Securing Southeast Asia's
Shared Future

YSEALI Summit 2026 is open to YSEALI alumni who are citizens and residents of one of the 11 YSEALI member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in areas related to maritime security, cybersecurity, energy security, related economic security disciplines, or international relations or international affairs.

Yes. Applicants must currently reside in one of the 11 YSEALI member countries listed in the eligibility criteria.

There is no stated age minimum or maximum. However, the Summit is designed for early to mid-career professionals with relevant experience, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute actively to regional security discussions and action planning.

Competitive applicants will have experience or active involvement in one or more of the Summit’s focus areas: maritime security, cybersecurity, energy security, related economic security disciplines, or international relations or international affairs.

Applicants from government, civil society, academia, media, business, technology, law, engineering, public policy, and related fields are encouraged to apply if their work connects to the Summit themes.

Yes. Selected participants are expected to join the full programme, including the virtual pre-departure orientation, two webinars in November 2026, and the in-person Summit in Metro Manila from November 30 to December 5, 2026.

Participants should also be available for any required travel, arrival, departure, and logistics arrangements connected to the Summit schedule.

The U.S.–ASEAN Futures Fair is the Summit’s flagship public engagement event in Metro Manila. It brings Summit participants together with university students, U.S. company representatives, diplomats, speakers, and partners through action plan showcases, thematic forums, U.S. company exhibits, and public-facing features on U.S.–ASEAN and U.S.–Philippine relations.

Students will be able to engage with action plans, interact with participants, and vote for a People’s Choice recognition.

Selected participants will receive support to participate in the Summit. Details on covered costs, travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, and participant responsibilities will be provided through the official application and acceptance materials.

The in-person Summit will be held in Metro Manila, Philippines, from November 30 to December 5, 2026. The virtual orientation and two pre-summit webinars will take place in November 2026.

Participants should be available for any required travel, arrival, departure, and logistics arrangements connected to the Summit schedule. Full details will be shared with selected participants through the official acceptance materials.

Applicants must have previously participated in at least one YSEALI programme, including the YSEALI Academic Fellowship, Professional Fellowship, Regional Workshop, Women’s Leadership Academy, Seeds for the Future competition, YSEALI Summit, YSEALI Fulbright Academy, or another YSEALI international exchange programme.

Applications open on September 14, 2026.

Applications close on October 2, 2026.

Selected participants are expected to be announced in early November 2026.

Selection is competitive and merit-based. Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, relevant professional experience, leadership and communication skills, demonstrated commitment to regional security and resilience, and the applicant’s ability to contribute to alumni-led action after the Summit.

Each U.S. Embassy will review and approve applicant shortlists for their respective country.

No. There is no application fee to apply for YSEALI Summit 2026.

After the Summit, selected teams will continue developing and implementing their action plans with micro-grant support and mentorship. Their progress may be featured through post-summit storytelling, alumni spotlights, videos, and reporting.

Selected teams will receive micro-grant funding, mentorship, and follow-up support to put their action plans into practice after the Summit. Implementation runs from January to June 2027.