Reading time: 7 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers

Trailblazers features young Southeast Asians taking the road less travelled — and shaping the region’s future as they go.

10-minute bicycle rides.

That’s all Phetmany Viyadeth (Churn) needed to get to anywhere in her hometown, Luang Prabang. The Laotian small town is known for being quaint and peaceful, free of traffic, congestion, or distractions.

Growing up in a community where people looked out for each other, Churn had always known her life to be simple, full of warmth and happiness.

But deep down, Churn felt she could become better and happier if she ventured out of Laos. This set her on a quest to discover her true calling in life.

From continuing her education in Singapore to working at a startup in Shanghai and successfully landing a full-time role at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Churn’s journey opened up new opportunities for her future career and business.

Having forged a new path for herself, Churn had a strong desire to return and help other youth in Laos achieve the same.

That desire led her to return to start UTD Education, an English learning center and overseas education consultancy that aims to help aspiring Lao students achieve their future dreams.

A Self-Starter Since Young

When she was a student, Churn strived to take on challenges to improve herself, which sets her apart from the rest of her family.

Her mother didn’t find the need to send her for tuition or enrichment classes. “She just wants us to be happy and stress-free, but I always want to challenge myself because I want to be better,” she said.

For instance, she used her hongbao (red packet) money to attend computer lessons. She also had her first taste of entrepreneurship at a young age, when she sold Christmas cards in primary school and, with a friend, launched her first cupcake business.

But money wasn’t quite enough to fulfill little Churn’s itch to challenge herself. That’s when she decided to create another breakthrough by learning English.

From spending weekends at the library reading English books, volunteering at Red Cross Youth, to getting to know international students, she began to realize that learning a new language can open up new opportunities that she never thought were possible.

At this point, we thought that Churn has been a self-starter since young. But she thinks she was following what her friends were doing.

“For example, if my friends get to swim, I’d like to give it a try even if I don’t like swimming,” she said.

Perhaps Churn’s willingness to explore uncharted waters from a young age could have been an early glimpse of her journey ahead.

The Big Move

While considering her options for higher education, Churn was initially accepted to an Australian university for a foundation year, but it was too expensive for her family.

After weighing her options, she eventually chose Singapore as a safer, closer, and more affordable option. But for Churn to get into a local university, she would need to start by attaining an ‘O’ Level certificate to enter junior colleges, which would then prepare her for the ‘A’ Levels that would enable her to enter university.

But that means that Churn needed eight years to obtain a university degree. She knew she had to find another way.

“I thought that I’m just going to go out there, get the experience, get certificates, and learn in any way I can, because my experiences are so much more meaningful than spending another eight years just to get into university,” she said.

With that, she took up a foundation program in Business English and Language Preparation with Kaplan and the British Council. Later, she continued studying for a UK certification in Singapore for two years, and then in China for the last year to graduate earlier.

These experiences became a stepping stone for her to build her career abroad.

Working Abroad and Returning to Laos

After graduating at the age of 20, and amid China’s growing influence worldwide, Churn decided to learn Chinese for a year.

But the truth is that being able to speak Chinese wasn’t the sole “golden ticket” to get accepted by companies in China.

“Because in China, it’s very competitive to even get an internship in a good company, and you need to compete with locals even as a foreigner,” she said.

Thankfully, her university professor had shared some helpful tips. Instead of going all in with blind effort, it’s better to analyze the landscape first and then find your position for greater success.

Churn’s multilingual skills became her strongest point in landing an internship at one of Shanghai’s prominent marketing firms.

Despite enduring 4-hour commutes and “996 culture”, she was trusted to manage brand presence on major Chinese platforms, handle relationships with influencers, and present international products to Chinese audiences.

Churns’s resilience enabled her to thrive in China’s infamous high-pressure work environment. It also taught her a valuable lesson that while you don’t have to be the best at everything, you must be a fast problem-solver.

But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she decided to return to Laos. Armed with her work experience in China, Churn secured a communications and innovation role at the UNFPA while staying in Laos.

The Path to Building UTD

While working at the UNFPA, she helped Lao students apply for overseas universities and obtain visas for free. In return, schools offered her referral commissions.

It made Churn think: if she could succeed in one of the world’s most competitive job forces, why can’t other Laotians?

Despite having experienced a stable and comfortable life with the UNFPA, she couldn’t help but dream of building an education company to give back to the youth in her home country.

Transitioning from someone seeking guidance to being that guide, Churn decided to leave the UNFPA and start UTD Education.

Describing the early beginnings of UTD, she initially offered free accessible English classes by learning through movies to establish the brand’s presence as an engaging and community-focused outlet.

As more young Laotians became interested in learning English, Churn and her team expanded their services, launching full English classes and additional consultations to help students plan their future educational paths.

Focusing on addressing global challenges for Lao students, UTD also trained local teachers to facilitate world-class programs.

Despite being the only player in the industry, Churn always thought one step ahead and aimed to develop UTD as well as she could. After all, UTD stands for “Up-To-Date”, which reflects Churn’s aspiration for the center to be a leading overseas education consultancy in Laos.

“But of course, we need to be quick and be adaptable,” she says. “We need to have this adaptability to move faster, because whatever that we are offering, there will be somebody doing the same thing as us,” she said.

That’s one of the reasons why UTD’s team is full of young people who have an open mindset and are willing to learn new skills when needed.

Prioritizing people who are willing to work through challenges, she was able to build the dream team that matches the growing demands in the business.

When talking about UTD’s early achievements, Churn proudly shared that some of their students managed to secure prestigious scholarships in Singapore. In addition, she was also invited several times by her former students to share insights as a speaker.

The Youth in Laos

Finishing up our conversation, we asked Churn for her personal views on the aspirations of youths in Laos. It seems that while many young Laotians dream of going abroad, they share the same struggles and challenges that she had.

“I think most Lao youth want the opportunity to study or work abroad to gain international exposure, then return to their home country to take care of their family and start something that they’re passionate about,” she said.

The young people in Laos have aspirations to create a “bigger future” where they aren’t restricted by local borders and discover hidden opportunities that go beyond the dominant industries in the country.

She also highlighted that their purpose of going abroad isn’t just to gain a degree, but also to return with bigger ideas & perspectives to help fellow Laotians who face similar struggles and take care of their loved ones who’ve supported them.

Churn successfully proved that. Her journey reflects how people have the freedom to choose their “spark” in life and turn their hard-won opportunities into a bridge for themselves and others.

With that, Churn is reminding us that chasing opportunities beyond our comfort zone can sometimes reveal a deeper calling—to return and create pathways for future generations who share similar dreams.

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Reading time: 8 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers

Trailblazers features inspiring young startup founders, social leaders, and cultural mavericks in Southeast Asia.

Reading his frequent updates on LinkedIn, I always thought Edwin Mohammad had achieved his dream life filled with purpose and passion for writing.

He worked as a UX writer for over nine years at major tech companies, built his first writing and brand consulting company Warung Copy (Warcop), and was invited as a speaker for prominent brands such as Google and Tech in Asia.

But even after handling major clients and successfully growing a diverse and engaging community, Warcop was missing the financial stability it needed. The emergence of AI also posed a challenge to his business.

However, that did not hold him back from moving forward despite having to take his main focus away from his business.

As the work landscape shifted, Edwin realized that the dream life was secondary to a much larger goal: protecting his faith and achieving stability for his family.

But when I asked about his well-being, Edwin instantly chuckled.

“I’m feeling nervous,” he said. “Because I’ve been accepted into a new role with a whole different culture and working time, and at the same time, it aligns with my faith and personal values, so I want to do and give the best I can for the long haul.”

It seems that he’s at a pivotal moment in his life. But what shaped him into who he is today?

Growing Up With Resilience

Raised by a nuclear engineer mother and a novelist father, Edwin’s parents taught him two important life lessons. These lessons complemented one another and opened up his eyes to the world.

One of the few female nuclear engineers in the United Nations, Edwin’s mother was also the backbone of the family, which greatly influenced her role in the household. Through his mother, Edwin learned to be resilient, structured, and well-prepared for the future.

On the other hand, his late father didn’t graduate from university, and had to learn everything on his own. But that didn’t hold him back from teaching Edwin the necessary skills to survive in the world.

“I was able to learn problem-solving skills, and they made me appreciate school even more. I was also taught not to believe in all theories, and that it’s okay to fail and fail,” he explained.

“Life-long learners.” That’s what Edwin added when he shared endless love and gratitude for his dear parents.

Writing The Start of His Career

Shifting the conversation from childhood to his early career, I asked whether he knew writing was the one for him.

“No clue at all. I didn’t really understand these roles at all. In fact, I wanted to be a train conductor at first, and my mom even offered me a job at the UN so I could be like her.”

He discovered his passion for writing when he built his own media project focused on featuring student-led communities in Yogyakarta, throughout his third semester until graduating from university.

That was the defining moment that gradually paved his path in writing. From gaining his first internship at Wego, a Singapore-based travel company, to becoming the Lead Product Writer at SQE (S-Quantum Engine), a digital factory for financial services.

It always warmed his heart every time his written works received good responses from readers. He realized that writing was his tool to help others.

Finding his way in writing for the tech world, he also learned the importance of not being afraid of making mistakes.

After all, failure is the process of achieving growth.

The Birth of A Dream Business

However, after years of writing for one tech giant to another, Edwin began to question whether his personal values really aligned with the company’s values.

Looking back to the time of his mother’s passing, he made a huge decision to embrace his faith deeper, because he realized that’s the one thing that pushed him to be a better person for himself, his family, and others.

With his wife’s support, Edwin embarked on a pilgrimage trip to explore the history and lessons of his growing faith. He shared his fascination with the noble sacrifice people have made for their religious beliefs.

Determined to protect his faith in the end, Edwin decided to take a step back from his professional career and find his own calling through his passion for writing. Thus, Warung Copy was born.

Starting from zero, Edwin had to learn and relearn to build his dream company. Writing was just the tip of the iceberg. He also had to think about branding, social media management, and web design.

“Long-term plans are important, because we don’t know when people will stop looking for our services, especially with AI around,” he added.

In truth, the journey was rough and dwindling without enough financial runway for a few years.

But thanks to the support of his wife, Edwin never lost his faith and spirit. By taking turns working full-time, Edwin was able to focus on building Warcop.

From educating fellow writers to helping major brands grow through design, strategy, and copy, Warung Copy eventually evolved into a learning platform dedicated to empowering the next creative generation in pursuing their future careers.

The Pivot

As Edwin opened up on the truth behind running a business, he revealed one struggle that is often overlooked by business owners.

“I thought that just being good at something could help create a business,” he said. But that wasn’t the case at all. With the emergence of AI, some clients and businesses have started to undermine the role of writers as they can easily prompt well-versed sentences in seconds.

He also shared that having too many business goals could be a problem because it could lead owners to miscalculate their main priorities. Hence, it’s better to have a single important goal and try to move forward with that.

There were times when Edwin and his team had to endure the slow days without client calls, job requests, and consultations. Waiting around was not an option.

To raise more awareness for Warung Copy, Edwin actively put in the extra effort to attract clients and partners. He shared his skills and clients’ stories on LinkedIn, utilized his network, and “begged” for people’s attention.

But deep down inside, Edwin knew that once again he had found another shift in discovering purpose and maintaining priorities in life. Taking care of his faith and family has become his top priority now.

That was the moment Edwin knew that returning to full-time work was the solution to support his growing family, maintain his business, and fulfil his quest for higher faith.

Before, he had always been approached by companies, but this time, he had to take the initiative and apply one at a time. His faith now became his grounding compass in making the big decisions for his job hunting and business.

He claimed that he had several times declined offers from companies and clients because they didn’t align with his faith.

Knowing the fact that his savings were running out, his late father had gotten sick, and his wife’s second pregnancy, Edwin kept hold of his faith and moved forward relentlessly for the last two years.

“When we carry our values and beliefs with us, we’re never truly alone, even in our toughest and hardest times.”

Many would assume that returning to a 9-to-5 job feels like a retreat, but Edwin saw an opportunity to advance towards the alignment he had been searching for.

“My long-term vision wasn’t to be an entrepreneur or achieve a higher income. But it was to protect my faith. This is where I felt so rewarded,” he said.

The Journey Ahead

When I saw Edwin’s recent update on accepting a new full-time role at Noor Kids, a brand dedicated to nurturing children’s Islamic values through imaginative and character-building stories, I knew I had to ask him about it.

I wondered if the possibility of Edwin’s journey in building Warcop was what led him to be recruited at Noor Kids.

“Yes, the team at Noor Kids saw most of my work from Warcop’s social media and website. Without Warcop, I don’t think it’d be possible at all,” he shared.

He also suggested making the most of a career gap or free time to offer skills as services. The reason is that it would help boost people’s awareness of who you are and what you could bring to the table.

In addition to that, he highlighted the importance of pivoting to a role that still aligns with our skills, if we have plans to shift careers. He also gave a reminder to reflect and think first before deciding to work or start a business.

For Edwin, Warcop was never just a business; it was the full living proof of his skills that opened the path to Noor Kids. Hence, he successfully found a way to let his new job and current business coexist rather than choosing one over the other.

He gladly announced that Warcop will keep running while he also focuses on working full-time. Currently, they’re in the middle of an ongoing project with clients, and with contract workers taking charge, Edwin keeps a close eye to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

On the other hand, he’s still looking for the right person to help lead their community activities and events.

At the end of our chat, I asked if he could share some wisdom for the early working youth.

“To those who are currently feeling hopeless and doubting yourselves, it’s okay because all of that is part of the journey. But know that every effort will not go to waste.”

There is no such thing as wasted effort. As long as you keep pushing and putting in everything you’ve got, believe that the world will someday help you make sense of it.

Like Mahatma Gandhi once said: To lose patience is to lose the battle, so be patient. Make the most of your time to learn and relearn your definition of purpose and success.

Edwin’s journey reflects a powerful shift across Southeast Asia, where the region’s new generation of leaders is no longer just chasing success but intentionally redefining it on their own terms.

