YSEALI ECONOMIC FORUM 2024

Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders,
Shaping The Next Economy with YSEALI

9:30 – 17:00 (ICT)

August 03, 2024 

Zoom

Join the YSEALI Economic Forum 2024

Empowerment

Entrepreneurship

Economic Growth

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Youth by 2038: The Future of Southeast Asia Starts Now

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Young Leaders in Southeast Asia: YSEALI Network’s Historic First Forum

Socio-Economic Empowerment for Southeast Asia’s Next Generation

This event is part of the YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee initiative and is led and organized by YSEALI alumni.

Key Themes

ESG/Impact Investing

Transform the Future: Dive into ESG/Impact Investing
Learn how to create positive change for the environment and society through impactful investments.

Green/Sustainable Agriculture

Revolutionize Agriculture: Go Green and Sustainable
Discover cutting-edge solutions for building a resilient and sustainable agricultural system in Southeast Asia.

Technology/Artificial Intelligence

Lead the Tech Revolution: Embrace AI and Industry 4.0
Unlock the potential of technology and AI to shape Southeast Asia’s economy and be at the forefront of the industrial revolution.

Health/Education

Empower Growth: Prioritize Health and Education
Join discussions on enhancing access to quality healthcare and education, driving economic and social development in Southeast Asia.

Human Capital (DEI)

Champion Diversity: Promote DEI in the Workforce
Explore strategies to foster diversity, inclusion, and equality, creating a vibrant and dynamic Southeast Asian workforce.

Speakers

Ambassador Yohannes Abraham

U.S. Ambassador
U.S. Mission to ASEAN
U.S. Department of State

Ambassador Yohannes Abraham

Yohannes Abraham (he/him) was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN on September 19, 2022, following unanimous Senate confirmation. He previously served as Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the U.S. National Security Council, overseeing its operations and facilitating national security policy. Abraham also directed the Biden-Harris Transition and held key roles in the Obama-Biden Administration. He holds a BA from Yale and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Abby Finkenauer

Special Envoy
Office of Global Youth Issues, U.S. Department of State

Abby Finkenauer

U.S. Special Envoy Abby Finkenauer (she/her), a first-generation college graduate from rural Iowa, made history as the youngest woman to flip a Congressional seat and pass a bill through the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving in the Iowa House and U.S. House, she championed workers' rights, education, and infrastructure. Appointed Special Envoy in 2022, she advocates for global youth, fostering enduring relationships to advance democracy.

Hitoshi Ikeya

Investment Director
Emerging Markets Entrepreneurs

Hitoshi Ikeya

Hitoshi Ikeya (he/him) is the Investment Director and co-founder of Emerging Markets Entrepreneurs and UMJ Ikeya Investment, an investment fund focused on Myanmar. Since 2012, he has invested in over a dozen companies, holding board positions in Myanmar’s fastest-growing enterprises like Bagan Innovation Technology and Ezay. As Program Director of Cnai Accelerator in Cambodia, he supports impact-driven entrepreneurs. Hitoshi’s background includes over a decade in investment banking with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and HSBC Securities.

Vuthy Chea

Regional Director - Asia Debt
Incofin Investment Management

Vuthy Chea

Vuthy CHEA is Regional Director – Asia Debt at Incofin Investment Management. Vuthy has been active in impact investing space for more than 13 years, particularly in the area of microfinance and SME financing. Vuthy joined Incofin in 2020 supervising debt investment work across emerging markets in Asia (East and South). From financial inclusion to women to climate considerations are central to her work at Incofin. With the aim to drive inclusive progress and sustainable transitions, Vuthy has led a team of investment professionals overseeing debt investments in local financial institutions and agri-food value chain in more than 11 countries in Asia and the Pacific to address the multidimensional needs of vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, and rural micro and SME entrepreneurs. Vuthy, an ex-central banker with an Master in International Development Studies, is also a certified public accountant, ACCA Fellow.

Pakpoum (Bobby) Mahasith

CEO & Founder GreenRocket
Impact Venture Capital

Pakpoum (Bobby) Mahasith

Founder of 6 Greentech startups under Ecolotech, innovative earth saving technology company which fight against climate change and replacing polluting industries with new solutions. After a decade of extensive experience as a technology builder in Greentech solutions, Bobby founded GreenRocketVC to help corporate and startup to tackle global environmental issues, aiming to accelerate sustainability transition for billions of people and drive meaningful changes.

