Call for Applications: Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program 2024

During a three month online program delegates will build knowledge of scalable and sustainable business models, cultural intelligence and innovative start-up and enterprise methodologies. There will be chances to network with industry, academic and government leaders, and hear from innovators and investors tackling the region’s challenges.

Be one of 15 emerging leaders from across ASEAN and Australia, who come together to make connections, build skills and amplify your leadership across their region.

The Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) is an Australian Government initiative and a flagship program for the Australia-ASEAN Council (AAC), curated and run by Social Good Outpost.

A2ELP Program Aims

Bringing the region’s leading young social entrepreneurs together from late January to early April 2024, participants will:

• build their personal and business leadership capabilities in a safe, supportive space
• develop skills to engage a range of stakeholders
• receive training in cultural intelligence and share creativity, innovation and leadership across cultures
• build networks across ASEAN and Australia through peer and alumni engagement
• receive mentoring, and build connections with industry leaders and academic institutions
• discuss the latest thinking and ideas in social impact with academic experts and industry leaders
• build knowledge of sustainable business models to achieve long-term change
• build strong connections and possibilities across their region with both the 2024 cohort and with A2ELP alumni
• participate in networking events and cultural activities
• pitch at a finale in front of high level judges and invited guests, and
• travel to Australia, for a week-long visit.

Program Schedule

From January – April 2024, you will embark on:

• Weekly online learning modules (self led)
  • They provide background readings, listenings, activities and resources on their online learning platform. There is also time to prepare stories and skills to share with your fellow A2ELP delegates at certain times.
• Weekly online sessions on Zoom
  • They meet together weekly, for 2 hours, as a group over Zoom, in the lead up to and after the in-person part of the program. These sessions are about building connections, leadership and social enterprise skills, and cultural understanding.
• A one-week visit to Australia
  • They will come together for a week in Australia, where they continue to build connections, skills and cultural understanding.

During the week in Australia, you can expect to experience:

• Cultural immersion and significant site tours
• Learning from and conversation with leaders in academia, business, and social enterprise
• The chance to pitch your enterprise and make your ask to a panel of high level judges
• Good conversation and food while dining together at social enterprise restaurants
• The chance to expand your business networks and knowledge
• Give back and share with your peers through an unconference-style session and continuing opportunities to “ask and give” knowledge with the group.

Eligibility Criteria

• 18 – 35 years old
• Social entrepreneur: Founder or Leader in a social enterprise
• 5 Australian representatives and 10 ASEAN representatives will be chosen: one from each ASEAN country: Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei
• You must be able to commit to the full program, including online programming and in-person workshops in Australia.
• Must have a current passport with at least 6 months valid post-return to home country.
• This program provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. This means they continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate. They encourage all to apply.

For more information, visit Social Good Outpost.