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Reading time: 3 minutes

This year, we continued to feature young founders and changemakers across Southeast Asia who are challenging conventions, rethinking what success means, and building the region’s future in real time.

As we wrap up 2025, we would like to share with you five quotes from the profiles we interviewed this year—lines that inspired us the most and made us reflect on what it means to embrace Southeast Asia.

Curiosity & Growth

William reminds us that growth begins with curiosity. In a region brimming with opportunities, the willingness to learn can compound into meaningful change. For young people seeking to carve out their own path, this is a valuable mindset to adopt.

When we met William in Laos at Startnovation’s Entrepreneurship Weekend Summit, we saw this mindset in action — in particular, his commitment to helping more Laotian youths learn from entrepreneurs in Laos and beyond.

Discovering Regional Potential

Eng Heng’s reflection challenges the ‘superiority bias’: the notion that the best ideas originate only from the West. His journey shows that Southeast Asia itself is filled with brilliant ideas and capable talents—a perspective we hope more people will embrace.

Rethinking Resilience

Resilience is often celebrated as an inherent virtue. James encourages us to look deeper by acknowledging the toll it takes and the systemic challenges behind it.

And as much as we encourage people to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia, we don’t shy away from the fact that real challenges still exist in the region. James’ reflection reminds us that what matters isn’t pretending these challenges don’t exist, but learning from how people navigate them.

Action & Collaboration

Joanne’s questions got us thinking about what’s possible beyond personal growth and ambitions. The true power lies in collective action—connecting, collaborating, and using our skills to uplift the region together.

Embracing Southeast Asia

Miguel captures the optimism we see across the region. Southeast Asia is made up of 11 different countries, but it is full of potential and ready for those willing to step forward and create impact. His words remind us to act with both ambition and awareness to embrace what the region has to offer.

These quotes capture the curiosity, courage, and creativity of Southeast Asia’s youth this year. They inspire us to see what’s possible in the region, and we will continue to uncover these voices across our content and events in 2026.

Here’s to an inspiring 2026, together.

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Reading time: 10 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers

Trailblazers features inspiring young startup founders, social leaders, and cultural mavericks in Southeast Asia.

“I don’t think I’m doing well,” says Yeo Eng Heng, co-founder of Kabana, a e-commerce analytics firm for Southeast Asia.

“That’s a misconception from everyone.”

I was surprised to hear this from someone whose company was acquired this August. After all, for many founders, an acquisition signals product-market fit and payoff after years of grinding.

Eng Heng says this stems from his “underdog mentality”, but he wasn’t sure why.

“I was a shotgun kid,” he says, revealing that his parents got married shortly after conceiving him.

“There was some form of stigma against me and my parents, and I disliked the way that people were looking at us.” As a child, he witnessed how his parents fought against the stigma, which became a source of motivation for him to work hard to repay them.

Studying in a prestigious primary school, he was one of the few who lived in public housing. Classmates made fun of his pink wallet. He grew up playing basketball, but was often the smallest player on the court, and had to fight harder to win in any race.

“I think these experiences hone my personality of being different and embracing differences,” he says. But as I learned more about his journey in our one-hour chat, I realized that he’s not just an underdog.

From Unclear Ambitions to Startups

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Eng Heng had no clear idea of what he wanted to do.

While he chose to study Communications & New Media (CNM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), it was not an informed choice.

“CNM was an accident,” he says, “I wanted to do Sociology because of my ex-partner, but when we broke up, I decided to follow my friends to CNM instead.”

The turning point came in his third year in 2019.

He signed up for NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC)—an overseas entrepreneurship program—in Silicon Valley, home to some of the most prominent tech companies like Apple, Google, and Meta.

He decided to join the NOC program after learning about it from the founders of a company he had previously interned for.

But he admits that he initially wanted to go to Silicon Valley because he was a fan of the Golden State Warriors, an American professional basketball team in San Francisco.

“Looking back, it was not a thoughtful decision,” he quips.

Over in Silicon Valley, Eng Heng joined Kyte—a startup that delivers rental cars to your doorstep—as their first product and growth intern. The company was just starting out, they had zero cars, and he recalls working from 8 am to 11 pm daily with a small team of five people.

“I think what hooked me was the idea of working and figuring out the puzzle together,” he says.

He also found himself wearing multiple hats, from running referral programs to brainstorming strategies to get more new and returning customers, and even delivering cars personally to their users.

His eyes sparkled as he recalled his experience there. “I witnessed how tenacious and crazy the founders can be,” he says. “One of the founders started by renting his own car to a user’s doorstep to sell his idea, but that’s super risky, as it came with a legal risk.”

For him, witnessing these firsthand taught him the importance of being resourceful while taking risks to turn an idea into reality.

Due to Covid-19, he had to leave Silicon Valley at the eighth-month mark and continued to work remotely in Singapore. By the time he completed his one-year internship, he witnessed how the startup expanded from five to 30 team members, zero to 100 cars, and operating from one to three cities in the United States.

While he wanted to extend his time at Kyte, he found himself losing sleep while working on it in Singapore. He then decided to focus on his studies for his final year in university, but was “absolutely bored” within a month.

At this moment, a schoolmate introduced him to HeadsUp, a B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup that helps product-growth companies improve their sales conversion rates. It had been incorporated for just over a month, and he joined as their first product manager after speaking to their founder.

It felt like a deja vu moment for Eng Heng: another early-stage startup, another chance to start from scratch again. But the biggest lesson he took away from HeadsUp was the ability to break down complex concepts into fundamental parts, before reassembling them to solve problems—better known as first-principles thinking.

“I was drawn to how the HeadsUp founder thought of problems that way, and I wanted to understand how that could be applied in the business world,” he adds. He would go on to work at HeadsUp for two years.

Those two experiences finally gave him clarity.

“Previously, I felt like I wanted to do something, but I didn’t know what that looked like,” he says. “But these two experiences gave me the answer. The thing I was looking for was a startup.”

The Pivot That Led To Kabana

After leaving HeadsUp, Eng Heng travelled to Europe for six weeks.

He took the chance to validate some ideas in mind, and quickly realized two things: there was an AI wave coming, and people found SaaS software difficult and troublesome to learn and use.

That formed the basis for the first iteration of Kabana—using AI to teach people to use their software. It gained some traction and caught the attention of Linktr.ee, a link-in-bio tool for companies to consolidate all their social media and internet links on one page.

But they decided to pivot.

“I realized that being a founder is tough and it strains my personal life,” he says. “We had to stay up late as we were doing sales to the US from Singapore, but doing sales was my weakness.”

Eng Heng felt that they had to either move to the US or pivot and sell something for Southeast Asia before scaling to the rest of the world.

“Sitting in Singapore, Southeast Asia is your best bet given [our] proximity to the rest of the region, and there’s a decent market size to capture since we’re too small,” he says.

But he had no understanding of Southeast Asia. This spurred him to start analysing regional opportunities by looking at some of the main sectors, such as FinTech, healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce.

“The market for these sectors here is decently big, there’s government support, there’s venture capital that understands the space, and there’s a decent amount of innovation coming up,” he explains.

After analysing for some time, he realised that Southeast Asia determines some trends in the e-commerce industry, and the various grey areas in regulations meant there was a space for him to explore while being scrappy.

They then noticed that Southeast Asian sellers were selling on various platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop without a single analytics platform. It was this gap that led to Kabana being born as an e-commerce analytics platform for Southeast Asia.

“We were able to build our platform on top of the three marketplaces, which made it easier to penetrate different countries,” he says. “In fact, our first customers were Malaysians and Filipinos, even though we were targeting Singaporeans in the first place.”

Overcoming Superiority Bias

As Kabana grew across Southeast Asia, Eng Heng found himself confronting the biases that he had against the region and non-tech industries.

“I was ignorant,” he admits. “People would think that Westerners are the best in tech, and being able to work in Silicon Valley meant that I’m better than non-tech people and even Southeast Asians.”

When Eng Heng interacted with e-commerce merchants from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, he was blown away by how they had come up with a sophisticated way of thinking to solve problems in the industry. He realized that “good thinking” was not exclusive to Silicon Valley, even if conditions are different in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia’s fragmented market also forced him to rethink how to scale across the region more effectively. He noticed that expansion becomes easier when companies can identify a common thread that binds the region together, just like how e-commerce sellers across Southeast Asia rely on the same marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.

But he recognized that every country works differently. What works in Singapore rarely maps neatly onto the Philippines or Thailand, and companies can’t simply copy and paste their success from one market to another.

This means that it is unrealistic to go regional from day one. He feels that it is more important to build resilience and grit to scale across a diverse region like Southeast Asia.

Eng Heng might not know this, but I thought that the groundwork that he laid strengthened Kabana’s foundations, which paved the way for the startup’s acquisition by Revenue Scaler.

When I asked if the acquisition was a surprise to him, he immediately said ‘no’, although he wasn’t sure why.

“I think it’s partly because, when you start doing a tech startup in Southeast Asia, a lot of non-tech companies would reach out and ask if we wanted to consider a joint venture or getting acquired,” he reveals.

Today, Eng Heng continues to serve as an advisor to Kabana. He provides advice on product development and the development of AI features, and helps with product marketing for both Kabana and other portfolio companies in Revenue Scaler.

Venturing Beyond Tech

But Eng Heng is not resting on his laurels.

In a personal Substack post last year, he hinted at the possibility of starting a non-tech business if he’s not working on Kabana.

When Kabana was sold, Eng Heng began to reach out to over 50 non-tech businesses over a few weeks. One thing that surprised him was that many non-tech founders had zero experience in what they’re doing.

For instance, he met a lady who started a company to freeze-dry breast milk, but she had no background in chemistry or biology. He also spoke to founders in Vietnam who built multiple businesses—from schools to a chemical washing plant—but they are not funded by venture capitalists.

These conversations made him realize that there’s no excuse for anyone not to try starting something new, even if they have no experience. “I also wonder why they started—is it because they saw a problem? Or because they’re passionate about it?”

While he does not have all the answers yet, Eng Heng decided to put himself out of his comfort zone and start two businesses—consulting and cat mesh. The goal is to eventually build a ‘big non-tech company’ with multiple vertical businesses, and he started these two businesses to learn how to run one.

With consulting, he gets to talk to different non-tech business owners to understand their pain points and identify opportunities, while the cat mesh business allows him to learn about supply chains and operations.

I was quite intrigued by his plan and wondered—what drives him?

Eng Heng points to a few factors. He claims to get bored easily, and he wants to satisfy his curiosity. He is being ambitious, and he wants to prove that people can make a huge impact in Singapore. He also wants to take care of his family and do crazy things with crazy friends at the same time.

But above all, I think it ties back to his “underdog mentality”. Eng Heng is not satisfied with the status quo—not in Singapore, not in Southeast Asia, and not in the narrative where the West is superior.

To him, being an ‘underdog’ is not a disadvantage, but as a fuel that pushes him to stay curious, to build from scratch, to take risks, and to prove that impact doesn’t just happen in large, stable markets.

Perhaps that reflects a subtle strength in Eng Heng’s journey—a strength that pushes him to take risks, challenge boundaries, and create new possibilities. And in many ways, it mirrors Southeast Asia itself: a region long seen as an underdog, now rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic and thriving markets in the world.

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Reading time: 7 minutes

💼 Redefining Work

Exploring how Southeast Asian youths are rethinking success and hustles.

📌 TL;DR 

📌 In Laos, youths have long followed parental or familial guidance, inheriting businesses or taking conventional career paths instead of starting from scratch.

📌 Laotian Gen Zs are increasingly pursuing independence, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven work, challenging longstanding cultural norms.

📌 Marina, William, and Kitty exemplify diverse approaches—focusing on impact, specialization, and emotional intelligence—while balancing passion, practicality, and growth.

📌 While interest in entrepreneurial and leadership roles grows, Laos lacks ecosystems and ethical leadership structures to fully support young innovators, making systemic change crucial for the future.

*TL;DR generated by AI

In Laos, it is common for youths to follow the footsteps of their parents or close relatives when it comes to deciding on a suitable career path. Elders would often advise youths to “follow your Moun Seau” or “follow your heritage” when asked for career advice.

This norm has existed for generations. The first generation would start businesses for later generations to inherit. Second-generation youths would choose to take over them, not because they lack the capability to start one, but because they lack the willingness to start from scratch and go through the hardships that the first generation have been through.

However, as the world becomes more globalized, new narratives have emerged in Laos. More Laotian youths now aspire to be independent. They’re challenging the norms that existed for generations and are seeking to adopt an entrepreneurial spirit.

But I wondered, why are they taking the less-trodden path? I spoke to three unconventional Laotian friends to find out.

Turning Problems Into Impact

Meet Marina Ladavanh Keodala, a social entrepreneur in the environmental advocacy space.

She has always dreamed of working with people across the globe to tackle environmental problems faced by many communities. It was through volunteering that she found her true passion in environmental conservation. Her experience taught her to apply her entrepreneurial skills to turn problems into action through self-inquiries. This led her to create edible cups to promote waste reduction.

When asked about her career aspirations, Marina says that she wants work that gives her the flexibility to work anytime, anywhere. She values roles that involve collaboration with people from all walks of life, as it provides her with fresh perspectives that broaden her horizon. While financial stability is important, what motivates her the most is seeing her work leave a meaningful impact.

Marina also believes that it is important for Gen Zs to have the drive to solve problems and seek solutions. While many budding youths are able to come up with a plethora of promising ideas, they often find it challenging to turn them into reality.

With that, Marina believes that more Laotian youths need to possess a growth mindset that includes being curious, optimistic about learning, and the desire to apply various theories to tackle their proposed problems.

Building Impact From Scratch

William Bounlieng Phanthapanya is the founder of Startnovation, a company that trains Laotian youths with skills and knowledge to become entrepreneurs.

After completing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA), William joined a local startup where he got to see how things are run first-hand at a well-established venture. That’s when he learned that a great business owner was once a curious employee.