Mackenzie King

Regional Partnerships Lead
Impact Hub Network

Mackenzie King

Mackenzie King (she/her) is the Asia-Pacific Partnerships Lead for Impact Hub Network, fostering entrepreneurial communities for a just and sustainable world. She also serves as a professional rapporteur for international organizations and a strategic advisor for WE-Can and OurLand Thailand. Her volunteer work includes contributions to the Thailand Clean Air Network and the Global Steering Group on Impact Investment's Thailand task force.

Mark Birch

Founder & Community Builder
DEVBIZOPS

Mark Birch

Mark Birch (he/him) is a community builder and startup advocate based in Singapore and NYC. At AWS, he supports startups across Asia-Pacific and founded DEV.BIZ.OPS and the Enterprise Sales Forum, a global B2B sales community. He previously launched Stack Overflow’s Enterprise SaaS platform and worked with Oracle, E.piphany, and Siebel. Mark holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Boston University and enjoys exploring Chinatown and extreme metal music.

Jirayut Srupsrisopa

Founder and Group CEO
Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

Jirayut Srupsrisopa

Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa (he/him) is the Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., Thailand's leading blockchain and digital assets company. With over a decade in the industry, Topp is a key figure in blockchain innovation across ASEAN. He has spoken at major global events, including the World Economic Forum. Topp is also an Executive Board Member of the Thai Fintech Association and holds an MPhil in Economics from Oxford University.

Clara Chong

YSEALI PFP 2020 Economic Empowerment

Clara Chong

Clara Chong (she/her), honored as one of Singapore's 100 Women in Tech (2023) and a YSEALI Economic Empowerment Alumni (2020), is a pioneering technopreneur. She founded two successful startups, showcasing her expertise in technology innovation and digital transformation. At AWS, Clara supports startups in education, healthcare, smart cities, and climate change. She also founded Tech For She, championing diversity and inclusion. Clara's music, reflecting her vibrant persona, is available on all streaming platforms.

Michael Lesner

Global Executive Producer
PBS, American Health Journal

Michael Lesner

Michael Lesner (he/him), a world leading authority on medical innovation, bridges the gap between complex health advancements and the public. As the creator of the longest-running medical TV series on PBS, he reaches over 120 million viewers, with his content now accessible via streaming platforms like Roku and AppleTV, expanding his audience to 100 million more. Transitioning from mainstream advertising to health media, Michael excels in translating critical health information into engaging stories that inform and empower audiences worldwide.

Dr. Stephanie Wirjomartani

Head of Product
LippoLife

Dr. Stephanie Wirjomartani

Dr. Stephanie Wirjomartani (she/her), a seasoned professional who transitioned from a successful career as a medical doctor to business development, will share her unique insights on healthcare technology. As the Ex-Head of Consumer Healthcare at Good Doctor Technology Indonesia and Doctorpreneur & Co-Founder of Opheni Health, she brings a wealth of experience and a strategic growth mindset.

Fyiona Yong

Director | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Coach (ICF ACC)
Wholistic Consulting

Fyiona Yong

Fyiona Yong (she/her), a certified DEI Leadership Coach (ICF) and 2x TEDx Speaker, is the founder of Wholistic Coachsulting Ltd. Specializing in DEI for multi-generational and multicultural teams, she leverages 14 years of leadership at Royal Dutch Shell in Finance, Digital Transformation, and Customer Operations. A Malaysian-born Chinese who grew up in Germany, Fyiona bridges Western and Asian cultures. She is also the author of the book "How to Thrive as a Misfit" and host of "The Thriving Misfits" podcast. Supporting over 75 clients in embracing DEI, Fyiona is featured in media such as Forbes and Financial Times.

Nikki Phinyapincha

YSEALI PFP 2022 (Economic Empowerment)
Founder, TransTalents Consulting Group

Nikki Phinyapincha

Nikki Phinyapincha (she/her) envisions helping organizations of all sizes and industries transform their workplaces to become inclusive and sustainable. She is a globalized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist and en"trans"preneur. She leverages her corporate PR and DEI consultancy expertise to build an economic equality ecosystem in ASEAN and beyond, promote LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and transgender leadership. She chairs the PRCA APAC Pride Network, advises the ASEAN Youth Advocate Network Thailand, and is a 2022 YSEALI Professional Fellows Program recipient, recognized for her global impact on transforming businesses. Nikki also represents Thailand on the YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee.

