The 2023 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop on Innovating International Higher Education, is being organised by the US Embassy in Hanoi in collaboration with the National Economics University.

The opening ceremony saw the attendance of US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, Director General of the International Cooperation Department of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, Pham Quang Hung, and President of National Economics University, Pham Hong Chuong who all shared their support for YSEALI Regional Workshop goals of promoting international partnerships in the higher education sector in the ASEAN region and Timor-Leste.

Seventy-five young leaders were selected for the workshop out of more than 900 applicants from 10 ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. These participants include lecturers, administrators, policy makers and advocates, advisors and other young professionals working in higher education institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations related to higher education sector. 

From May 16-19, the workshop will promote international cooperation as an innovative tool for transformational higher education institutions through focusing on a wide range of topics including resource sharing and modeling best practices in degree and program design, experiential learning, and inclusive education.

Throughout the four-day program, participants will have a unique opportunity to connect with and be inspired by guest speakers, facilitators, mentors and other participants in various activities such as plenary discussions, breakout sessions, interactive group work, design thinking training, networking event, fieldtrips, and a small grant competition. A small grant competition will enable participants to launch their initiatives to establish partnerships among higher education institutions in the region, providing up to three project teams with seed fund of USD3,000 each.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Knapper emphasized the commitment of the US Government in standing firm with ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste as they strengthen education initiatives across borders. “Education is a key priority for the US government and for many of your governments around the region because it holds the key to training and equipping the next generation of future leaders,” stated Ambassador Knapper.

Ambassador Knapper also thanked the Vietnamese Government and institutions for their continued support for the YSEALI program, especially on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the US – Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and the 10th anniversary of YSEALI, which continues to benefit the whole region by motivating young leaders to find shared answers to common challenges in their communities.