But it wasn’t until an exchange in the United States that sparked his passion for starting a business.

His parents were divided over his decision. “My mother was shocked when I left my full-time job and doubted me when I initially started working on my business, while my father—who’s also an entrepreneur—understood and provided some guidance,” he says.

William began by self-funding his business for 1.5 years, until investors turned up and joined in as shareholders. Over time, his mother became more supportive of his initiative.

When asked why he decided to become an entrepreneur, William points to three crucial elements—money, reputation, and impact. While people may choose to prioritize one of the three elements differently, William’s focus has been on maximizing the impact in his field.

“In the end, those three elements will eventually cross paths with each other when we get to a certain point,” he says.

William also believes that it is important for entrepreneurs and professionals to be a “specialist” in their field. He feels that aspiring entrepreneurs need to understand the core of the problem they’re trying to solve and be passionate about their field. They need to be consistent as they build the company and be willing to take accountability for their actions. Critical thinking is also crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed, and he believes that people shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.

When asked how aspiring entrepreneurs can do so, he says, “Start by observing our surroundings, and be open to gain one percent more knowledge than others.”

Balancing Passion With Practicality

Kitty Sounisa Khammoungkhoun is a jack of all trades. Having pursued a degree in Development Economics, she nurtured a strong passion for social entrepreneurship and international trade. However, she began a career in public health before transitioning into the energy sector.

When asked if her parents and relatives had any influence on her career choices, Katie says that it was not a problem for her. “I arrived from another province and live independently, which means that I have to balance passion with practicality.”

While having a strong passion is beneficial, it is important to take into account the situation that a person is in and whether or not their expectations are realistic. In addition, Kitty also mentioned the importance of financial stability, something that she picked up from her family.

When it comes to her career, Kitty seeks work-life balance and believes that it should align with her aspirations at a particular stage of her life. She would often ask, “What do I need most right now — stability, impact, growth, or the opportunities that I can execute or seize from this work?”

Although one’s priority can shift over time, Kitty believes that it is crucial to be honest about what we want to do and connect them to our core purpose. For instance, she chose to focus on achieving stability while learning, which she believes is the crucial foundation that would naturally lead to more success, recognition, and impact.

Kitty also thinks that having emotional intelligence and the flexibility to wear different leadership hats is crucial, as they can enable one to work with diverse people and ever-changing environments. That said, it is also essential to have the ability to lead yourself and others at the right time. “Wearing different hats here is not about wearing every hat at once, but about knowing which hat suits which moment,” she says.

Emotional intelligence doesn’t solely resonate with empathy but also the competence to hold oneself together during trying times to respond rather than react. It boils down to being consciously compassionate without sacrificing your time and effort.

Building The Future Laos Deserves

The future of work in Laos seems promising. New and defiant narratives such as independence, financial stability, and an entrepreneurial mindset are starting to make their way into the minds of Laotian youths, as seen in Marina, William, and Kitty.

Meanwhile, career preferences are shifting. According to PrepPath’s career assessment database, Lao youths are increasingly drawn to roles that emphasize leadership skills, which are highly sought after by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social enterprises.

When I spoke to Marina, she shared that Gen Zs in Laos often fall into three broad categories. First, there are the people-pleasers, who would do anything to fit in and be socially accepted. Next, there are driven ones who constantly find ways to improve their resume and set ambitious goals, such as securing a scholarship. Finally, some want to achieve financial independence. Their main priority is to secure a stable source of income for their family, and they hardly think about long-term self-development opportunities.

While more youths are starting to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, it is still not widely discussed across Laos. The country lacks proper ecosystems and support structures needed to nurture young innovators, leaving many aspiring youths to figure things out on their own. Traditional expectations persist, with youths giving in to parental pressure by choosing well-paying jobs like business or medicine, even when they don’t align with their interests or lead to fulfilling careers.

This is a huge problem that needs to be solved. Yet change is slowly happening, as more youths recognise the importance of work-life balance, purpose, and financial literacy.

Still, for youth aspirations to flourish meaningfully, more needs to be done at the national level.

Lao youths tend to learn from their leaders. Leaders who act with integrity and responsibility will set a standard that inspires young people to do the same. However, corruption remains a serious challenge, with Laos scoring 33 out of 100 in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2024—one of the lowest in Southeast Asia. If corruption remains prevalent at the top, it becomes easier for youths to believe that cutting corners is acceptable, or even necessary.

If Laos hopes to unlock the potential of its next generation, building a culture of ethical and accountable leadership is essential. Only then can our Gen Zs confidently chart new paths for themselves and the country’s future.

About the writer:

Bart Thiradeth Khamhoung is a Laotian youth with a strong passion for entrepreneurship and economic development. Bart takes pride in connecting Lao youths to the world and vice versa. He aims to put his landlocked motherland on the world map through his writing.

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Reading time: 6 minutes

💼 Redefining Work

Exploring how Southeast Asian youths are rethinking success and hustles.

📌 TL;DR 

📌 A viral Singapore skit mocking “cringe” LinkedIn posts highlights how many youths view the platform.

📌 With a tough job market, Southeast Asians are rethinking LinkedIn as more than just an online résumé.

📌 Youths from Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos are using it to share values, build visibility, and connect early.

📌 LinkedIn coach Eric Sim says that the platform can become a tool for growth and opportunities, not just humblebrags, if done authentically.

*TL;DR generated by AI

“I am excited to announce that I’ve finished my ice cream.”

Everyone claps. A few friends reply: “Fantastic news! Valuable insights!”

Another declares that she’s “embarking on a new chapter” by buying a new round of ice cream for everyone. More applause is heard.

“Nice work! I endorse this round!”

Finally, someone returns with two new scoops: “Big things are coming. Ice cream!”

“Congrats on the ice cream anniversary!”

This is not a corporate networking event. It is a parody of the exaggerated self-congratulatory messages and cringey comments on LinkedIn that were turned into a skit by a group of Gen Zs in Singapore.

The skit went viral. Many youths resonated with the awkward, overly polished posts and profiles that are seen on the professional networking platform with over 60 million users in Southeast Asia.

But amidst a tighter job market where fresh graduates are facing hiring freezes and slower employment opportunities, LinkedIn has emerged as a space for youths to create their own opportunities.

With that, is LinkedIn just a cringey space for humblebrags, or are we missing the point? I spoke to a few youths across Southeast Asia to find out.

From Cringe To Connections

“I used to think that LinkedIn was just a platform for corporate humblebrags,” says Cherrell Ng, 26, content creator and founder of Gen Z marketing agency ForwdMedia from Singapore.

Cherrell was more active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and often felt out of place while scrolling her LinkedIn feed.

After learning about personal branding at a networking event for media professionals, she decided to start a 66-day writing challenge to document her professional journey while exploring the platform.

The connections that she’s made on the networking platform “surprised” her.

“People would reach out to me on LinkedIn saying they’ve seen my journey becoming a creator and starting my own business,” Cherrell says. “It warms my heart, and I learned that showing up consistently and authentically does make an impact.”

Habib Andrianus has also been surprised by the impact of LinkedIn on his journey. The 25-year-old Indonesian shares that he was approached by recruiters who saw his profile and posts on the platform.

“I was surprised,” he says. “I used to think that LinkedIn was just an online resume, but it turned out to be a real networking tool when used well.”

When I asked what got him onto LinkedIn, Habib revealed that he heeded the advice of his mentor to start using it to connect with professionals during his second year of undergraduate studies.

And he did not find the platform to be cringey. “I saw it as a tool for learning about people’s career journeys,” he says. “I’m interested in the stories behind the achievements of professionals, especially all the ups and downs that they’ve been through previously.”

The Teenagers Starting Young

Meanwhile, I noticed that teenagers are showing up on LinkedIn to explore opportunities and connect with professionals outside of school.

While no exact numbers exist for Southeast Asia, global data shows that about 28% of LinkedIn users are aged 18-24, suggesting a similarly significant youth presence in our region.

One of them is Thiradeth Khamhoung from Laos. The 18-year-old started a career assessment and planning platform with a group of friends after being inspired by business ideas on LinkedIn.

“LinkedIn has allowed me to test and validate my platform from industry professionals,” he says. “It has also enabled me to gain international perspectives.”

But Thiradeth wasn’t expecting this. LinkedIn is often viewed as a job-hunting platform in Laos, and he wouldn’t have discovered more about the platform if not for his foreign friend.

“My friend was taking on many exciting exchange trips, and I asked how he got these opportunities,” Tiradeth recalls. “It opened the door for me to LinkedIn.”

When asked if he found LinkedIn to be cringey, he disagrees.

“I actually found ‘LinkedInese’—a term coined by LinkedIn Top Voice and personal branding coach Juliana Chan to describe the humblebragging, overly polished writing styles seen on the platform—to be very funny and thought-provoking,” says Thiradeth.

From his perspective, LinkedIn is used by the Top 1% of professionals around the world. He follows entrepreneurs and thought leaders on the platform, which is rare exposure for youths in Laos.

He finds that most people are invested in building their personal brand, which enables professionals to learn from each other and recognize those who work hard.

Yet, Tiradeth notes that there are no LinkedIn influencers in Laos who could demonstrate how the platform can be used effectively.

“I feel that it’s about spreading awareness on how we can use LinkedIn for personal and professional growth,” he says.

Fellow teenager Delvix Tham, 17, also began to use LinkedIn in 2024 out of “personal curiosity”. The Singaporean junior college student calls it “professional Instagram”.

“I felt that LinkedIn is a good tool to network with more people and seniors from my school,” he says.

He believes that there’s actual value to be on LinkedIn early by learning from the reflective posts by professionals across the world, which is distinct from the lifestyle and entertainment content on other social media platforms.

I asked if he ever found the platform to be cringey. He brushed it off, saying that many avoid LinkedIn simply because “they don’t know how to use it properly”.

But what does it take to show up purposefully on the platform, especially when you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience to share?

Building a Purposeful Presence

Eric Sim, a former investment banker turned LinkedIn Top Voice, often hears youths say they’re not ready to build their presence on LinkedIn.

“Many hesitate to show up because they feel they lack experience compared to seasoned professionals,” he says. “But you don’t need years of work experience to add value. Share what you’re learning, reflect on your experiences, or ask thoughtful questions to experienced professionals.”

As the founder of professional coaching academy Institute of Life, Eric acknowledges that LinkedIn has seen its fair share of cringey and humblebragging content in recent years. Yet, he thinks that valuable and insightful content remains the platform’s greatest draw.

“The key is to train the algorithm by engaging with posts from people you find inspiring and unfollowing those whose content doesn’t add to you,” he suggests.

Eric also sees Gen Z reshaping what it means to be professional on LinkedIn—and in a positive way.

“They don’t feel the need to brag or conform to outdated corporate tones,” he notes. “Having grown up with social media, they understand what authenticity means and are more comfortable being real and vulnerable online.”

Eric points to Vanessa Ho, who began using LinkedIn as a university student and secured an internship through cold outreach, as an example of what’s possible.

“As more Gen Zs participate, LinkedIn will feel less cringey,” he says. “Their presence is making the platform more dynamic and grounded.”

And we might be starting to see that shift.

Turning LinkedIn Into Opportunity

In our poll on Instagram, 78% of respondents thought that LinkedIn is useful, while the rest called it cringe.

Perhaps the difference comes down to how people choose to show up.

Youths like Cherrell, Habib, Tiradeth, and Delvix chose to use LinkedIn with authenticity and curiosity. They share their stories, ask questions, and connect beyond borders—turning LinkedIn into a space for learning and growth.

For them, LinkedIn is a tool that helps them explore various possibilities in life. There is no need to overpolish our achievements or perform for virality. As Eric reminds us, people should focus on building meaningful connections instead of chasing likes or going viral.

At a time when the job market is tough, LinkedIn can be a passport to opportunities we never knew existed—only if we use it with curiosity and authenticity.

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Reading time: 9 minutes

Hey there, Zhan Tiam here, founder of SEAmplified.

A few days ago, I searched “Southeast Asia youth media platform” on Google—just out of curiosity.

To my surprise, SEAmplified showed up in the search results and Gemini’s AI summary.

It felt surreal.

When SEAmplified started in January 2024, I had no formal background in media or journalism. It was born out of curiosity and a sense that more needs to be done to forge stronger connections between youths across Southeast Asia.

I didn’t have a plan. I began writing articles while juggling academics, sometimes until late at night, wondering if anyone would read them.

Close to 20 months later, we’re now at our 50th edition! With a growing community of more than 1,000 followers across Substack, Instagram, and LinkedIn, this wouldn’t have been possible without my team and readers like yourself.

So for this special edition, I wanted to do something different.

Some time ago, we ran a poll on Instagram to ask what you’d like to see in this edition, and most of you wanted to see what’s behind the scenes at SEAmplified!

So we’re pulling back the curtain and giving you a glimpse into how content is created at SEAmplified. From hour-long interviews to last-minute video edits, and our tiny team of youths holding it together, what have we learned?

Behind The Articles

I didn’t start out knowing how to write good stories. But I felt that there were many inspiring youths across Southeast Asia whose voices rarely get surfaced, and I wanted to highlight them.

The first few editions were quite scrappy.

For Trailblazers, we just spoke to people we found doing interesting things, and tried our best to capture their thoughts in an authentic way. Redefining Work began with showcasing how youths across the region share similar hopes and fears about the future of work.

Over time, I started noticing what makes a story stick. It wasn’t about achievements. It was about how they relate and inspire you to learn what peers in the region are doing, and encourage you to explore different paths.

Today, every analysis or feature we write begins with a thought, a conversation, or something we come across online. Our feature on Miguel’s Heritage Bay happened after I stumbled upon his story online. I visited his office for the interview and spent the whole afternoon hearing about his story and why he started his venture.

The analysis on students going for summer internships was sparked by a university student who announced he had no internship on LinkedIn. It was followed by weeks of research for statistics and chats with university students.

