Update: June 8
To reaffirm our commitment to alleviating the plastic pollution crisis, this year, the ASEAN-Japan Centre is organizing the ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN). This is a golden opportunity for young people aged 15-18 in ASEAN and Japan to turn their ideas to tackle plastic pollution into reality.
Eleven (11) representatives or champions from the 10 ASEAN countries and Japan (one from each country) will each receive an amount of 100,000 JPY as seed money to implement their innovative projects. The champions will receive hands-on training in leadership and project management, in addition to opportunities to network with regional peers and professionals.
Through this program, we hope to nurture a generation of changemakers in ASEAN and Japan who will create a world uncontaminated by plastic pollutants.
To apply to the program, visit here (link to Google Form)
What is the ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network?
The ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) is a network of young regional champions in combating the plastic pollution crisis selected from the 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan. Organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre, the network promotes youth-led solutions to the plastic pollution issue in the region
Who can apply to become a member of AJYELN?
Passionate and innovative individuals or groups (max. of 4 members) aged 15-18 years who meet the following criteria:
・Come from ASEAN countries or Japan;
・Have experience organizing an environmental project or activity in their school or local community (preferred);
・Can communicate in English;
・Are supported by a school teacher or advisor during the implementation phase.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of AJYELN?
Successful applicants will be awarded a sum of 100,000 JPY as seed money to implement a project addressing the plastic pollution issue in their respective communities. They will also have the opportunities to connect with young leaders in the region and receive training in leadership and project management, as well as mentorship throughout the implementation of their projects.
What are the application requirements?
Applicants are requested to submit the following in English through the online application form:
・Profile (100 words) outlining the applicant’s past pro-environmental activities;
・Motivation statement (250 words) showcasing the applicant’s environmental advocacy and the motivation to apply;
・One-minute video of self- or group introduction, including how they intend to approach the plastic waste problem in their community through the proposed project;
・One-page project proposal for a project addressing the plastic waste issue in their community (using the attached template);
・Name of a school teacher or advisor.
What are the selection criteria?
One individual or group from each ASEAN country and Japan will be selected based on the following criteria (100 points in total):
・Motivation – 20 points;
・Scope, intended outcomes, and impact of the proposed project – 35 points;
・Feasibility of the proposed project – 20 points;
・Creativity and innovation of the proposed project – 25 points.
Timeline of the program (Revised)
30 June 2023 – Announcement of selected applicants
22, 29 July 2023 – Online leadership and project management trainings
August – December 2023 – Project implementation
1 March 2024 – Presentation of outcomes and achievements of your project in the online 3rd ASEAN-Japan Symposium on Marine Plastic Waste
To apply to the program, visit here (link to Google Form)
For questions on the application, contact
Research and Policy Advocacy
ASEAN-Japan Centre
