MANILA, Philippines – The U.S. Embassy is set to host a regional workshop in Manila for young digital content creators from across Southeast Asia, with the aim of helping them “build new connections” and “strengthen their digital storytelling skills.”
In a news release, the Embassy announced that it will be hosting the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) regional workshop from 28 May to 1 June 2025.
The workshop, entitled “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” will cover key topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, brand development, and intellectual property, the U.S. Embassy stated.
During the workshop, participants will visit the Manila offices of leading U.S. tech companies, such as Microsoft and Meta, as well as learn from notable social media mentors, including journalist Jacque Manabat.
“We are thrilled to support Southeast Asia’s vibrant community of content creators,” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said.
“These digital innovators are revolutionizing how we stay informed and connected,” she added.
Earlier, participants joined a virtual orientation session on April 6 with their social media mentors, particularly with Manabat saying that their "stories and creativity matters."
“You are not just creating content,” Manabat said. “You are bridging connections. Your story and creativity matter,” she added.
According to the Embassy, the participating creators collectively have a total of 15 million followers across multiple platforms.
Ten of the 60 participants are from the Philippines, the Embassy said.
All participants of the workshop will become members of the U.S. government and YSEALI exchange program alumni networks that will open them to unique opportunities, including grants and networking, the Embassy explained.
The workshop will be implemented by Out of the Box Media Literacy Initiative through funding from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the U.S. Mission to ASEAN.
NOTE: YSEALI is the U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking among Southeast Asians under the age of 35. Since its launch in 2013, YSEALI has been developing the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth to promote civic engagement, environmental and natural resource management, education, economic development, and good governance through a variety of programs, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding.