More recently, we began calling for contributors to share their perspectives. I learned how Filipino youths are redefining work from Frankie Nobleza’s story, and reflected on the meaning of work with Gerald Koh’s piece.

But not all of our storytelling happens in words. They’re also captured on camera.

Behind The Videos

“You only see 60 seconds—but each video takes a lot of patience!”

That’s how Sherlyn Ng, who handles most of our reels and video content, puts it. Behind every short video is a long process of scripting, multiple takes (sometimes 10 tries just to land 3 words), and a lot of experimenting with how to make an impact.

There was once where she only had 30 minutes before sunset to wrap up an entire shoot, and it started drizzling. She ended up with only 10 minutes of usable footage, and somehow, under pressure, she pulled it all together.

On average, each 1-minute video takes 20–40 minutes to film and at least an hour to edit.

It’s hard work—but we keep doing it. Not just because we get to showcase the quirky, often overlooked facts about Southeast Asia, but because when we create an episode for SEA Oddities, we’re learning more about the region we call home.

And hopefully, these videos inspire you to discover more about what our region has to offer!

What We’ve Learned So Far

While we’ve been creating content for some time now, we’re still figuring things out along the way. But we’ve also learned a few things about storytelling, community, and ourselves.

1) Good storytelling is more than just featuring successful stories

When we first started telling stories, it felt easier to just focus on the obvious markers of success, such as launching a business, or winning an award.

But over time, we realized that these moments don’t always capture the full picture of a person’s journey. The most memorable ones are often the messy ones: the doubts before a big decision, the trade-off behind choices, or even the setbacks that are not celebrated.

When I interviewed Vanessa How, what struck me was her decision to leave a high-paying consulting career for something that’s more purposeful, more aligned with her values. The decision came amidst several stressors in life—personal skin problems, burnout at work, and a grandmother in ICU. But she chose to rethink the grind and go for a different path, right here in Southeast Asia.

That’s the kind of narrative we want to reflect in our stories. We began to look for pivotal, vulnerable moments that young adults across Southeast Asia can see themselves in. They go beyond achievements, and connect us all because they feel real.

2) A community grows on trust, not virality

It can be tempting to chase virality for the sake of numbers, but trending posts often come and go, and we might not attract the right audience.

Instead, we learned that the most valuable growth is when someone says, “Your content made me discover something new about Southeast Asia,” or “I love what you guys are doing.” These comments keep us going, even if our audience reach is small compared to larger platforms.

But what’s more interesting is how growing a niche and highly engaged community has opened doors to more opportunities for us. Thanks to our audience, we’ve attracted like-minded organizations like OSG Youth Alliance, universities, and Singapore’s National Youth Council to be our content and event partners.

These collaborations have not only sustained us but amplified our impact, allowing us to run events, create more meaningful content, and reach more audiences we could never have reached alone.

3) Running SEAmplified has taught us so much about the region

When we first started, we thought we had to position ourselves as a regional expert to build credibility—but we were wrong. With every article and video we publish at SEAmplified, we realized that we’re learning about our assumptions, blind spots, and how there’s still so much to learn about Southeast Asia.

For instance, at every SEA Oddities episode, we’re often surprised by how everyday food like kaya (sweet coconut jam) can taste different across the region, and how we have common superstitious beliefs like how sweeping the floor at night can bring us bad luck!

But beyond the shared food and traditions, we also learn how our regional friends navigate expectations, and how they create opportunities for themselves.

In Frankie Nobleza’s article on how 7 Filipino youths are redefining work, I learned that while there’s a similar trend on moving away from traditional career paths, cultural values like bayanihan (indigenous spirit of communal cooperation) remains deeply rooted amidst the shift.

These discoveries remind us that the more we uncover, the more we realize that SEAmplified is not here to simply explain what’s happening amongst youths in Southeast Asia. We’re here to explore it with you, with the same curiosity and wonder: What else do we not know yet?

Behind The People

While our content usually takes center stage, we often get asked, “How big is the team behind SEAmplified?”

Most people are surprised when we say it’s a tiny crew of youths juggling this with full-time university studies and other commitments. After working together for some time, I think it’s time that you get to know the team!

📹 Sherlyn Ng, Content Producer and Video Editor

“I joined SEAmplified because I wanted to share more about what Southeast Asia has to offer! Sometimes, the quirkiest facts are the ones closest to us—and I love uncovering them. These days, you’ll find me scripting videos, editing on CapCut, and designing way too many video covers!

Fun fact? I LOVE sashimi—I once had an 8-week Sushiro streak. No regrets.

To me, Southeast Asia is full of untapped stories, wild creativity, and so much potential. It’s exciting to be part of something that celebrates all that.”

📈 Elmer Eng, Business Development

“At SEAmplified, I lead our Business Development efforts, building partnerships with companies, organisations, and institutions across the region.

A fun fact about me—I learnt to cycle in just five minutes at the age of nine.

To me, Southeast Asia’s diversity, growth potential, and the unique strengths of its many countries make it an incredibly dynamic region, and I am thrilled to contribute to its ongoing development!”

📸 Han Ziyi, Content Creator

“I joined because I care deeply about how stories are told—especially in a region as dynamic and diverse as Southeast Asia.

Fun fact: I’m the kind of person who overthinks restaurant menus but ends up ordering the same thing every time.

To me, Southeast Asia is full of rhythm, contrast, and warmth there’s always something new to learn, and I love that SEAmpified gives us space to explore it thoughtfully.”

What’s Next?

As we celebrate this 50th edition, I’m reminded that we’re just getting started.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of the stories, ideas, and opportunities waiting to be discovered across Southeast Asia.

In edition 46, we revealed our tagline: Rethink The Grind, Discover Your Why.

We’re holding space for you to navigate life and explore different possibilities and pathways in Southeast Asia. With the world increasingly uncertain yet faster than ever, our work feels more urgent than ever.

Here’s what lies ahead:

• More collaborations: We’re working with organizations and partners to amplify what our region has to offer, while bringing stories from more corners of Southeast Asia we’ve yet to reach.

• More community-powered storytelling: Expect more stories by readers, for readers across Southeast Asia. The best narratives comes from lived experiences that resonate.

• More events that bring our digital community to real life: From micro-workshops, SEAcret Gatherings, to regional trips, we want to connect you with each other and emerging changemakers across the region.

But we can’t do this alone. If our content has ever made you think differently about Southeast Asia, share them with a friend.

And if you’ve a personal story, a quirky cultural insight from your country, or an idea for a video or article, pitch it to us on Instagram or email hello@seamplified.com. Your voice could inspire someone to chart their own path!

Final Thoughts

Not long ago, a fellow media founder told me, “I’m surprised that your audience is small, because you’re doing good work!” It was a reminder that while numbers matter, it’s the depth of connection with our community that keeps us going.

Here’s to the next 50 editions and beyond—more stories, more connections, and more possibilities in Southeast Asia. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Enjoyed today’s article? Follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

Subscribe now

Have a new idea or lead for a story, feedback on our work, or just want to say hi? Email us at hello@seamplified.com.

Reading time: 8 minutes

💼 Redefining Work

Exploring how Southeast Asian youths are rethinking success and hustles.

📌 TL;DR 

📌 Filipino youth are moving away from traditional career paths, embracing freelancing, startups, and passion-driven work.

📌 Cultural values like bayanihan and resilience are being reinterpreted through the lens of mental health, equity, and authenticity.

📌 Many face unstable jobs, low wages, and outdated expectations—but still choose paths aligned with purpose and self-respect.

📌 Through bold choices and digital communities, they are reshaping the meaning of success and the future of work in the Philippines.

*TL;DR generated by AI

In the Philippines, the nature of work is undergoing a profound transformation for the country’s youth.

No longer following a single, predictable path, young Filipinos across the archipelago are redefining what it means to work, to provide, and to plan for a future shaped by rapid change, economic pressures, and shifting values. This dynamic shift is deeply rooted in core Filipino cultural values.

Filipino identity has long drawn strength from resilience—the celebrated ability to adapt and persevere in the face of hardships. Yet, for this generation, resilience is being reframed.

Many now argue that endless "kakayanin" (enduring whatever comes) can sometimes enable systems that fail to support people. ”Resilient worker” is no longer just a badge of honor—its also a call for systemic change.

At the heart of this shift are values like bayanihan, the indigenous spirit of communal unity and cooperation, and pagpapahalaga sa pamilya, a deep sense of family responsibility.

These values, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and Catholic tradition, are now being renegotiated. Young Filipinos are keeping what sustains them, but questioning guilt-based obligations and the pressure to conform at the expense of personal well-being.

Religious and moral codes continue to ground many Filipinos in a sense of community and duty, but they are increasingly interpreted through new lenses: mental health, equity, and authenticity. Old binaries such as tradition versus progress and duty versus desire are giving way to messier but more honest negotiations.

In this context, work is no longer a single, linear ladder but a mosaic of freelance projects, start-ups, professional pivots, and bold experiments. Young Filipinos weigh the costs and privileges of stability versus freedom, the comfort of tradition against the excitement and risk of reinvention.

The 7 stories that follow illuminate a generation rooted in heritage but not afraid to challenge old norms and work on their own terms.

Christine, 28: Freelance Virtual Assistant

Christine is the main breadwinner in her family. During the pandemic, she left her call center job to become a freelance virtual assistant, taking a 40% pay cut to prioritize her peace of mind and her family’s safety.

At first, she kept the change from her family, fearing they wouldn’t understand. For her, meaningful work means balance, respect, and being valued. She lives by her motto: “walang ibang tutulong sa iyo kung di ikaw lang” (no one else will help you but yourself).

Freelancing offers no job security, so Christine keeps learning by investing nearly US$2,000 in training and now pursuing an MBA, even if she’s “at the mercy of the client” as a virtual assistant. Her story shows both resourcefulness and exhaustion, as stability still feels out of reach.

Bob, 29: Lawyer and Creative Industry Advocate

Bob started in the music industry but shifted paths after noticing artists lacked legal support.

In her first year as a lawyer, she found fulfillment in solving real problems. “Meaningful work isn’t just routine—it’s being part of real change,” she says.

Bob rejects the “toxic guilt trip” of giving money to family out of obligation, something her parents never pressured her to do.

She also challenges how society places careers like law or engineering above creative work. “Our generation isn’t obsessed with career growth for its own sake,” she explains.

Fulfillment, for Bob, comes from making impact, not titles.

Jezrel, 25: Backend Engineer and Accessibility Advocate

Visually impaired since his teenage years, Jezrel discovered programming through a training program that began his career and advocacy for persons with disabilities.

“Remote work finally opens doors for people like me. It lessens stereotyping and makes the workplace about skills,” he says.

But he still faces bias and struggles with digitalization. Upskilling can be an issue as many learning materials are video-based and lack audio descriptions.. Despite this, he was successfully certified cloud practitioner at a web service company.

“Success for me is not just having a job, but doing well and loving what I do. But I hope companies would look at skills over disability,” he shares.

His experience highlights a bigger issue: technology can help level the playing field, but only when there are real chances for inclusion, not just token gestures.

James, 33: Banker, Farmer, Sustainable Energy Advocate

James has taken many paths — from being an academic achiever to studying fine arts abroad, then working as a farmer, banker, and now an advocate for renewable energy. He rebuilt his career after facing natural disasters and business losses while trying to support both family and community.

“We always say Filipinos are resilient, but it's romanticized. You don’t want to be resilient all the time — it’s exhausting, and it hides the failures of the system,” he says.

He worries about rising taxes and doubts where the money goes. “Many young people are discouraged from earning here because in other countries, taxes pay for social services. Here, you wonder where yours goes.”

For James, real success means buying time for yourself. “Time is the most expensive commodity — you can’t get it back.”

Leo, 33: Film Producer (Bar Boys 2, Agapito at Cannes)

Coming from a family of lawyers, Leo chose filmmaking, which sparked tensions at first. But after seeing his happiness and success in filmmaking, his family came to accept his choice.

He has helped produce films like Agapito, shown at Cannes, and is now a main producer for Bar Boys 2, a project close to his roots.

“All jobs are noble if they sustain you and let you do what you love,” he says.

For Leo, success is creating and sharing what moves you—despite the uncertainty surrounding filmmaking, due to factors such as financial instability.

Camille, 27: Senior Transport Researcher

Camille turned her frustration with public transport into a career in research and advocacy. She moved from construction to an NGO focused on making real changes. “Seeing the impact of my work on the community defines success for me.”

Even with advanced degrees, Camille faces stigma against hybrid and remote work.

“There’s too much bias against remote or hybrid work. Old mindsets still think success is about being in the office — even if it makes life harder for everyone,” she says.

She wants society to value skills and results, not outdated ideas or personal connections.

Alyssa, 23: Co-founder and COO of Dormy

Alyssa started her own business early, co-founding Dormy, a rental marketplace. For her, work isn’t just about salary—it’s about impact, passion, and practicality.

“Work should be judged by total impact—not just salary. Passion is important, but so are people and practicality,” she says.

Alyssa’s startup journey comes with both support and challenges. Her family gave her emotional backing, but the market is tough.

“The startup scene here is still young. Getting funding is harder compared to other ASEAN countries, and economic ups and downs always threaten the business. Still, our diverse income streams and careful planning keep us going,” she shares.

Alyssa wants to change how success is seen.

“We should rethink success—not just who earns the most, but who helps others and builds communities,” she says.

Harsh Truths

These inspiring stories of change and purpose reflect deeper problems that affect how young Filipinos approach work: an unstable job landscape, systemic roadblocks, and the mental toll of constant hustles.

Entry-level jobs often demand two years of experience, multiple interviews, and exams—just for minimum-wage roles. Government processes are slow, and the padrino system (favoritism) means connections often triumph over skills. Taxes with unclear benefits frustrate young workers, who question where their contributions go.

The relentless grind impacts mental health. Long commutes, low pay, and job precarity lead to burnout. For instance, minimum wage in Metro Manila is at US$12.20 per day, which is barely enough for basic needs. Protections for freelancers are weak, notably lacking in health coverage.

