Lyta Kater, a YSEALI professional fellow and SHE head impact advisor at iDE Cambodia, addresses the summit. Yousos Apdoulrashim
The US embassy in Cambodia is hosting a landmark event, the first Regional Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Civic Engagement Alumni Summit, from January 9-12.
This summit, held in Phnom Penh, serves as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the US and Cambodia.
The event, “The Southeast Asia Changemakers Summit: Empowering Alumni for Impact”, brings together 192 dynamic youth leaders from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.
The summit provides a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share models for community engagement and collaborate on civic projects of both local and regional significance.
As the US commemorates 75 years of partnership with the Kingdom, embassy chargé d’affaires Bridgette Walker underscored the significance of youth engagement in fostering deeper ties.
“The YSEALI Southeast Asia Changemakers Summit is a reflection of the US’ longstanding support for youth leadership development in the region, and marks the first event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the US and Cambodia in 2025,” she said.
“Through YSEALI, we continue to empower the next generation of leaders, fostering stronger connections to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Southeast Asia, the US and the world,” she added.
Established in 2013, YSEALI has become a flagship US government initiative for youth leadership in Southeast Asia, boasting over 155,000 members.
The programme emphasises leadership development and cross-border collaboration to address pressing global and regional challenges.
Chargé d’affaires Bridgette Walker (black jacket) attended the summit, organized by the US embassy to commemorate 75 years of partnership. Yousos Apdoulrashim
Participants at the summit are engaging in a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including site visits to the US embassy, Cambodian government offices, and prominent civic and social enterprises in Phnom Penh.
The summit is implemented by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, in collaboration with Arizona State University and Portland State University.
Several alumni shared their transformative journeys with YSEALI, highlighting its profound impact on their personal and professional lives.
Lyta Kater, a YSEALI professional fellow and SHE head impact advisor at iDE Cambodia, reflected on her journey since joining YSEALI in 2020.
Despite initial setbacks in her application process, Kater emphasised the programme’s life-changing opportunities.
“It was my first trip abroad, and it opened doors for me to engage in regional workshops and receive grants to support community projects and my professional growth,” she shared.
Kater’s work has since evolved from civic engagement to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Her reciprocal exchange grant project addressed financial accessibility challenges faced by women in Cambodia, equipping them to succeed in business applications and funding endeavours.
The Southeast Asia Changemakers Summit: Empowering Alumni for Impact has brought together 192 dynamic youth leaders from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste. Yousos Apdoulrashim
“Through collaboration, listening and sharing, we as young leaders can create a more inclusive future for our communities,” she explained.
Ana Xavier, a YSEALI alumna from Timor-Leste and a participant in the 2024 Arizona State University programme, echoed similar sentiments.
“YSEALI has allowed me to meet inspiring leaders across Southeast Asia, expanding my perspective and shaping me as a person,” said Xavier.
She highlighted how the programme empowered her advocacy for women’s rights in her community while broadening her professional network.
Other participants, such as Quiet Andrew Quiwa from the Philippines, emphasised the collaborative spirit fostered by YSEALI.
“We realise we’re not alone in our journey as young leaders. In the past two years, I’ve collaborated with fellows on impactful projects both in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia,” Quiwa noted.
For Zainatul Jobi of Brunei, the summit’s cultural exchange activities are equally significant.
“We’ll be participating in community visits and meeting organizations that align with our passions, such as women’s rights. The cultural night will also be a highlight, as we learn about different traditions from our Southeast Asian peers,” she said.
