LEAPS

Singapore,Malaysia,Indonesia,Philippines,Myanmar,Cambodia, 2021

As the flagship Learning & Development (L&D) program of ABYA, LEAPS seeks to expand learning offerings, scale the outreach to youths across ASEAN and build a sustainable train-the-trainers model in 2021 and beyond. While the COVID-19 pandemic spelled uncertainty for global trade and investments, intra-ASEAN trade could exceed US$375 billion by 2025. Thus, ASEAN Business Youth Association (ABYA) seeks to train next generation ASEAN-ready talent to participate in this massive opportunity through LEAPS, a virtual tertiary student consulting program. LEAPS successfully piloted in Summer 2020 with 15 Singapore-based youths making recommendations to projects sponsored by companies going regional.

Nurturing ASEAN’s Next Generation of Business Leaders

In the heart of Southeast Asia, where vibrant cultures and dynamic economies converge, a new generation of leaders is emerging. These young minds are not just dreaming of a better future; they are actively shaping it. At the forefront of this movement is LEAPS, a project that has been quietly revolutionizing the way ASEAN youths perceive and engage with the business world.

A Mission Rooted in Opportunity

LEAPS, the flagship Learning & Development program of the ASEAN Business Youth Association (ABYA), was born out of necessity during the tumultuous summer of 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, borders closed, and opportunities dwindled, ABYA saw a chance to innovate. They launched LEAPS as a virtual consulting program, offering tertiary students a unique opportunity to engage with real-world business challenges despite the global lockdown.

The mission was clear: to equip ASEAN youths with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. With intra-ASEAN trade projected to exceed US$375 billion by 2025, the region is ripe with potential. LEAPS aims to prepare young talents to seize this opportunity, fostering a generation of ASEAN-ready professionals who can navigate the complexities of a multicultural and fragmented market.

Impact and Achievements: A Journey of Growth

Since its inception, LEAPS has made significant strides. The inaugural run saw 120 tertiary students from across ASEAN—hailing from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Cambodia—participate in the ASEAN Business Challenge. These young leaders tackled projects sponsored by companies looking to expand regionally, gaining invaluable insights and experience.

The program’s impact extends beyond individual participants. LEAPS has forged partnerships with five project partners and corporate advisors, including collaborations with the National Youth Council Singapore and Enterprise Singapore. These alliances have not only enriched the program’s offerings but also elevated the strategic profile of ABYA, positioning it as a key player in the region’s business education landscape.

Personal Stories: Voices of Change

Behind the impressive statistics and strategic partnerships are personal stories that breathe life into LEAPS. Take, for instance, the story of Mei Lin, a student from Malaysia who joined the program with little more than a passion for business and a desire to learn. Through LEAPS, she gained hands-on experience in market research and data-driven analysis, skills that have since propelled her into a promising career in consulting.

Then there’s Arjun from Indonesia, who initially struggled with the complexities of cross-cultural communication. LEAPS provided him with a safe space to hone these skills, and today, he leads a team of young professionals in a multinational corporation, bridging cultural gaps and driving innovation.

These stories are a testament to the transformative power of LEAPS, illustrating how the program not only imparts technical skills but also fosters personal growth and resilience.

Lessons Learned: Navigating Challenges

The journey has not been without its challenges. The pandemic posed significant hurdles, but the team behind LEAPS embraced a mindset of resilience. They learned that if there is a will, there is a way. By leveraging technology and fostering a spirit of collaboration, they continued to make education accessible to ASEAN youths, engaging them in critical conversations about sustainability, food security, livable cities, and impact investing.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As LEAPS looks to the future, its goals are ambitious yet grounded in a deep understanding of the region’s needs. The program aims to expand its reach, offering more learning opportunities to ASEAN students at both the participant and leadership levels. By building a sustainable train-the-trainers model, LEAPS hopes to create a ripple effect, empowering young leaders to pass on their knowledge and skills to others.

The partnership with YSEALI Seeds for the Future is a crucial component of this vision. By co-funding LEAPS, YSEALI can engage its U.S. alumni community, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and opening doors to new opportunities for ASEAN youths. This collaboration not only enhances the program’s offerings but also strengthens the socio-economic ties between ASEAN and the U.S.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For aspiring youth leaders considering joining LEAPS, the message is clear: this is more than just a program; it’s a movement. A movement that is redefining what it means to be a business leader in ASEAN. A movement that is breaking down barriers and building bridges. A movement that is inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, reach higher, and create a future that is not just prosperous but also inclusive and sustainable.

As LEAPS continues to grow and evolve, it invites young leaders from across the region to join this journey. Together, they can shape the future of ASEAN, one leap at a time.

Join the Movement

Join the movement to empower the next generation of ASEAN business leaders by applying for YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2025. As highlighted in LEAPS, this initiative transforms young talents into ASEAN-ready professionals, equipped with essential skills to navigate the rapidly evolving market. YSEALI Seeds supports projects like LEAPS that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration while enriching participants with cross-cultural experiences and lifelong skills. This is your chance to make an impact. Apply for YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2025 and be part of a community committed to shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for ASEAN. With access to mentorship, funding, and a network of like-minded peers, you can turn your ideas into powerful solutions for regional challenges. Seize this opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute to a better tomorrow for ASEAN. Visit [project link] to apply and learn more.