​​Those who stay must choose between exhaustion or escape, and the latter contributes to talent drain and hinders local change.

A New Compass

Young Filipinos are actively rethinking work and success, moving away from outdated ideas that privilege certain professions. They demand respect for all honest work, whether creative, technical, farming, or entrepreneurial, so long as it sustains a living.

Bob articulates this, desiring to "see creatives equally". This generation champions the dignity of all honest work—whether creative, technical, farming, or entrepreneurial—asserting that its value lies in its ability to provide sustenance and fulfillment. Camille advocates for valuing skills and impact over titles or personal connections.

This generation increasingly prioritizes mental health, work-life balance, and authenticity—topics once rarely discussed.

Despite inherent uncertainties, this generation displays courage in choosing non-traditional paths. They invest in new skills, launch businesses, and pursue personal goals, often defying family expectations.

Community support is crucial, with online groups and networks reviving the spirit of bayanihan by sharing skills and helping during tough times. Through innovation and hope, they are actively shaping a better, fairer system.

Courage to Choose the Uncertain

Filipino youth are not just reacting to hardship—they’re actively seeking new opportunities, even when it’s risky. Many learn new skills, start businesses, or take unconventional paths to shape their future.

Freelance or gig work helps them blend jobs to make ends meet, while others create projects that align with both values and practical needs.

Christine, for example, embodies self-reliance, having transitioned from a call center agent to freelance virtual assistance for peace of mind, demonstrating a strong belief in her ability to create her path. Alyssa also chooses impact over salary, despite limited funding and market challenges.

This generation resists outdated views that only certain jobs or office work matter. They want respect based on skills and results, not titles. Success, to them, means staying true to themselves and making a difference—even without big paychecks or stability.

The Work Is Ours to Define

For Filipino youth today, work isn’t something handed down—it’s something created.

They are building paths aligned with values, blending freelance gigs with advocacy, or turning family legacies into platforms for innovation.

They want more than survival. They want work that respects their humanity, honors their values, and allows them to live fully.

They’re not waiting for the system to change—they’re changing it themselves. Through quiet shifts and bold moves, this generation is reshaping what it means to live and work in the Philippines.

As Leo asks, “What even is Filipino culture?”

The answer is being rewritten now.

One choice, one quiet shift, one fearless voice at a time.

About the writer:

Frankie Nobleza from the Philippines cares deeply about youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and making the world a bit more accessible for everyone. She writes to make sense of her own experiences and to help others feel a little less alone.

If you’re keen on contributing topics to help youths rethink the grind and discover their why in Southeast Asia, join us as a content contributor now by sending your pitch to hello@seamplified.com!

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Reading time: 7 minutes

💼 Redefining Work

Exploring how Southeast Asian youths are rethinking success and hustles.

Are you trying to find meaning at work?

This question is becoming more important for people in Southeast Asia (SEA). It is especially true for young people like myself, who may be more inclined to prioritize purpose and personal growth over traditional motivations like high pay.

But it is something that still remains elusive for many people at work. In such cases, work can seem like something to go through, simply for survival’s sake, or because it’s just “what you’re meant to do”.

A recent report on pursuing purpose at work found that 98% of survey participants across six SEA countries felt meaning at work was important to them, an almost unanimous consensus.

Furthermore, 77% said that a company’s reputation surrounding social responsibility influences their decision on whether to join or not, while a majority expect their companies to promote sustainability and social impact solutions.

However, this same survey found that only 21% were ‘very satisfied’ with their current level of meaning at work. This included 20% of Singaporean respondents and 16% of Thai respondents.

Supplementing this data are insights from another survey by Jobstreet, which found that a substantial number of SEA workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, including 19% of Singaporeans, 12% of Malaysians, and 11% of Filipinos.

As young people across Southeast Asia strive, and sometimes struggle, to find deeper purpose in our work, it’s worth taking a closer look at what it encompasses. It can help us clarify our own career goals and support our development and growth in the early stages of our working lives.

The Struggles

What are the factors that can make it difficult for young people in our region to achieve strong satisfaction with their jobs?

First, there’s the stress of making ends meet.

The fact is, for most of human history, people worked primarily as a means of survival. Although living standards are now generally higher than they’ve ever been, most people still work with the main motive of making ends meet.

Someone who has to take loans to fund their university education will need to earn back the money to repay these loans, lest they fall into debt. Those who plan to get married and start a family will also feel the pressure to not only provide for themselves but also their children. Others may come from lower-income households or with parents about to retire.

For younger people just entering the workforce, it would be nice if there were none of these external pressures. They could focus solely on growth and exploration in the early stage of their careers instead.

Second, there’s the tiredness and pressure that comes with the job itself.

Intense expectations and heavy responsibilities can make work overwhelming. It can suck the meaning out of learning, developing and contributing to our jobs.

Full-time job commitments require you to dedicate a big chunk of your time—and therefore your life—to doing the job. This is especially the case in cultures where working overtime is the norm or expected.

It is not surprising, then, that burnout is quite common for young professionals in Southeast Asia. As people dedicate such large chunks of their time to work, it inevitably drains their energy to such a degree that it might remove any feeling of purpose, even if it existed in the first place.

It is also worth noting that this dynamic impacts the way people approach certain jobs that are usually thought of as quite meaningful, like medical professionals, social workers, and teachers.

For example, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists all play a role in caring for people who are sick or who have health issues, perhaps even in saving lives. However, once the demands of their hospital surroundings and systems become overwhelming—as they often do—the sense of purpose in helping people is replaced with fatigue and emotional detachment.

Meanwhile, social workers may enter their jobs full of zest and idealism, only to feel drained by the sheer number of people they need to take care of. This can be exacerbated by the traumatic and jarring aspects they are exposed to, which are often emotionally draining.

And from speaking to several teachers in Singapore, it appears that many of them are at high risk of burning out. They are not merely responsible for teaching students in the classroom, but also for many different aspects, like handling administrative duties, supervising extracurricular activities, marking test papers, and giving emotional support to students. Having to do all this at once can drain the original joy of nurturing students.

Finally, an important trend that can negatively impact a sense of purpose is the decreasing job security that defines today’s job market.

Lately, there have been quite a number of sad headlines reporting waves of layoffs in major companies, or the increasing number of recent graduates who struggle to land a job after finishing school.

Perhaps you have been struggling to secure a job, or were negatively impacted by restructuring and layoffs. Or if you are in a job, it might just be a contract role that doesn’t guarantee continued employment beyond a short window of time, which is becoming more common.

These factors can drain the satisfaction that workers feel regarding the purpose of their job. If you can’t have confidence that the job you’re doing will be sustainable on a long-term basis, the work itself may not feel as meaningful, and your growth potential can be stunted.

This sense of disillusionment and frustration can be compounded for young people when compared to certain ideas that previous generations shared about career building.

As our reader Khaizuran responded to our question on Instagram, the formula of studying and working hard to secure a typical office job with a guaranteed monthly salary may not be so viable for youths of this generation. He shared that those of our generation should be more open to pathways like entrepreneurship, the gig economy, or even being a digital nomad, with more fluid working hours and income streams.

Where Meaning In Work Can Come From

Discussing the value and the increasing prevalence of pursuing meaning in careers is all well and good. But it might not amount to much if we don’t define what gives work meaning in the first place.

So, what are some ways we can find meaning in our jobs and careers?

Firstly, it’s worth noting that the most conventional motive for work—earning money—can be meaningful in itself, but not necessarily selfish.

It is common for people to support their families financially through their salaries. Others could also use significant portions of their earnings to donate and support charitable causes that support the vulnerable in our society.

Meaning in a career can also come through the lens of personal experience.

For example, the biggest motivation I have for my career at this stage is simply to develop myself—my skills, knowledge, and mentality. As a young person who’s still relatively inexperienced, learning and growing in these areas holds a lot of value for me—perhaps even in ways I can’t anticipate yet.

Or perhaps you simply enjoy a challenge for its own sake—and therefore, challenging roles and tasks give you meaning. An inward sense of achievement from getting things done and creating a tangible impact could also give you meaning.

It is also possible to find a sense of meaning in your job through working in a positive work environment, with good colleagues and supervisors to support you. It can lead to a positive experience working in that team, and cherished connections and friendships outside the office. Others may find meaning through achieving work-life balance—doing your job in the designated time, while earning your living, and having the freedom to do other things you like outside of that.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to define what meaningful work looks like. The important thing for young people is to know their reasons for pursuing their career choices, rather than pursuing them mindlessly. And for companies, educational institutions, and those of the older generation, I hope they can play their role in supporting this upcoming generation in such an endeavour!

About the writer:

Gerald Koh from Singapore has been navigating his unconventional career journey by seeking to develop himself and contribute to positive social impact. He likes to write about topics as varied as history, social trends, and life reflections!

If you’re keen on contributing topics to help youths rethink the grind and discover their why in Southeast Asia, join us as a content contributor now by sending your pitch to hello@seamplified.com!

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Reading time: 8 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers

Trailblazers features young Southeast Asians taking the road less travelled — and shaping the region’s future as they go.

It’s about 2 p.m. on a Tuesday in a cafe in Singapore’s central district. As soon as we sit down with our cups of coffee and hot chocolate, Vanessa How gives a small, helpless smile when I ask how business is doing.

“Recently, we faced three delays,” says the founder of rinen., a skincare brand for Southeast Asia’s warm and humid climate. “There’s an ingredient shortage, we had to tweak the formula, and we’re running into a new formulation issue.”

Vanessa is formulating a sunscreen that will be safe for people with sensitive skin. Rounds of testing are needed to ensure that the right ingredients are used before it is officially sold on the market.

“It’s stressful,” Vanessa admits. “We were supposed to launch in the first quarter of this year, but it seems that we have to delay it to November.”

Despite the delay, Vanessa is unfazed—thanks to her past experiences.

The 28-year-old previously spent 8 years in Japan, studying liberal arts at Waseda University, before working in a healthcare consulting firm. She was earning a six-figure salary at the peak of her consulting career, only to call it quits in 2024 to start rinen.

I was surprised when I first heard of how she chose to start a skincare business after leaving Japan and quitting a high-paying job.

After all, most people dream of moving to Japan, thanks to its vibrant culture, safety, and modernity. A six-figure salary could even be the dream for many who want to lead a comfortable life. Yet Vanessa chose to leave it behind and venture into entrepreneurship—unfamiliar territory for her.

What spurred her to do so?

Breaking Out

Vanessa might not realize this, but breaking out of conventional routines has been a common theme across different stages of her life thus far.

At 18, she decided to skip school and an exam right before her ‘A’ Levels. It happened right after she was a top scorer for a prior exam.

Why did she take that risk?

“I felt trapped,” she says, “I thought that if I didn’t continue to do well, it would be the end of everything.”

To her, attending school no longer made sense. She suspects her pursuit for perfectionism bred a self-sabotaging mindset, one that fuelled anxiety, pressure, and fear of not living up to expectations.

“Not everyone is designed to learn in the same manner,” she explains. As a curiosity-driven individual, Vanessa finds it suffocating to be forced to do something under a set of conditions or time pressure. Fixed school curriculum and examinations were manifestations of that.

At the same time, Vanessa had a dream: to work in Singapore’s Foreign Ministry.

She dreamed of experiencing life in a foreign country, and working in the Foreign Ministry could have been a springboard to realising that dream.

Yet, she realized she would never qualify for a job there as she didn’t fulfill the academic requirements.

“I thought I’m never going to do well in the Singaporean system,” she says. “I couldn’t get what I wanted to do, and it felt like the end of the world.”

Fortunately, Vanessa’s parents were aware of her struggle. They suggested she further her studies in Japan, since she was already in love with the country after she began watching anime, and had been learning Japanese for some time.

“I think Japan was a whole reset for me,” she says.

Embracing The Itch

At Waseda, Vanessa had the chance to explore multiple topics in liberal arts, and joined choir as her co-curricular activity. While she made many Japanese and international friends, she admits that her closest friends were Singaporeans studying in Japan.

“They were all introverts, but they were very nice, very supportive,” she recalls.

After university, Vanessa began working as a management consultant focusing on healthcare in one of the “Big Four” consulting firms in Japan. She decided to stay in Japan as it would have been harder to get a similar job in Singapore, where first class honours was a requirement.

Vanessa also felt that healthcare sounded more exciting and believes that it will always be a growing industry across the world. She soon found herself surrounded by supportive bosses who entrusted her with different kinds of consulting projects.

But as the years went by, Vanessa began to reflect on her career.

“Sometimes, you would feel that you’ve no control over your life,” she says.

Vanessa explains that consultants tend to dedicate long hours to complete projects for clients. However, they have no say over the kind of projects they work on. They could even end up with unreasonable project scopes or deadlines if they had toxic managers.

She had no time and energy to do anything else, and weekends were largely spent on resting and recharging for the coming week—only for the cycle to repeat again.

And while the job paid well, Vanessa no longer felt satisfied with it.

The burnout was real.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted,” Vanessa admits. “I was just going for the money, so that I didn’t need to worry if I could afford whatever my family needed.”

At that point, the thought of going into entrepreneurship came to mind. Vanessa believes that most people, including herself, have an “entrepreneurial itch”. The key lies in whether one takes the step out of their comfort zone to do something new today.

For instance, people in well-paying jobs may hesitate to take the next step. Their promotion may be imminent, or they are worried about what others would think of them if they call it quits.

“I’ve seen people in corporate trying to suppress and numb that itch by going to clubs to drink alcohol,” Vanessa quips.

With that, Vanessa began to experiment with entrepreneurship. She dabbled with an idea to start a fashion makeup brand, and a portal to match people with a suitable skincare product through AI.

But before long, her grandparents would play a huge role in pushing her to break away from corporate life completely.

The Trigger

“I’m always very close to my family, especially my grandparents,” says Vanessa.

Whenever she returned to Singapore, she would notice that her grandparents either had more white hair or had begun to move slightly slower. It started weighing on her, and she decided to return home to be closer to them by joining another healthcare consulting firm there.

