Sixty influential young content creators from across Southeast Asia with a combined following of over 15 million across various platforms are gathering in Manila from May 28 to June 1 for a regional workshop hosted by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI).
With digital creators increasingly shaping narratives, influencing opinions, and leading social movements, the workshop underscores the growing recognition of content creation as a force for civic leadership and community impact in Southeast Asia.
According to a US Embassy media release, the event, dubbed “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators,” aims to sharpen participants’ digital storytelling skills while expanding their networks.
Sessions will dive into pressing issues and opportunities in today’s online landscape, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and brand development.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said she has high hopes for the impact of the workshop. “We are thrilled to support Southeast Asia’s vibrant community of content creators. These digital innovators are revolutionizing how we stay informed and connected,” she said.
Participants will also visit the Manila offices of major U.S. tech companies such as Microsoft and Meta to get a behind-the-scenes look at global innovation.
Filipino journalist and digital media advocate Jacque Manabat, one of the event’s featured mentors, encouraged participants to think beyond viral videos and trending hashtags. “You are not just creating content. You are bridging connections. Your story and creativity matter,” she said during the virtual orientation held April 6.
Ten of the selected content creators hail from the Philippines, joining peers from other ASEAN countries in this intensive bootcamp designed to elevate both reach and responsibility in the digital world.
The workshop is implemented by the Out of the Box Media Literacy Initiative, in collaboration with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN and with funding from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
Beyond the bootcamp, participants will join the prestigious YSEALI and U.S. exchange alumni networks, opening doors to unique opportunities such as leadership training, seed funding, and international grants.
Launched in 2013, YSEALI is the U.S. government’s flagship program for strengthening leadership and regional cooperation among Southeast Asians under the age of 35, empowering youth in civic engagement, good governance, education, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
