The ASEAN Youth Leaders Association (AYLA) is a global youth initiative that brings together future leaders from across Southeast Asia and beyond. Its mission is simple: empower young people to lead, connect, and build a better future. Whether you’re in high school, college, or just starting your career, this group is here to support your journey with leadership, projects, and life-changing opportunities—especially if you’re a youth living in the United States.
Why the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association Is Special
The ASEAN Youth Leaders Association isn’t just another student group—it’s a powerful movement that spans multiple countries and cultures. Its goal is to unite young people from all ten ASEAN nations and those with Southeast Asian heritage living abroad, especially in the United States. This helps build an active ASEAN youth network, where students and young professionals come together to learn leadership skills, plan amazing projects, and form international friendships.
What makes AYLA truly special is its focus on youth-driven change. Unlike many organizations where adults run the show, AYLA is built and managed by young leaders just like you. This means your ideas, voice, and creativity actually matter. From global meetups to student leadership programs, the organization puts power into the hands of young people.
Another reason it stands out? It’s open to everyone, no matter your background or experience level. Whether you’re a 15-year-old dreaming of launching your own startup or a 22-year-old university student curious about diplomacy, the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association welcomes you.
Who Can Join the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association?
If you’re wondering who can be part of AYLA, the answer is simple—almost anyone! The association is open to:
- Students from middle school, high school, or university
- Young professionals interested in leadership
- Members of the Southeast Asian diaspora in the U.S.
- Youth who want to learn more about ASEAN countries
- Anyone aged roughly between 13 and 30 who is curious and motivated
You don’t need to have any fancy experience or titles. What matters most is your passion for leadership, global friendship, and making a difference. Whether you’re from the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, or have Southeast Asian heritage while living in the United States, this group is for you.
What Do Members of the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association Do?
Joining AYLA means becoming part of an exciting, action-packed community. There are many things members get to do, and here are a few of the most popular activities.
Plan Cool Projects
One of the best parts of AYLA is that it gives young people a chance to create and lead real-world projects. These aren’t just ideas on paper—they’re events, campaigns, and outreach programs that have a real impact. From youth-led climate change awareness projects to education workshops in local schools, members can pitch an idea and turn it into something amazing.
These projects teach valuable skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. They’re also a great way to get noticed by colleges, future employers, or scholarship programs that care about community involvement and leadership experience.
Learn Leadership Skills
Leadership isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you learn. And at AYLA, members have countless chances to grow into strong, confident leaders. Through workshops, webinars, and hands-on training, members gain important skills such as:
- Public speaking
- Critical thinking
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Planning and strategy
Many of these leadership activities for students are designed to be fun and interactive. You won’t just sit in a classroom—you’ll practice skills in real-life scenarios, learn from inspiring mentors, and even coach others as you grow.
Join Events and Meetups
AYLA is also known for hosting some of the coolest youth leadership events in the ASEAN region and in the United States. These events include:
- International youth summits
- Local leadership camps
- Virtual cultural exchanges
- U.S.-ASEAN youth dialogues
At these events, you get to meet fellow youth leaders from different backgrounds. You’ll build global connections, share ideas, and collaborate on exciting initiatives. These gatherings are also a great way to learn about ASEAN culture, history, and modern challenges.
How the Group Helps Youth in the United States
Even though AYLA is rooted in the ASEAN region, it has a growing presence in the United States. This is especially important for young people of Southeast Asian heritage who want to stay connected to their roots while growing as leaders in the U.S.
The association helps ASEAN United States youth by offering:
- Leadership training tailored to American communities
- Cross-cultural experiences that celebrate Southeast Asian identity
- Mentorship programs with successful ASEAN-American professionals
- Access to scholarships, internships, and youth awards
For many young people in the U.S., AYLA becomes a space where they can embrace their identity, explore career goals, and contribute to both their local and global communities. It bridges the gap between cultures and gives youth a voice on the international stage.
Fun Stories from ASEAN Youth Members
Every member has their own story—and some are truly inspiring! Take Mia, a 17-year-old high school student in California. She joined AYLA to learn more about her Filipino roots. Within a year, she led a project that raised funds for typhoon victims in the Philippines and spoke at a virtual summit with youth leaders from 10 countries.
Or there’s Arjun, a first-year college student in New York who joined to meet other ASEAN Americans. He ended up co-founding a tech innovation club with members from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Together, they created an app to help students find scholarships more easily.
These real-life stories show how AYLA empowers its members to dream big, take action, and make global friends along the way. It’s not just a group—it’s a launchpad for leadership.
Top Benefits of Being in the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association
Joining AYLA isn’t just about projects and events—it’s about growing as a person. Members enjoy tons of benefits that can shape their future in powerful ways.
Global Friendship
AYLA connects young people across borders. Whether you’re in the U.S., Singapore, or Cambodia, you’ll meet peers who share your passions and dreams. These friendships often last a lifetime and open doors to new opportunities, ideas, and adventures.
New Ideas and Learning
As a member, you’ll always be learning. From workshops on community development to talks about entrepreneurship and climate change, AYLA gives you access to the kind of education that schools don’t always teach. You’ll be exposed to new cultures, perspectives, and problem-solving skills that prepare you for life in a global world.
Great for College
Being part of the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association can make your college applications shine. Admissions teams love to see student leadership programs, international experiences, and community engagement. If you’ve organized an event, led a team, or spoken at a summit, you’ve already built a strong resume. You’ll also gain recommendation letters and networking contacts that can help with internships and scholarships.
How to Join the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association
Joining is easy! Simply go to the official AYLA website or social media pages and look for the membership form. Most of the time, you’ll need to share a little about yourself—your age, your goals, and your interest in ASEAN topics. Then, the team will reach out to welcome you and guide you through your first steps.
There are no high fees or complicated steps. Many programs are free or low-cost, making it accessible to youth from all kinds of backgrounds.
The Bottom Line
The ASEAN Youth Leaders Association is more than just a group—it’s a movement of passionate young people who want to make the world better. It helps youth from the United States and ASEAN countries connect, grow, and lead in ways that are meaningful, fun, and powerful. From planning local projects to speaking on global stages, AYLA is a place where every young voice matters.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to lead, this is your chance to become part of something big. So don’t wait. Explore the ASEAN Youth Leaders Association today and take the first step toward your future.