But upon returning to Singapore, she found a new problem with her skin.

The Japanese skincare products that she has been using in Japan no longer worked well in Singapore. She suffered breakouts and sensitive skin, which affected her self-confidence. She also noticed that many people in Southeast Asia were complaining about the same problems online.

“There’s no skincare product that’s formulated for our region’s hot and humid climate,” she says. “There’s a misconception that just because Japanese products are superior, it’s going to work for you.”

She adds that popular Japanese and Korean skincare brands are made with a four-season climate in mind, which is different from Southeast Asia’s generally hot and humid climate.

With that, she began to spend one to two hours daily, on top of her full-time job, working on formulating a skincare product that would be suitable for Southeast Asia’s climate.

Then came the breaking point.

One day, after a late night meeting, Vanessa was feeling good after speaking to a manufacturer about her sunscreen formula. She then realized that there were multiple missed calls from her mother.

She vividly remembers the message: “You need to come to the hospital now, your grandma fell.”

Vanessa’s grandmother was warded into the intensive care unit, and she was instantly faced with a dilemma. She had just been assigned to lead a new project at the healthcare consulting firm, while trying to make her skincare business idea work.

A realization struck her.

“For a long time, I only wanted to earn money to spend it on my family,” she says. “It’s ironic, but I was caught up with work, and I didn’t have the chance to tell my family that I returned for them.”

As she was unsure if her grandmother would pull through, she also realized that while she can’t change her past, she wants to change her priorities moving forward.

Thus a decision was made, and the rest is history.

Skincare For Southeast Asia

Today, Vanessa is aiming to launch rinen.’s first product by the end of this year. She is also spending more time with her grandmother, who has since recovered despite mobility issues.

But why a focus on the Southeast Asian market? After all, the industry is flooded with Japanese, Korean, and even Western skincare brands, which are still generally popular within the region due to their perceived effectiveness.

Vanessa points to two trends.

First, she observes that consumers in Southeast Asia are going to spend more on skincare, as income levels start to gain ground. Second, the region will become warmer with increased humidity, which could mean more people becoming prone to acne and eczema.

“rinen. is for the modern Southeast Asian who’s tired of switching products that never seem to work for their skin,” Vanessa adds. She wants to build slow and intentional skincare that is lightweight, comfortable, and practical for Southeast Asia.

In fact, the word “rinen”—a play on “linen” and the Japanese word for philosophy—is also about seeing beauty amidst imperfections, and it is a spirit that she hopes to embody through her products.

Meanwhile, one thing she’s learned is the importance of building relationships across borders. For instance, she has been working with manufacturers in Malaysia, whom she describes as very generous and “less calculative”.

“Eventually, I do need to partner with people across the region to sell my product,” she says. “Getting to know people first and hearing their feedback will help improve my product.”

As Vanessa builds rinen., she isn’t just creating another skincare brand. Returning from Japan enabled her to rethink her why. She chose to rewrite what it means to care for our skin and ourselves, after discovering that a bigger problem and opportunity exists across Southeast Asia.

Vanessa could have kept her skin issues to herself. But she chose to help others regain self-confidence and create change in the region.

In doing so, Vanessa is reminding us that sometimes, the most personal struggles can lead to the most meaningful solutions, especially when we choose to solve them for something bigger than ourselves.

Editor’s note: The article has been amended to clarify that Vanessa stayed in Japan for 8 years and her skincare brand is styled as “rinen.”.

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Hey there, Zhan Tiam here, founder of SEAmplified.

In our year-end reflection for 2024, we shared that this year, we wanted to connect you in person with ideas, possibilities, and opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Just a few weeks ago, we took the first big step in this direction by hosting our first-ever community event: SEAcret Gatherings.

The Gathering

Even before the session officially began, conversations were already flowing as people streamed in. It set the tone for what turned out to be a special night.

At one point, when I had to interrupt the conversations to rotate groups midway, the audience let out a collective “ooh”. It signaled that people were enjoying deep conversations and were not ready to stop.

That moment struck me.

It reminded me that when a group of like-minded youths come together, even strangers can connect in unexpected ways.

I recall a conversation at one of the tables: together with our secret guests, we had been sharing about our respective experiences in Indonesia and Laos, while others listened with curiosity.

Toward the end, a participant said, “I discovered so much more about what Southeast Asia can offer.”

This is exactly how we envisioned SEAcret Gatherings to be in the first place. We created an intimate space for youths who find networking sessions intimidating, yet want to learn about opportunities in Southeast Asia, forging genuine connections along the way.

If you missed it, check out the photos and videos from the event on Instagram (@seamplified.youths), and join the waitlist for future editions!

Fresh Inspirations

Right after the event, I embarked on a two-week regional leadership program to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Together with buddies from Chiang Mai University, we went on field visits to various local communities within and outside the city to learn how they pursue community development, achieve environmental sustainability, and preserve the city’s unique heritage.

One of the more memorable field trips was to the Tai Lue community. They warmly welcomed us with a traditional ceremony, treated us to a spread of food, and gave us a glimpse into how they are preserving their way of life while adapting to modern life.

Another memorable field trip was to a mountainous village area called Mae Kam Pong.

Decades ago, many youths left the village in search of better opportunities in the city.

But after the village began developing itself as a community-led tourist destination, many of these youths returned, opening cafes and guesthouses, running digital campaigns, contributing financial resources, and building a future in the village instead of away from it.

What’s remarkable is that all this was achieved without sacrificing nature. The waterfall and mountains remain an integral part of the village landscape!

Experiences like these remind me why SEAmplified exists.

It also got me thinking: How can we better position ourselves as a community platform that helps young adults get inspired by Southeast Asia, together?

Our New Tagline

This is why we’re unveiling our new tagline: Rethink The Grind, Discover Your Why.

We live at a time when it feels like everyone is grinding for internships, job titles, and their resumes.

We rarely have the time to pause, reflect, and ask: Why am I doing all this? What does a meaningful life and career look like?

SEAmplified exists to hold space for these questions. We believe that Southeast Asia, with its diverse cultures and possibilities, is the perfect place to rethink the grind and discover your why.

So, what can you expect from us in the months to come?

• Street interviews on life, work, and culture in Southeast Asia

• More SEAcret Gatherings to meet like-minded youths in an intimate setting

• Exposure trips that take you to the heart of the region’s creativity and culture

• Workshops to help you gain relevant skills to connect with regional peers and opportunities

• And more content that amplifies possibilities and youth voices across the region

Whether you’re feeling lost, curious, or just want to meet others figuring things out, we hope SEAmplified helps you to navigate those uncertainties and feel a little more inspired.

On this note, we are looking for content contributors to join us to amplify our impact! If you’re interested in creating content on youths and Southeast Asia, find out more here and drop us a pitch at hello@seamplified.com!

That said, if there’s anything else you think we should be doing to promote Southeast Asia to more youths, or you would like to work with us, feel free to drop us an email.

If our work resonates with you, hit the subscribe button and connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn. We hope to see you soon!

Subscribe now

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Reading time: 7 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers

Trailblazers features young startup founders, social leaders, and cultural mavericks in Southeast Asia.

“I want Heritage Bay to be the Uniqlo for Southeast Asian heritage and cultural products,” says Miguel Bay, 24, when I meet him at his office at a startup incubator.

As he sets up a clothes rack to display some Batik-inspired shirts and bags, the Malaysian entrepreneur shares that there’s no recognisable brand that reflects the heritage and culture of Southeast Asia.

Building a widely recognised iconic brand is his way of preserving the unique culture of Southeast Asia, which is at risk of losing its appeal thanks to consumerism.

For instance, traditional fashion like Batik often features geometric and floral patterns, which are typically seen as old-fashioned and reserved for formal occasions like weddings or business meetings.

Likewise, whether it’s Japanese ceramics or luxury handbags, minimalist designs often win over handcrafted ones by artisans across Southeast Asia.

Traditional handicraft products also take time to produce, which makes it difficult for them to compete with mass-produced alternatives that are more affordable.

Given that generating widespread interest in traditional handicrafts is an uphill battle, what convinced Miguel to start a business in it?

An Early Interest In Business

It began in primary school, when he started selling erasers and pens to friends at 50 cents and one ringgit each.

“I did that because money was cool and it was out of natural curiosity,” quipped Miguel. “I even collected unwanted newspapers and sold them at three ringgit.”

Miguel felt that his grandparents could have also influenced him. His Indonesian-born grandmother started an Indonesian food catering business with his grandfather in Johor Bahru (JB), followed by a Balinese-themed resort, which is frequented by many Singaporeans.

He also felt that the idea of becoming an entrepreneur is prominent amongst Malaysians.

“You see people selling Ramly burgers, opening cafes, or running apparel stalls—and they thrive,” he says.

But after completing his primary education in Malaysia, Miguel asked his parents to send him to Singapore for secondary school. He was drawn to the appeal of Singapore’s education system, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

“Initially, it was just to try,” recalls Miguel. “But there were times when I wanted to pull out because it was so tough to travel every day.”

For about half a year, Miguel had to wake up at 3:50 am on weekdays to commute between JB and Singapore for school. It was tiring, but he believes that the experience built a sense of resilience in himself.

Interestingly, half of his classmates hailed from Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, and Korea, which made him realize that he was not alone. He also met a Filipino couple at church who invited him to stay with them after realising that he was in the same secondary school as their son.

They stayed together for eight years.

“It was a privilege to have these friends and the chance to appreciate different cultures, which I guess planted a seed in me to work on a cultural business,” says Miguel.

With his early interest in selling stuff, Miguel joined his secondary school’s business club. He got to participate in various competitions where he learned how to make business pitches and proposals, which has come in handy as he builds his heritage brand today.

“We pitched random ideas like designing a switch that saves electricity, and sold popcorn chickens for three dollars to raise funds for the club,” recalls Miguel. “I had a lot of fun!”

And to say that the business club had a huge impact on Miguel is an understatement.

“I was playful in secondary school,” Miguel says. “If it wasn’t for the business club, I wouldn’t have secured a spot in a business diploma program through an early admissions exercise.”

Miguel subsequently pursued the diploma at Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic and joined an in-house startup incubator where he organized TEDx talks and competitions related to entrepreneurship.

But it wasn't until a holiday in Cameron Highlands that the initial spark for Heritage Bay began to take root.

From An Encounter To A Cultural Business

At 16 or 17, Miguel chanced upon a group of Orang Asli (indigenous people) who were selling wooden chopping boards at Cameron Highlands.

“I thought these people were genuine,” Miguel recalls. “I was sure that they could generate a decent profit if I knew how to work with them to market their products.”

While Miguel wasn’t interested in culture yet, that encounter left a lasting impression on him.

“Back then, I was more interested in watching YouTube videos,” he admits with a sheepish laugh. “It was only in university that I decided to think about how I can build a heritage and cultural business by working with artisans like the group of Orang Asli I met.”

Miguel explains that artisans in Southeast Asia face a multifaceted problem. They range from struggling to earn disposable income through their crafts, a lack of domestic demand, an inability to meet quick consumer demand, to facing an uphill struggle to market their product through social media. And the list goes on.

But I wondered, do artisans genuinely want to sell their products to more people around the region?

After all, creating a handicraft product is different from mass producing apparel or handbags. It takes time, craftsmanship, and effort to do so. For instance, during SEAmplified’s trip to Indonesia last year, I learned that the art of batik-making is an extremely tedious process that can take months to complete.

“I don’t know,” Miguel admits. “Every artisan is different; some are very ambitious, they want to sell more, but there are others who are less inclined to do so.”

Nonetheless, Miguel sees Heritage Bay as a platform that strives to support every artisan in Southeast Asia. From product packaging and crafting a product narrative to enhancing customer experience, he helps to market their products by assuming a “spokesperson” role on their behalf.

For instance, he tries to tell a story behind the products by finding out the meaning of the motifs printed on a Batik shirt and explaining them to consumers.

I thought the work Miguel is doing is impressive, especially when Heritage Bay is mostly a one-man show, since it began as a passion project in 2021.

He learned how to connect with artisans through local organisations, set up an online storefront, and physical pop-up booths by himself. Recently, he has also managed to incorporate the business and obtain an entrepreneurship pass to work on the business in Singapore.

But the journey has been fraught with challenges. For one, he had an unsuccessful collaboration with a group of artisans some time ago.

“I can tell you frankly, I ordered 50 Batik shirts, but I couldn’t sell them at all,” says Miguel. “The batik stamping was off, the coloring was off, and I wasted hundreds of dollars on them.”

In another setback, his business bank account was hacked, and he had to file a police report to recover the losses.

Despite these challenges, he believes in taking a step at a time to work towards the grand vision of Heritage Bay becoming a cultural and heritage icon in Southeast Asia.

“I’m not sure how ambitious I want to be,” says Miguel. “But I’m navigating my way to achieve that vision, and perhaps few years from now we could have a physical storefront and start selling other products like handmade ceramics.”

Embracing Opportunities As A “Third Culture Kid”

Having spent the past twelve years studying, living, and now building his business in Singapore, Miguel jokes that he is a “third culture kid”.

“It’s quite funny, my friends would joke that I’m a Singaporean when I’m not,” says Miguel. “But I feel at home when I land in both Singapore and JB, because I’m familiar with both places.”

Yet, one thing that Miguel often struggles with is his status as “a foreigner at home”. The reality of his foreign status strikes whenever he has to apply for programs that are strictly reserved for Singaporeans.

“I was unable to go on a fully sponsored trip to Hong Kong when I was in poly, and I have no access to a startup grant purely because of my nationality,” says Miguel.

While he struggles with the lack of access to these opportunities, he does not think that these rules are unfair in any way. Instead, these obstacles have influenced him to seize growing opportunities in Southeast Asia, having been exposed to diverse cultures at a younger age.

“There are lots of opportunities in Singapore,” says Miguel. ”But Southeast Asia is so much richer and diverse in culture, and we are booming with investments pouring into the region.”

