The Southeast Asia Exchange
Founded on the idea of reciprocity – that everyone has something to add to the conversation, and something to take away – the Southeast Asia Exchange is envisioned as a space for high school students to deepen and broaden their understanding of the region through engagement with peers, mentors, and experts.
Vision
To transform conversations on Southeast Asia by highlighting youthful perspectives that provide new, novel, and unconventional ways of understanding the region.
Mission
To connect Southeast Asian youths to vibrant creators, thinkers, and leaders in Southeast Asia, and to create a welcoming, collaborative, and reflective space for youths to discover their personal connections to the region and to one another.
Values
CURIOSITY
We push the boundaries of what we know by digging deeper into what we do not.
OPENNESS
We embrace diverse perspectives and respond to opposing views with empathy and sensitivity. We continually challenge our assumptions as organizers, mentors, and learners.
COMMUNITY
We strive to be inclusive of individuals from different backgrounds and to create a supportive network rooted in a shared, deeply vested interest in SEA
In the Press
“Technology holds tremendous potential to uplift” – Socially responsible digitalization in the region
Core Team member Serena Lee writes about The Southeast Asia Exchange’s past panel “The Digital Wave.” Our panelists, including The Tech for Good Institute’s Dr. Ming Tan, discuss how technology can have positive social impact as Southeast Asia advances its digital uptake.
“We have an obligation to the future” – Thai youth delegate shares COP28 experience
Core Team member Kamori Osthananda writes about the importance of youth-led initiatives like The Southeast Asia Exchange in providing equitable access to knowledge and cultural exchange within the region to foster improved cross-cultural climate communication.