YSEALI Game Changers is an initiative by the U.S. Department of State
and U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur which empowers game creators in Southeast
Asia to produce socially conscious games as an innovative solution to
address pressing challenges in the region. To learn more about the Young
South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), please visit:
https://asean.usmission.gov/young-southeast-asian-leaders-initiative/
The in-person Workshop & Game Jam will bring together 70 participants in
total from across South East Asia. Whereas the Webinar Series is open to
the public with no limitations.
You must be no younger than 18 years of age and no older than 35 years
of age at the time of application for the Workshop & Game Jam. The
Webinar Series is open to the public of all ages.
While most qualified candidates will have strong academic backgrounds –
bachelors, masters and even PhDs in relevant areas – the program
acknowledges that strong leadership potential, relevant professional
experience, and thematic knowledge can be demonstrated without the
presence of a formal degree. At this time, there is no degree
requirement for this program.
Whilst there is no specific work experience requirement for the program,
we seek candidates who have basic to intermediate knowledge in game
development or have relevant game development skills, can demonstrate
outstanding leadership potential and professional competencies, and much
of this typically derives from experience in dynamic working
environments.
In general, YSEALI seeks Southeast Asian professionals who have a deep
familiarity with their respective country or region. For this reason,
only citizens or resident nationals of Southeast Asia are eligible to
apply. Applicants must be able to provide official documentation proving
their citizenship or nationality, ideally in the form of a passport.
While we do not require copies of these documents to be submitted during
the online application, applicants should be prepared to provide such
documentation upon being selected as a participant for the Workshop &
Game Jam.
A resident national is the equivalent in each Asian country of a
"Permanent Resident" in the U.S. (or "Landed Resident" in some countries
with a strong British influence). That is, the person is allowed to
reside indefinitely within a country of which he or she is not a
citizen. We do not have an exhaustive list of the types of documents
needed to prove resident national status. Potential applicants therefore
have a small amount of discretion as to whether or not documents in
their possession will meet the above mentioned criteria.
No. You can only apply if you are a resident of South East Asia.
We ask that you do not apply to this program unless you are absolutely
certain you are able to attend the in-person Workshop & Game Jam in
Kuala Lumpur. In the case of an emergency or unforeseeable circumstances
that preclude your participation, please notify the program staff as
soon as possible.
Yes, we encourage you to apply again.
All expenses are covered, including costs for airfare and local
transportation, lodging and meals, and health and accident insurance.
However, all participants must arrive at the main international airports
in their respective regions.
The program does not provide support for family members and family
members may not accompany the participants in the hotel.
The hotel is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants will be
matched two to a room to promote bonding across disciplines and
countries.
Top three winning teams of the pitch will be awarded in the form of seed
funding, a 3-month mentorship to further develop the games to completion
and a showcase at an international games conference.
The application will open in February 2023. Please apply via the site
here: Click Here
We do not require these documents during the application process,
however you will be required to send copies of these documents to verify
that you meet the nationality requirements upon selection.
All applications are evaluated by Biji-Biji Initiative staff at the
initial reviewing stages and will be narrowed down to a final selection
pool. Thereafter, a selection committee comprising of U.S. Department of
State, YSEALI and Biji-Biji Initiative personnel will be charged with
evaluating finalists and determining the YSEALI Game Changers
participants.
The final selection will be announced in April 2023.
You are encouraged to submit the application as a team of two to five
team members. However, you can also submit the application as an
individual. You will then be matched with other participants before the
workshop and game jam. If you are looking for a team to apply with,
please join our Discord Server to meet other interested applicants
across Southeast Asia.
Team members of the winning teams awarded seed funding from the game jam
will be required to undergo a three-month remote mentorship program from
June to August 2023. All participants will become part of an active and
engaged alumni network – through web and social media platforms, as well
as substantive program intersections – that will encourage ongoing
collaboration and the sharing of ideas, resources, and support
throughout their professional careers.
We’re happy to assist you further, please contact us via email at
ysealigamechang[email protected].