With that, Miguel believes that there will be a growth in demand for cultural products, and more artisans will be encouraged to seize the opportunity. He hopes that Heritage Bay will be the platform that brings together every cultural product across the region in one place, even if the landscape becomes competitive in the future.

“Southeast Asia is a small giant that is waking up, and we should take advantage of it,” he adds.

As Southeast Asia steps further into the global spotlight, Miguel is seizing the opportunity to create a movement— one that inspires young Southeast Asians to wear and own their culture and identity with pride.

It’s not just about preserving culture with a modern twist, but reclaiming it, reimagining it, and making it part of our daily lives for generations to come.

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Reading time: 8 minutes

When it comes to internship destinations in Southeast Asia, Indonesia might not be the first country that comes to mind.

But beyond the usual picks, its fast-growing startup scene offers a unique and dynamic environment for students eager to dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

In recent years, Indonesia has recorded a 10% increase in the number of startups, with over 2,000 active ventures — and Jakarta remains the heartbeat of this buzzing ecosystem.

With its innovative spirit and ever-expanding market, Indonesia provides an excellent backdrop for hands-on learning and real-world exposure.

In today’s newsletter, we explore Sofia’s experience interning in Jakarta, Indonesia.

A third-year Chemical Engineering student from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), she’s currently in NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP) for six months, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Jean.

The program aims to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in students through hands-on experience in startup ecosystems across Southeast Asia and beyond.

From navigating a fast-paced work culture to contributing to key business decisions, Sofia’s journey offers a glimpse into what it’s like to grow alongside one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting startup ecosystems.

Q: Why did you choose to intern in Indonesia?

I chose Indonesia because of its rapidly growing market and vibrant business scene, especially in the startup ecosystem.

Indonesia has a strong entrepreneurial landscape, and I wanted to immerse myself in its culture, work alongside local professionals, and understand how businesses operate.

While Indonesia’s fast-paced dynamism is somewhat similar to Singapore’s, the sheer scale of the market—both in terms of population and geography—offers a vastly different perspective.

Rather than opting for popular destinations like Europe or the US, I wanted to experience an economy closer to home. This means that I could build connections in Southeast Asia, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and gain insights that are highly relevant to Singapore’s regional business strategies.

I was also inspired and impressed by a friend of mine who completed her OEP in Thailand, especially by how much she had grown personally and professionally.

She shared how the internship allowed her to hone valuable skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication—things that are crucial in today’s globalized business world.

Hearing about the challenges she faced, from navigating a new work culture to taking on responsibilities beyond her comfort zone, made me realize the immense learning opportunities that come with interning in a Southeast Asian country.

Her stories of working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with diverse teams, and gaining hands-on exposure to real business operations inspired me to step out of my comfort zone as well.

I witnessed how her experience helped shape her entrepreneurial mindset, broaden her perspectives, and push her to become more independent.

That conversation played a big role in my decision to pursue my own OEP in Indonesia, as I wanted to challenge myself in a similar way and gain a deeper understanding of how businesses operate in different parts of Southeast Asia.

Q: Tell us more about your internship!

I am currently interning at Fit Hub as an Operations Excellence Intern.

Fit Hub is Indonesia’s largest gym startup chain and I work under my supervisor who connects different business functions. He focuses on sales, gym operations, marketing and expansion strategies. Because of him, I get to sit in on big meetings where important decisions are made.

Simply put, I analyze data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

My job involves finding innovative ways to reduce costs while maximizing sales and profitability. By working closely with different departments, I get to see many high-level strategic decision-making and also the on-the-ground execution that drives business growth.

Q: What are your impressions of Indonesia before the internship? Did it change in any way?

Honestly, I thought the work pace in Indonesia would be slower, more relaxed, and less intense than in Singapore. My friends and family shared the same sentiment.

Aside from that, since OEP mainly places interns in startups, I also expected a smaller-scale, casual, and flexible work culture compared to larger companies.

But my experience quickly proved me wrong.

I had to learn the ropes fast. A fellow intern described my department as “the eye of the tornado” because we were heavily involved in what is happening throughout the company. Although the working environment is fast-paced, my colleagues made the whole learning experience much more enjoyable.

After working with them for a couple of months now, I am grateful that I am learning a lot about the inner workings of a business. I feel inspired and eager to learn about the thought process behind a growing startup.

And I have no regrets about interning in Indonesia so far. I am grateful to OEP for helping me during this process!

Q: What are some challenges and takeaways you’ve faced?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to the company’s culture and work routines.

Every workplace has its way of doing things, and it takes time to understand these nuances. Learning to navigate company norms, expectations, and work ethics was an important part of my adjustment.

Another challenge was picking up new skills quickly.

As I major in Chemical Engineering, I knew very little about business and sales optimization, which meant that I had to learn things on the go without much formal training.

Despite these challenges, I’ve learned to have an open mind.

Being in a new work environment means stepping out of my comfort zone. Staying curious, asking the right questions, and taking initiative have been key to my learning and growing.

I also learned to balance independence and collaboration.

While it’s important to seek guidance, I learned the value of problem-solving on my own first before reaching out for help. This balance helped me become more resourceful and efficient.

I believe that being overseas alone has also pushed me to be more vigilant, adventurous and courageous in day-to-day life.

Q: How did your internship help you grow an entrepreneurial mindset?

My internship helped me develop an entrepreneurial mindset in many ways.

Working in a startup means that I have to constantly find ways to improve processes, cut costs, and drive growth. There are no fixed structures to rely on, so I have to think creatively and propose solutions. Watching my supervisors and coworkers come up with unexpected but effective ways to solve problems is impressive and pushed me to think more like an entrepreneur.

The startup company I’m in operates in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. I learned to adapt quickly, pick up new skills on the go, and work with limited resources—qualities that I believe are essential for any entrepreneur navigating uncertainty.

Being part of a rapidly growing business in Indonesia also gave me a deeper understanding of customer behavior, market trends, and the challenges of scaling a company. Sitting in meetings where these topics were discussed helped me to see how businesses identify opportunities and respond to market demands.

Overall, this experience taught me to think beyond just doing a job—it made me approach problems with a strategic mindset, take risks, and be proactive in creating value, all of which are core to entrepreneurship.

Q: Why should students consider an internship in Southeast Asia?

Interning in a rapidly developing economy comes with unique challenges, shifting market conditions, and diverse business strategies that you might not encounter in Singapore.

This hands-on experience broadens your perspective and enhances your adaptability in a global business environment.

Southeast Asia also offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to popular internship destinations like Europe or the U.S. This makes it a budget-friendly choice while still offering valuable learning experiences. It allows interns to maximize both professional growth and cultural exposure.

While Singapore is advanced in many areas, the region’s emerging economies are evolving rapidly. Experiencing this firsthand provides invaluable insights into market trends, business opportunities, and future economic developments that could shape global industries.

After spending time in Indonesia, I’ve come to appreciate Singapore’s strengths while also recognizing what Indonesia excels in—its creativity, adaptability, and strong entrepreneurial mindset.

This experience has given me a more balanced perspective, allowing me to see both the strengths and gaps in each country’s approach to business and innovation.

OEP prioritizes placements in startups, allowing students to be part of something transformative.

Rather than just observing, students actively contribute to a company’s growth, gaining first-hand exposure to strategic decision-making processes and the inner workings of a fast-paced business environment.

It’s amazing how much one can gain from an internship.

Unlike a typical internship, where tasks might be more routine or observational, Sofia’s experience provided direct exposure to high-level decision-making and strategic discussions

The opportunity to sit in on key meetings, contribute to meaningful projects, and witness how businesses scale in a fast-moving market is invaluable.

Beyond professional growth, an overseas internship builds adaptability, cross-cultural understanding, and resilience. In Indonesia—a country known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit—these lessons become even more impactful.

Sofia’s internship in Jakarta was made possible through NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP), which offers NTU students the chance to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience in global innovation hubs.

Students intern at tech startups, work closely with founders, and build valuable business connections—all while receiving funding of up to S$10,000. They get to acquire a global perspective with the skills needed to launch their business ventures.

For those considering an overseas internship, do check out Indonesia! With its entrepreneurial energy and rapidly growing economy, it presents an invaluable opportunity for learning and professional growth.

This edition is brought to you by Nanyang Technological University’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program.

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Reading time: 7 minutes

For frequent travelers, Thailand needs no introduction.

From affordable food to beaches and temples, Thailand is widely known as a traveler’s paradise.

But did you know that Thailand is an emerging startup hub? The kingdom attracted a US$500 million investment in tech late last year, and embarked on a “Thailand 4.0” strategy to drive technological innovation in a wide range of industries from e-commerce, foodtech, and creative industries.

With its emerging startup scene, more young professionals and students are looking to gain firsthand experience in Thailand’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.

One of them is Jean, a final-year Mathematical Science student from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Like Ronaldo, she embarked on NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP) in Thailand for six months in 2024, which aims to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in students through attachments to startup ecosystems across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Q. Why did you choose to go to Thailand?

I was pursuing Thai Language Level 4 at NTU as part of the requirements for a Minor in Modern Languages, and I saw this as a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the language beyond the classroom.

I felt that engaging with locals in everyday conversations would allow me to enhance my fluency in Thai and gain a more authentic grasp of the language.

Aside from that, my love for Thai entertainment—its captivating series, vibrant music—has long drawn me to the country.

Thailand has always been my favorite travel destination, so even before this internship, I found myself frequently returning to its bustling cities.

I have always admired Thailand’s “sabaay sabaay” way of life, a philosophy that embraces relaxation and a positive outlook. Coming from the fast-paced environment of Singapore, experiencing this laid-back culture was both refreshing and inspiring.

So this internship was more than just fulfilling an academic requirement; it was a chance to deepen my connection with a country that already felt like a second home.

Q. What did you intern as?

I interned as a Marketing Intern at ThaiHand Massage Co. Ltd, a Bangkok-based startup dedicated to helping massage and spa business owners digitize their operations.

The company also runs 3-hour Thai Massage Workshops on authentic Thai massage techniques.

My role primarily revolved around content creation and strategic marketing to enhance the visibility of these workshops.

I led video production and editing efforts and crafted engaging promotional content that highlighted the workshop’s unique value. This not only increased audience engagement but also contributed to a surge in workshop bookings.

I also received positive feedback from customers after I introduced a Thai inhaler-making workshop to them.

I worked closely with influencers to promote the company’s booking app and massage workshops. I was also able to facilitate collaborations with content creators, including Taiwanese YouTuber @9deefoodie, who specializes in Bangkok travel and food recommendations.

Our collaboration resulted in strong engagement, as reflected in the performance of her personalized promo code.

I also helped to translate company blogs into Chinese, expanding the company’s reach to more customers and increasing awareness of traditional Thai massage.

Q. What was your impression of Thailand before and after your internship?

Before OEP, I only knew Thailand from a tourist’s point of view.

My visits were short, filled with stops at popular attractions, and lacked in-depth understanding.

I never tried connecting with locals, and I also had safety concerns—especially as a female solo traveler.

But my OEP experience in Bangkok completely changed my perspective and reshaped my understanding of the people and their way of life.

Living and working there made me realize that the city isn’t just safe but also an incredibly welcoming and vibrant place.

Being able to uncover affordable, lesser-known spots that only locals frequent was also an eye-opening experience for me. I was able to escape the tourist crowds at an affordable price.

The Thai people’s warmth and hospitality also stood out to me, and so did their emphasis on work-life balance—a refreshing contrast to Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Despite the slower rhythm, productivity remains high.

Q. What were some challenges and takeaways from your internship experience in Bangkok?

Although I studied Thai, the language barrier remained one of my biggest challenges when working.

My colleagues often burst out laughing over a joke, while I sat there clueless. But their kindness always shone through—they would patiently translate jokes into English so I wouldn’t feel left out. These small gestures made me appreciate the warmth and inclusivity of the Thai people.

Adjusting to life in a new country was also challenging.

Simple things like getting a data plan, securing accommodation, and cooking my own meals became daily hurdles.

I also had to budget carefully. I nearly ran out of money two months into my stay.

The whole experience pushed me to be independent, to step out of my comfort zone, and to rely on myself instead of my family.

But once I found my rhythm, I grew to love life in Thailand even more than I did in Singapore.

One of my biggest takeaways was discovering Thailand’s thrilling yet highly efficient mode of transport: motorbike taxis.

Before OEP, I would watch in awe and slight fear as locals weaved through Bangkok’s chaotic traffic at high speeds.

And I once swore that I’d never get on one.

But after six months, hopping onto a motorbike taxi became part of my daily routine—and my favorite part of the day. The speed, the convenience, and the rush of adrenaline made it an experience I now deeply miss.

I also really enjoyed making friends with the locals.

They are the true key to unlocking Thailand’s best-kept secrets—places that can’t be found anywhere online.

And if you enjoy nightlife, Thailand is the place to be. No matter who you’re with, the vibrant bar scene, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere make for unforgettable nights.

Q. How did your internship help you grow an entrepreneurial mindset?

My internship gave me a firsthand experience of working in a startup, which is a crucial stepping stone for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Working closely with the founders of the company, I gained valuable insights into the challenges of building a business from the ground up.

One of the biggest lessons came from their experiences in securing investors to reach the post-revenue stage.

They faced multiple failed investment strategies, but instead of seeing failure as an endpoint, they treated it as a learning experience. This taught me that entrepreneurs must take calculated risks, make bold decisions, and remain persistent despite setbacks.

Most importantly, I learned the importance of bouncing back quickly and adapting to change—a mindset that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest.

Beyond financial challenges for a startup entrepreneur, I also learned how great business ideas stem from identifying market gaps.

The founders frequently shared their experiences of identifying unmet needs in the Thai massage industry and transforming them into viable business opportunities.

Their approach inspired me to think outside the box, challenge traditional methods, and constantly seek innovative and creative ways to improve existing products, services, and processes.

Q. Why should students consider an internship in Southeast Asia?

I think one of the biggest advantages is the significantly lower cost of living.