Wint Nandar Aung

Program Executive
OSG Youth Alliance

Wint Nandar Aung

Wint (she/her) is a social impact enthusiast with over four years of experience in socio-economic projects, startups, and social enterprises. She specializes in strategic planning, market research, and stakeholder management, focusing on early-stage startups. Her experience includes hosting hackathons and connecting startups with global accelerators. Currently, she is a Program Executive for OSG Youth Alliance and serves as Community Engagement and Enterprise Support Lead for Catalyst 2030 Myanmar Chapter.

Agenda

Morning
wELCOME

Welcome

MC Opening with engaging activity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date
August 03, 2024
09:30 – 09:40 (ICT)
Zoom

Hosted by: MC

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US Indo-Pacific Strategy on Economic Development

This topic will address the challenges ASEAN youth face i.e. limited access to education and employment, skills gaps, and economic disparities. The US-ASEAN economic strategy focuses on enhancing trade, promoting sustainability, and driving digital transformation. Youth can contribute by embracing lifelong learning, leveraging digital tools, engaging in sustainable entrepreneurship, and participating in cross-border collaborations to drive positive regional development and economic growth.

Date
August 03, 2024
09:40 – 09:50
Zoom

Speaker: Ambassador Yohannes Abraham

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Impact on Youth in Global and ASEAN related to US Indo-Pacific Strategy

Youth globally and in ASEAN face economic challenges like skills gaps and limited opportunities. This topic addresses these issues through the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, promoting trade, sustainability, and digital growth. Her work empowers youth worldwide, encouraging US-ASEAN cross-border collaborations to exchange knowledge and resources, fostering economic empowerment and driving regional and global development.

Date
August 03, 2024
09:50 – 10:00
Zoom

Speaker:

Abby Finkenauer

7

Impact Investments and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

The topic will discuss include the most pressing challenges faced by ASEAN entrepreneurs when incorporating impact investment and ESG principles into their business models, and how to overcome these obstacles. We will explore strategic approaches young entrepreneurs can take to successfully integrate ESG criteria and attract impact investors by leveraging their unique perspectives and innovative mindsets. Additionally, we will examine case studies of youth-led businesses that have effectively received impact investments or adopted ESG practices, and the key lessons that can be applied in other communities and startups.

Date
August 03, 2024
10:00 – 10:30
Zoom

Speaker:

Hitoshi Ikeya

 

7

Driving Sustainable Growth: The Role of ESG and Impact Investing in Shaping Southeast Asia's Future

It focuses on the challenges ASEAN entrepreneurs face in incorporating impact investing principles into their business models, strategic approaches entrepreneurs can take to integrate ESG criteria and attract impact investors, and lessons from youth-led businesses that have successfully received impact investments or implemented ESG practices.

Date
August 03, 2024
10:30 – 11:00
Zoom

Speaker:

Vuthy Chea

8

Future economy driven by ecolo-green tech and youth empowerment

This topic will discuss about the challenges in empowering youth to drive the future economy from an eco-green tech perspective, and how companies plan to be part of these change-making solutions. We will share best practices and case studies to inspire building a youth-centric ecosystem that benefits both business and the economy in the future.

 

 

Date
August 03, 2024
11:00 – 11:30
Zoom

Speaker:

Bobby Mahasith

8

Agri & Green Entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia

This topic will highlights the significant challenges young entrepreneurs face in the agriculture and green entrepreneurship sectors in Southeast Asia and how these can be addressed to support their growth. We will discuss innovative strategies to advance sustainable agriculture, address food security and climate change, and promote green entrepreneurship through technology and community engagement. Additionally, case studies of impactful youth-led enterprises will provide key lessons for others in the region.

Date
August 03, 2024
11:30 – 12:00
Zoom

Speaker:

Mackenzie King

Afternoon
SHOWCASE

YSEALI ALUMI SHOWCASE

“Impact Across Border” is a cross-border social innovation empowerment initiative, along with its goal of raising awareness of sustainable social solutions as well as scaling up impact-driven start-ups and enterprises among young individuals aged 16-30 with hybrid works; including online cross-border workshops/webinars, networking events, in-person training and competitions.

