YSEALI Professional Fellows

What is it?

Starting in spring 2015, over the course of a year, 250 YSEALI Professionals will have five-week placements in U.S. non-profit organizations and state and local government offices. YSEALI Professional Fellows will work directly with their American counterparts to enhance their practical expertise, leadership skills, and professional contacts to address challenges and create new opportunities their home countries and communities. YSEALI Professional Fellows will work in the fields of:

• Civic engagement
• NGO management
• Economic empowerment
• Governance
• Legislative process
• Environmental and natural resources management

The program will conclude in Washington to allow for engagement with policymakers and networking among YSEALI Professional Fellows from across ASEAN. A select group of Americans who worked with the YSEALI Professional Fellows will then travel overseas to further strengthen relationships, continue to collaborate on issue-based projects, and mentor other YSEALI members.

Who is eligible to apply?

Young professionals from all 10 ASEAN countries who are leading change and innovation in civil society, the public sector, or the private sector. Interested YSEALI members should visit here to apply.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must be:

• Between the ages of 25-35 at the time of the application, although exceptional applicants younger than 25 will be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• Currently employed and with at least two years of professional experience at the time of application;
• Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application;
• Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
• What are the selection criteria?
• Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership or positive impact in their community or workplace;
• Demonstrate knowledge, or professional experience in one of the YSEALI themes: civic engagement, environment and natural resources management, or entrepreneurship and economic development;
• Demonstrate a commitment or interest to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and ASEAN as a region;
• Be willing to actively participate in a professional work environment to develop professional capacities and leadership skills;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the ASEAN region; and
• Preferably have little or no prior work, study, or travel experience in the United States.

What is the application process timeline?
Now through December 8, 2015: Visit http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/yseali-professional-fellows-program to apply for the Spring 2015 YSEALI Professional Fellows Program.

Starting in January 2015: Semi-finalists Interviews Begin

Mid to late February 2015: Finalists Selection

May 2015: U.S. Exchange Program Begins

How do I apply?

Visit http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/yseali-professional-fellows-program to apply.

YSEALI Academic Fellows

What is it?

Starting in summer 2015, over the course of a year, 250 YSEALI Academic Fellows will take part in academic institutes in one of three core YSEALI themes:

• Civic engagement
• Environment and natural resources management
• Entrepreneurship and economic development

These five week institutes, held on the campus of a U.S. university or college, will include an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, local community service activities, and opportunities to engage with American peers. The program will conclude in Washington, D.C., to allow for engagement with policymakers, governmental representatives, businesses, and think tanks.

Who is eligible to apply?

Young leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries who members that are current undergraduate or graduate students or recently graduated. Participants are selected by their local embassy based on their background, experience, leadership record, and commitment to service. For country specific application and recruitment information click here.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must be:

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants over 25 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• A full-time undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduate of college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or young professional who has recently joined the workforce;
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English; and
• Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.

What are the selection criteria?

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and track record in their university, place of work, and/or community;
• Demonstrate knowledge, or professional experience in one of the YSEALI themes: civic engagement, environment and natural resources management, or entrepreneurship and economic development;
• Demonstrate a commitment to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and ASEAN as a region;
• Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the ASEAN region; and
• Preferably have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.

What is the application process timeline?

Check for your country-specific information:

https://youngsoutheastasianleaders.state.gov/country-specific-information/

How do I apply?

Participants are selected by their local embassies. For country-specific application and recruitment information open this link:

https://youngsoutheastasianleaders.state.gov/country-specific-information/

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)

What is YSEALI?

Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the U.S. President Barack Obama’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: civic engagement, environment and natural resources management, and entrepreneurship and economic development.

Who is YSEALI?

The YSEALI community consists of bright young leaders, 18–35 years old, from Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Laos, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam who are making a differing in their communities, countries, and the region.

Why YSEALI?

Approximately 65% of people in the ASEAN region are under the age of 35. YSEALI is an effort to harness the extraordinary potential of youth in the region to address critical challenges and expand opportunities.

Calling Youth with a Vision!

Young people in Southeast Asia are working to make tomorrow a brighter day, and the United States is here to help. We want to hear from you! What resources do young leaders need to tackle environmental issues, educate your generation, increase prosperity, and work for the good of your community?

Let's JOIN YSEALI right now!

Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue

“It does not matter about the identity of your religion or tribe. If you can do something good for everyone, people never ask what your religion is”.

This quote from Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid is still an inspiration for many Indonesians.

Indonesia is culturally, politically and above all religiously diverse. There are six officially recognized religions (Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism) and various ethnic groups, as well as many different languages and dialects.

However, Indonesia considers itself as one nation state despite regional challenges.

From one side, differences of faith and culture are examined and assessed as the wealth of the nation, a place where people of different religions and culture appreciate or respect each other, learn from each other, enrich each other and reinforce religious values and faith.

Existing diversity need not be contradicted, but must be viewed from a positive standpoint and serve as the nation’s wealth.

Followers of different religions and cultures should be able to live together in harmony and peace, mutual respect, mutual help and love each other.

But in the history of religious and cultural life, it often happens that differences serve as a triggers for disagreement, discord and conflict.

Such incidents are sad and make many people worry.

Brotherhood, harmony and peace will be threatened if we cannot overcome our differences.

One example is the case of Galang Press director Julius Felicianus, who was attacked at his house along with other Catholics.

We need to pay special attention to the problems and explore measures to solve them.

We must not accuse and prejudice other religions, ethnicities, individuals or groups.

One way is to engage in interfaith and intercultural dialogue. Dialogue is not debate.

Dialogue is about learning how to listen, critical thinking and respect.

It’s about having the broad-mindedness to accept differences. In the terminology of Pancasila, we call it deliberation.

Do not be easily to be provoked. We must try to know in advance the true purpose of those who try to provoke us.

We need to boost our understanding of our national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and we need more people to implement dialogue to achieve peace.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/06/03/your-letters-interfaith-intercultural-dialogue.html