs) based in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Viet Nam that work in Arts and Culture, Community Building/Empowerment, Education, or Environmental Diversity to partner with our #YouthVolunteers and co-create sustainable impact across ASEAN communities.

What is eYAA?

Launched on ASEAN Day (8 August 2018), eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA) is a regional partnership initiative by the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation that promotes youth engagement and strengthens community development through collaborative social volunteerism.

The Programme equips ASEAN youth aged 19–35 with hands-on experience in designing and implementing community-based solutions. Through this model, youth volunteers work directly with CSO/SE partners to address pressing local issues and contribute meaningfully to long-term community outcomes.

To date, over 30 CSO and SE partners have participated in the Programme; delivering meaningful, localised impact while supporting the growth of future ASEAN changemakers.

Programme Objective

This application package provides detailed information on the Programme’s partnership structure, benefits, eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the selection process for Cohort 6.

We welcome CSOs and SEs that are dedicated to community empowerment, grassroots engagement, and youth development to partner with us in implementing six-month community projects across ASEAN.

Partnership Benefits for Implementing Partners

The Programme will provide the selected implementing partners across Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam with the following:

• A project grant of up to USD 25,000 to design, prepare, and implement a community project for six months (three months preparation, three months implementation).
• Up to 11 youth volunteers from across ASEAN to support project planning and execution.
• Full funding to attend the Regional Capacity Building Workshop alongside other CSO/SE partners and youth volunteers.
• Opportunities to guide and mentor young changemakers throughout their project journey.
• Regional visibility and engagement with ASEAN stakeholders through Programme communications.
• The flexibility to propose project concepts aligned with one of the four thematic areas: Arts and Culture, Community Building/Empowerment, Education, and Environmental Diversity.
  

Eligibility Criteria

Any CSOs and SEs based in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam that meet the eligibility criteria listed below are welcome to apply. Competition for the eYAA is merit-based and open to any CSOs and SEs that are: 

• Be a registered organisation in one of the participating countries.
• Have no affiliation with political parties.
• Work within at least one thematic focus area: Arts and Culture, Community Building/Empowerment, Education, or Environmental Diversity.
• Demonstrate experience working with local communities in the proposed project location.
• Have prior experience collaborating with youth and/or managing volunteer initiatives.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Be available to participate in Programme activities across ASEAN Member States.
• Commit to the full Programme cycle: online and onsite capacity-building workshops, project implementation, monitoring visits, and closing event.
• Provide structured mentorship to 11 youth volunteers, which includes facilitating reflection, sharing networks and contacts, and offering constructive feedback.
• Maintain an active online presence (social media and/or website).
• Possess an organisational bank account with a major Southeast Asian bank (personal accounts are not allowed).
  

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting application materials for the eYAA: Cohort 6 is Sunday, 25 January 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+7). Only short-listed applicants will be notified and interviewed. You may refer to the timeline of the programme in the Application Package form.

Further Information and Inquiries

For further information regarding the eYAA programme, you may visit:
🔗 ASEAN Foundation
https://aseanfoundation.org/programme/empowering-youths-across-asean/

🔗 Maybank Foundation
https://maybankfoundation.com/what-we-do/our-pillars/community/empowering-youths-across-asean/

Full information on eligibility, requirements, and the programme timeline is available in the Application Information Package.

Should you have any inquiries, please contact:
📩 aseanempoweringyouth@aseanfoundation.org 
CC: tirza.listiarani@aseanfoundation.org and aldila.fatawa@aseanfoundation.org