“Trans Leadership : The future of inclusive business” is a funded project addressing severe socio-economic inequities faced by ASEAN transgender professionals. The projected was witnessed by 660 participants from public an private sector to provide equitable support for this untapped talents.

Date
August 03, 2024
13:00 – 13:30 (ICT)
Zoom

Speakers:

Nikki Phinyapincha
Wint Nandar Aung

 

9

Empowering Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs: Harnessing Community, Cloud, and AI for an Inclusive Economic Future

The topic will explore the role of community in startup success and strategies for fostering strong communities in Southeast Asia. Discussions will cover the advantages of utilizing cloud infrastructure for scalability and how young entrepreneurs can leverage these technologies. Additionally, we will examine the transformative impact of AI on industries and the steps young entrepreneurs should take to integrate AI into their business models for innovation and inclusivity.

Date
August 03, 2024
13:30 – 14:00 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Mark Birch

9

Tech/AI that shapes the future of inclusive economy

The topic will discuss on building an economic empowerment ecosystem in the tech/AI field. Key challenges faced by companies during the Digital Green Revolution and strategies to overcome them will be explored. Additionally, we will delve into Bitkub’s plans to contribute to change-making solutions and share best practices or case studies that inspire the creation of a youth-empowerment ecosystem benefiting business, untapped talent, and the economy.

 

 

 

Date
August 03, 2024
14:00 – 14:30 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Jirayut Srupsrisopa

10

Education and Technology for Empowering Young Entrepreneurs

The topic will discuss on the primary challenges young entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia face regarding education and technology and how they can overcome them. We will explore opportunities in the Southeast Asian education and tech sectors that young entrepreneurs can leverage to enhance their skills and business acumen. Additionally, we will share a successful case study where innovative educational and technology practices significantly contributed to a young entrepreneur’s or startup’s success in the region.

 

 

 

 

Date
August 03, 2024
14:30 – 15:00 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Clara Chong

10

The Medical and Health Global Ecosystem: Opportunities for Southeast Asian Youth

This session will explore the vast landscape of the global health and medical sector and its potential to enhance the quality of life. Michael’s extensive experience with the American Health Journal and Innovations in Medicine uniquely qualifies him to share insights on the latest medical advancements and health trends. He will also highlight how young entrepreneurs and professionals in Southeast Asia can tap into these opportunities, fostering innovation and contributing to economic and social development in the region. Join us for an inspiring discussion on harnessing the power of the health ecosystem to drive positive change and create business opportunities for the youth in Southeast Asia.

Date
August 03, 2024
15:00 – 15:30 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Michael Lesner

10

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Access in Southeast Asia

Primary challenges young entrepreneurs face in healthcare technology and ways to overcome them. Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s healthcare tech sector for enhancing healthcare access and quality. A case study where innovative healthcare technology significantly contributed to the success of a young entrepreneur or startup. Her expertise promises valuable guidance and inspiration for young leaders in the region.

Date
August 03, 2024
15:30 – 16:00 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Dr. Stephanie Wirjomartani

HR

Bridging Generations: The Future of Multigenerational Work

Explore the evolving dynamics of multigenerational workplaces and their impact on productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. This session will delve into strategies for fostering collaboration and understanding between different age groups, leveraging diverse perspectives to drive organizational success. Learn about best practices for creating an inclusive work environment that values the unique contributions of each generation, preparing your organization for a thriving future in a multigenerational world.

Date
August 03, 2024
16:00 – 16:30 (ICT)
Zoom

Speaker:

Fyiona Yong

Networkgin

Networking

Networking time & Closing

Date
August 03, 2024
16:30 – 17:00 (ICT)
Zoom

All

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About Circle Platform:

We use the Circle platform to facilitate connections among young leaders and entrepreneurs during the YSEALI Economic Forum. On Circle, you can freely discuss ideas, share insights, and make new friends. The platform is available for both iOS and Android, making it easy to download and use. Please register quickly and join our vibrant community!

Organizers

Nikki Phinyapincha

Project Head
YSEALI Economic Forum 2024
YSEALI Next Executive Steering Committee

Nikki Phinyapincha

Nikki Phinyapincha (she/her) envisions helping organizations of all sizes and industries transform their workplaces to become inclusive and sustainable. She is a globalized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist and en"trans"preneur. She leverages her corporate PR and DEI consultancy expertise to build an economic equality ecosystem in ASEAN and beyond, promote LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and transgender leadership. She chairs the PRCA APAC Pride Network, advises the ASEAN Youth Advocate Network Thailand, and is a 2022 YSEALI Professional Fellows Program recipient, recognized for her global impact on transforming businesses.

