Location: Cebu, Philippines 
Dates: December 5-7, 2025

Wavemakers: Youth Voices for Ocean Futures

We’re seeking 30 passionate and visionary young leaders aged 18-29 from across ASEAN and Australia to join us in Cebu for the fifth ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum, where bold ideas and maritime futures take shape.

About the Forum

The ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum (AAYLF) is the flagship initiative of the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP). Since its launch in 2019, AAYLF has gathered exceptional young leaders from across ASEAN and Australia to build meaningful relationships, share insights, and drive regional collaboration.

In its fifth iteration, AAYLF 2025 will bring together 30 fully funded delegates aged 18–29 in Cebu, Philippines, for a three-day immersive forum in December 2025, followed by a published op-ed feature in the AASYP Review.

This year’s theme “Wavemakers: Youth Voices for Ocean Futures” will explore:

Maritime Security

Blue Economy

Ocean Sustainability and Marine Conservation

Delegates will be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and networks to become changemakers in the ASEAN-Australia relationship

Missed It? Watch It Here

AAYLF 2024 Highlights

Forum Programme

AAYLF 2025 is more than just a conference. It’s an intensive leadership experience designed to inform, connect, and inspire.

📍 Location: Cebu, Philippines

📅 Dates: December 5–7, 2025

What to Expect:

Expert Panels & Demonstrations

Explore marine conservation, geopolitics & blue economy

Interactive Workshops

Sharpen your leadership and policy thinking

Delegate Spotlights

Share your work and perspectives

Networking Opportunities

Connect with changemakers across sectors

Cultural Activities

Experience the richness of Filipino culture

AASYP Review Op-Ed Publication

Contribute to a regional policy conservation

Applications are now open!

Start your application

This is your opportunity to join the fifth ASEAN-Australia Young Leaders Forum, held in Cebu, Philippines.
To apply, you need to:
  • Fill in your details (name, email, etc.) and upload a headshot.
  • Submit a 500-word op-ed on oceans and maritime issues in the ASEAN-Australia region (to be included in the AASYP Review 2025)
  • Highlight your top three leadership achievements
  • Share your personal and professional motivations for joining AAYLF  

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 25 AUGUST 2025

Be chosen as 1 of 30 selected delegates
If selected, you will:

  • Pay a AUD $170 Forum participant fee upon selection (non-refundable) to confirm your spot. 
  • Book your own travel and insurance (Flights will be reimbursed upon full participation)
  • Receive an official AASYP invitation letter to support academic/work arrangements.

[See FAQ]

Fly to Cebu, Philippines

Your AAYLF journey begins with a 3-day, fully funded leadership summit in Cebu, including expert panels, cultural exchange, and high-level networking.

Key Dates:

  • 4 December 2025 – Arrival & hotel check-in
  • 5-7 December 2025 – Forum days
  • 8 December 2025 – Departure

A full delegate pack (with roadmap, handbook, and programme) will be provided.

Application Details

Applications Open: July 26, 2025
Deadline: August 25, 2025 (11:59 PM GMT+8)
Who Can Apply:
– Citizens or Permanent Residents of any ASEAN Member State or Australia
– Aged 18–29 at the time of application
– Demonstrated leadership and commitment to positive change in your field or community

What’s Covered:
– Roundtrip flights (reimbursed after program completion)
– Accommodation, meals, and in-country transport
– Forum activities and materials
– Official invitation letter for work/study leave requests

Delegate Contribution Fee: AUD $170
Delegates are responsible for travel insurance and personal expenses. Need-based financial support is available.

Learn More: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia or an ASEAN Member State. You must be aged 18-29 (inclusive) at the time of application.

30 delegates will be selected, via a competitive process. Delegates will be selected by the quality of their mini-essay on maritime issues in ASEAN and Australia, leadership achievements and personal and professional motivations

In Cebu, Philippines – a coastal city rich in maritime culture, heritage, and biodiversity.

The Forum will take place over three full days in December 2025:

  • 4 December (Thursday): Arrival & hotel check-in
  • 5-7 December: Forum programme
  • 8 December (Monday): Hotel checkout & departure

Full attendance is required to receive travel reimbursement and certificate of completion

AAYLF is a funded programme. The following are covered:

  • Return flights (reimbursed after successful programme completion)
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Meals and in-country transport
  • All forum activities and materials

You will need to:

  • Pay the $170 AUD Forum participant fee upon selection (non-refundable)
  • Purchase your own travel insurance

 

Delegates must:

  • Pay the $170 AUD delegate fee to confirm their spot
  • Cover their airfare upfront (to be reimbursed post-forum)
  • Purchase travel insurance
  • Budget for incidents such as snacks, souvenirs, or personal items.

More details on reimbursement amounts and travel funding will be provided to selected applicants.

Yes, limited financial assistance is available on a strictly needs-based basis. If you are unable to afford the forum fee or upfront flight costs, you may apply for additional support after being selected.

We also encourage reaching out to:

  • Local government units
  • Universities and schools
  • Youth organisations, Rotary clubs, and NGOs.

We’ll provide resources to help you seek sponsorship.

The three key selection criteria are (1) leadership achievements, (2) motivations and (3) your op-ed (mini essay). Read the selection criteria carefully and make sure your answers address the questions directly. If you are looking for ideas on what topics you could potentially write about in the mini essay within the theme of oceans and maritime issues – check out our previous AASYP Review publications for inspiration.

Each applicant must submit a 500-word op-ed on the 2025 theme, oceans and maritime issues in ASEAN and Australia.

This will be reviewed and compiled into the AASYP Review 2025, a digital publication shared with stakeholders and delegates. Your piece will help foster pre-forum engagement and showcase your knowledge and passion for regional maritime challenges.

Check out the 2024 AASYP Review here: link.

The programme includes:

  • Expert Panels & Demonstrations – Learn from regional experts on the latest ocean-related issues.
  • Business Networking – Meet policy leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators in ASEAN-Australia cooperation.
  • Cross-Cultural Connections – Build friendships and networks with diverse young leaders.
  • Cultural Activities & Performances – Discover Filipino culture through food, art, music, and shared experiences.
  • Delegate Spotlights – Share your voice and showcase your leadership journey.

Each day will explore a different aspect of the ocean and maritime domain:

  • Ocean sustainability & marine conservation
  • Maritime security
  • Blue economy and innovation

Yes, selected delegates will receive an official invitation letter, which can be used to request leave or support from universities, employers, or sponsors.

Applications close at 11:59pm Philippines Standard Time (GMT+8) on 25th August 2025. But the application process is quick, so there’s no reason not to pop yours in now! If you experience any difficulties with your application, please contact aaylf2025@aasyp.org.

Forum Partners

AAYLF 2025 is proudly supported by:

Applications are now closed.