Tran Dieu Anh (Annie)

YSEALI PFP 2022 (Economic Empowerment)
Founder, Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fellowship

Tran Dieu Anh (Annie)

Tran Dieu Anh (Annie) (she/her) is a dynamic force in Vietnam’s social innovation landscape, founding enterprises focused on sustainability and launching the Sustainable Entrepreneurship Fellowship. Recognized with Alumni Grants from the U.S. Embassy and the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2023, she mentors emerging social entrepreneurs. As a global facilitator for "Asia Tomorrow Together" and secretary of the Vietnam Women Social Entrepreneurs Network, she advances social entrepreneurship.

Souksawath Xaypaserth (Aek)

YSEALI Regional Workshop 2015

Souksawath Xaypaserth

Souksawath Xaypaserth (he/him), a YSEALI alumnus from the 2015 Kuala Lumpur workshop, led the Tonkar Learning project, Laos's first online high school platform funded by YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2018. With expertise in management consulting, finance, and investment, he now serves as a Senior Associate in Sustainable Investment and Finance at the Global Green Growth Institute in Lao PDR. Souksawath recently earned an MSc in Finance from Golden Gate University.

Leakhena Saroeurn

YSEALI Regional Workshop 2018

Leakhena Saroeurn

Leakhena (she/her) is a seasoned expert in gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, with over 10 years of experience in impact investments and SME development. Serving on the YSEALI Executive Nextsteering Committee, she has managed 32 SMEs and overseen investments exceeding $5 million. Her portfolio includes multi-million-dollar projects with UN agencies and USAID. A Fulbright Huber H. Humphrey Fellow, Leakhena co-founded WeFARM and Women’s Scrunchie, driving rural youth development and ethnic fashion.

Dang Nghinh Nguyen (Leon)

YSEALI PFP 2017 (Economic Empowerment)
Founder, DSBF.asia

Dang Nghinh Nguyen (Leon)

Nguyen (Leon) (he/him) is an entrepreneur who has been building Vietnam's startup ecosystem since 2011. He co-founded Viet Youth Entrepreneurs (VYE) and later Seed Planter, fostering sustainable startups. In 2017, Leon was selected to participate in YSEALI PFP with the Economic Empowerment theme in San Diego, USA, which greatly enhanced his vision and skills. In 2018, he founded DSBF Agency, which now offers comprehensive eCommerce solutions for businesses in Vietnam and internationally. With six years of experience, his company has achieved significant milestones despite many challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the YSEALI Economic Forum?​

The YSEALI Economic Forum 2024: The Next Economy is the first of its kind, underscoring our commitment to socio-economic empowerment of Southeast Asian youth. This forum is designed by youth for youth, focusing on the pivotal role of young entrepreneurs in sustainable economic growth. With Southeast Asia’s youth population projected to exceed 220 million by 2038, this event aims to equip young leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the global economy.

Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the U.S. government’s flagship program aimed at fostering leadership development and networking among youth in Southeast Asia. Through educational and cultural exchanges, regional collaborations, and seed funding, YSEALI enhances the leadership capabilities of young individuals, strengthens U.S.-Southeast Asia ties, and nurtures an ASEAN community. Economic empowerment, alongside civic engagement, governance, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship, is a critical focus of YSEALI’s efforts.

YSEALI Next is an initiative launched to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of YSEALI. The program aims to extend the success of YSEALI into the next decade and years to come. Twenty-two YSEALI alumni from diverse programs have been selected to represent 11 YSEALI countries, dedicating their efforts to shaping YSEALI’s future and fostering collaboration among alumni networks at the regional level. This alumni committee leads specific initiatives aimed at enhancing YSEALI programs, processes, and its impact for youth in Southeast Asia.

The forum is open to young people aged 18-35 from Southeast Asia, including young entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, experts, students, and others interested in economic and social development.

The YSEALI Economic Forum 2024 will be held virtually on Saturday, August 3, 2024, via ZOOM.

The YSEALI Economic Forum is a FREE event & a platform for young leaders from across Southeast Asia to connect, share ideas, and collaborate to drive sustainable economic development in the region. Register now!

If you have questions or need support, contact us at yseali.econnext@gmail.com