Accommodation, food, and transport are much more affordable, and you wouldn’t be losing out on the quality of life.

In Bangkok, an intern can rent a luxurious condo with top-tier amenities for the same price as a basic university hostel room in Singapore. This means that you’re able to live comfortably without breaking the bank.

More importantly, Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world, especially in tech and entrepreneurship. Interns (like me) will get to take on larger responsibilities, contribute to change and growth, and make a real impact, especially in startups where innovation is highly valued.

My internship in Bangkok allowed me to work closely with industry leaders, take ownership of projects and experience a dynamic work environment, unlike large corporations with rigid structures.

Southeast Asia also allows for work-life balance. We’re able to travel and explore breathtaking destinations a short train ride away at affordable prices

Southeast Asia isn’t just a destination to enhance your career, it’s also a region for cost-effective adventures!

It’s amazing to know that Jean’s experience in Bangkok has enabled her to navigate challenges in a foreign country and become a more independent person.

More importantly, this opportunity gave her a chance to learn directly from industry leaders and entrepreneurs, take ownership, and contribute actively to projects.

Growth isn’t just about career advancement but also about embracing an entrepreneurial mindset by spotting opportunities and finding creative solutions to innovate and adapt.

Jean’s internship was made possible through NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP), which offers NTU students the chance to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience in global innovation hubs.

Students intern at tech startups, work closely with founders, and build valuable business connections—all while receiving funding of up to S$10,000. They get to acquire a global perspective with the skills needed to launch their business ventures.

And if you’re worried about the language barrier, don’t worry. Jean’s experience has highlighted that locals can be incredibly welcoming as long as you take the initiative to mingle and adapt to the local way of life!

This edition is brought to you by Nanyang Technological University’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program.

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Reading time: 7 minutes

When it comes to startup internships, places like Silicon Valley come to mind, which is well known for being a global hub for tech innovation. Enterprising students hope to land an internship role there in hopes of founding the next Apple, Google, or Facebook.

Others might even choose countries like China, which is known for its fast-growing tech startup scene, massive market, and business exposure.

But what about Vietnam?

With an emerging and fast-growing startup ecosystem, Vietnam offers interns the chance to take on bigger responsibilities and make a real impact. From fintech to e-commerce and digital innovation, the hands-on experience here is something you might not get in more established markets.

In fact, the country now boasts over 4,000 startups, with 11 companies valued at over US$100 million, making it an exciting place for anyone to grow in the startup space.

To find out what it’s really like, we asked Ronaldo Immanuel, a second-year banking and finance student from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore.

Ronaldo embarked on NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP) to Vietnam for six months in 2024, which aims to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset in students through attachments in startup ecosystems across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Q: Why did you choose to go to Vietnam?

I was actually open to all three locations OEP was offering: Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. When I was offered Vietnam, I took the offer because I hadn’t checked Vietnam off my bucket list yet.

I read about Vietnam's startup ecosystem growing rapidly, being third in Southeast Asia, and how fast Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) was developing.

Traveling alone to a new place and living there for an entire summer was also something I really wanted to challenge myself with.

I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I thought, why not give it a try? Plus, I figured it would be a great opportunity to explore more of the country and dive into its culture.

Q: What did you intern as?

I began my internship as a Market Research Intern for JDI Central, a startup that developed a freelancing platform in Vietnam.

But I ended up creating new project management tools, coming up with growth strategies, and even representing the company at the Future of AI: Chapter 2 event, which led to my new role as a Growth Hacking Intern.

As a Growth Hacking Intern, I was all hands on deck, helping prepare JDI Central for launch. My role included lead generation, supporting marketing campaigns, improving user experience, and pretty much anything else to make sure the platform was market-ready.

Q: What was your impression of Vietnam before and after your internship?

Before the internship, I saw Vietnam as a typical Southeast Asian destination—scenic spots, low costs, and a great place to travel.

I knew it had huge potential as an emerging market, especially in the digital space, but beyond that, I wasn’t sure what to expect. To be honest, I was a bit nervous about things like safety and culture shock.

But adapting to HCMC was way easier than I thought.

Sure, the language, currency, Grab bikes, and maze-like alleyways took a few days to get used to, but once I got the hang of it, it just felt natural.

My supervisor introduced me to weekly language exchanges at Coffee Talk English, which turned out to be an amazing way to meet people and get more comfortable with the city. Plus, bonding with my coworkers over streetwear drops and cafe-hopping made settling in even smoother.

Living in HCMC for the summer was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

What really stood out was seeing the city’s rapid transformation in real time. Every day on my way to work, I’d notice old buildings being replaced by sleek new cafes, upgraded housing complexes, and freshly paved sidewalks.

It’s one thing to read about Vietnam’s growth, but witnessing it firsthand made me appreciate just how fast things are evolving here.

Q: How did your internship help you grow an entrepreneurial mindset?

I learned that having an entrepreneurial mindset means becoming an all-rounder despite having minimal resources. I was exposed to resource challenges in a fast-paced environment, and uncertainty and pivoting strategies became the new normal. These led me to learn more skills outside my role while looking at ways to improve our operations.

Taking the initiative was important, and my team was generous. I was encouraged to propose and test strategies independently, giving me the confidence to make go-to-market and partnership decisions.

And yes, technical skills are just as crucial. While having done several projects about revenue models and strategy, hands-on experience in analyzing monetization approaches for JDI Central provided a good foundation for evaluating and structuring my business ideas.

Q: What were some challenges and takeaways from your internship experience in Vietnam?

I think one challenge I faced was living in a nice Airbnb in a less developed district. It exposed me to daily traffic congestions, pollution, and very apparent economic disparities.

But I often came across locals handling multiple jobs and gigs to meet basic needs, which is a sharp contrast to my experiences in Singapore.

Aside from that, while I had opportunities to interact with different business units as an intern, these interactions were mostly casual conversations. My role was also more focused on short-term growth rather than long-term sustainable planning. I would have loved to try out more structured experimentation methods like A/B testing and advanced analytics to learn more about how the organization operates as a whole.

Nonetheless, I was surprised that I didn’t face any significant language barrier. English was used in professional settings, and the locals were extremely warm and friendly. I found it quite easy to communicate with them in simple words, although Google Translate often comes in handy when needed.

A key highlight from my internship was attending events like the Saigon Summit and The Future of AI (Chapter 2).

These events connected me to Vietnam’s startup ecosystem and gave me insights into local innovation. I was particularly impressed by Nuen Moto, a company making electric motorcycles.

By the end of my six months in HCMC, I had gained more autonomy in tasks such as strategy development and process optimization.

The experience showed me how to apply what I learned in school to real-world situations, making this internship both a challenge and an invaluable learning opportunity.

Q: Why should students consider an internship in Southeast Asia?

During my internship in Vietnam, I realized that it’s amazing how hands-on the role was.

I wasn’t just stuck with administrative tasks; I had the freedom to take control of my own projects. It pushed me to think creatively and take ownership of my work.

I got lucky, I was working from the office two days a week, with flexible work hours the other days. It also meant I could balance my work with exploring the city and grabbing coffee at local cafes.

Finally, I think the cultural exposure is great. You’re spending three to six months overseas, not just working but integrating into their way of life. You’re going to learn a lot. As for your internship, I’m fairly confident that an experience in Southeast Asia will be a valuable addition to your resume.

After hearing from Ronaldo, it’s amazing to see how much he got out of his internship—earning a new role, attending major events, taking on real responsibilities, and gaining an entrepreneurial mindset!

Overseas internships aren’t just resume boosters—they’re full-on experiences that enable you to step out of your comfort zone, throw you into new cultures, challenge you in ways you never expected, and open doors you never knew existed.

Sure, Ronaldo wasn’t working on long-term strategies, but in a fast-moving, emerging startup ecosystem like HCMC, that just means endless possibilities.

And the best part? The support he received — from his hands-on role to the supervisor who introduced him to language exchanges—made settling in so much easier.

Ronaldo’s internship was made possible through NTU’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program (OEP), which offers NTU students the chance to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience in global innovation hubs.

Students intern at tech startups, work closely with founders, and build valuable business connections—all while receiving funding of up to S$10,000. Just like Ronaldo, they walk away with a global perspective and the skills to launch their business ventures.

If you’re worried about navigating the different cultures and languages in Southeast Asia, fret not; they would only make the experience even better.

In fact, Ronaldo’s experience just made us excited about going to Vietnam for more than just a holiday. If you’re thinking of exploring the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia, Vietnam should be at the top of your list!

This edition is brought to you by Nanyang Technological University’s Overseas Entrepreneurship Program.

Enjoyed today’s article? Follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

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👋 This is Zhan Tiam, founder and editor of SEAmplified.

In our last update, I shared that we will be running community events this year to connect you with new opportunities and possibilities in Southeast Asia in person.

And I’m glad to share that we will be launching something really exciting!

Introducing “SEAcret Gatherings” — a series of secret, intimate networking and discussion events designed for youths who are interested in exploring new possibilities in Southeast Asia.

At every session, we curate high-impact secret guests that range from founders, investors, creatives, policymakers, and social changemakers across Southeast Asia.

Participants will engage with them in rotating small-group discussions, gaining direct access to unfiltered insights and like-minded peers in the region.

Interested? Limited spots available.

Join the waitlist now here: https://forms.gle/RPzcmSfgsxgxCZTY8

PS: If you’re interested in partnering with us for this event, simply drop us an email at hello@seamplified.com and we can explore possibilities together!

Cheers,

Zhan Tiam

When SEAmplified was launched last year, we didn’t put much effort into designing our logo and brand.

We wanted to first focus on experimenting with different content formats and finding our place in a highly saturated media environment, as we worked on our initial mission to amplify the voices of Southeast Asia’s youths.

Our audience has since grown, as we’ve worked on creating content featuring youths shaping and redefining the future of a culturally vibrant Southeast Asia. Some of you even dropped us messages to share that you enjoyed our work, and we are grateful for that.

But we noticed a problem—our logo and branding were weak in communicating what SEAmplified offers and stands for.

Some readers shared that they couldn’t tell what we were about by looking at our newsletter and social media channels. Others thought the logo and graphic design was not vibrant and appealing enough to reflect that we are a youth-focused publication.

With that, we embarked on a collaboration with a freelance graphic designer from Indonesia to re-design our logo and refresh our brand mission. This update will reflect our evolution as a brand, while still staying true to our dream to build connections and understanding between youth in Southeast Asia.

Our striking new visual identity will feature a new typeface for the word “SEAmplified” that comes with a “SEA” circle and an updated shade of vibrant blue. The circle is meant to convey our refreshed tagline of amplifying your future in Southeast Asia, with the updated typeface and blue shade reflecting the vibrancy of youths in Southeast Asia.

The new logo also reflects our refined mission to connect you with new ideas, possibilities, and opportunities in Southeast Asia through our content and upcoming events (which we will share in due course!).

As we head into another year, we’d like to invite you to join us on a journey to

• Discover more amazing youths and culture in Southeast Asia

• Explore a possible future in this fast-growing region

• Share stories with family and friends who might be less informed about Southeast Asia beyond news headlines

More importantly, we want you to think about what it means to embrace possibilities in life, especially in an emerging region like Southeast Asia.

Over the past year, we’ve heard how youths in Vietnam empower themselves to pursue work-life balance, and how youths in Singapore and Indonesia are hoping to shape a future beyond academic grades.

We’ve also heard from inspiring youths who are making an impact in our region, such as how a Lao youth wants to inspire more of his peers to learn about sustainability and the world around us, and how a Burmese youth wants to help his peers to secure opportunities abroad amidst a crisis back home.

These stories reflect how youths are embracing the many possibilities in shaping our future in Southeast Asia. But we also want to uncover more stories that are untold, and build a community of Southeast Asian youths who will seek out new possibilities in our region.

So, what does it really mean to embrace possibilities?

To start, we’ve invited a few of our past profiles in the region to share what this means to them—they will be doing this through videos that will be featured on our social media platforms.

We also want to invite you to share your story and thoughts with us via direct message (DM) on our Instagram or TikTok, or email at hello@seamplified.com. Selected stories will be featured on our newsletter and social media channels!

Let’s amplify and shape our future in Southeast Asia together, one youth at a time.

PS: We’d love to hear what you think about our refreshed brand identity. Drop us a DM or email and let us know!

Enjoyed today’s article? Follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

Have a new idea or lead for a story, feedback on our work, or just want to say hi? Email us at hello@seamplified.com.

Reading time: 7 minutes

🔥 Trailblazers 
Trailblazers features young startup founders, social leaders, and cultural mavericks in Southeast Asia.

This 31-year-old Singaporean Wants To Forge A Shared Identity Across Southeast Asia With Tech

At first glance, I thought Joanne Tan, 31, was living a highly successful life that many might have dreamed of.

She achieved six distinctions at ‘A’ Levels, received a scholarship during her undergraduate days, and recently completed her master's at Cambridge. She has had various professional stints across companies as diverse as an airport, a tourism agency, and an e-commerce company.

Today, Joanne is the co-founder of GoodHub SEA, a non-profit initiative on a mission to use technology to scale social impact across Southeast Asia.

So when I met Joanne for the first time, I knew that I had to ask her: “What struggles have you faced in life so far?”

Without reservations, Joanne revealed that she struggled with limited options in her early schooling days.

Coming from a neighborhood secondary school, students had fewer opportunities to pursue their interests due to a lack of resources.

Back then, Joanne wanted to pursue her interest in geography. Instead, she was assigned to take up history as the school could not cater to the huge demand for geography classes.

“At that point, I wondered why we had to deal with this kind of situation when other schools out there could provide that flexibility of choice for their students,” she said.

Yet studying in a neighborhood school allowed Joanne to interact with peers from various academic and family backgrounds. It made her realize that people’s backgrounds can restrict their access to opportunities.

“For example, some students may not be able to learn a third language because their parents can’t afford to allow them to do so,” she explained.

She also found it fascinating that some of her friends who didn’t excel academically have gone on to start their own companies today, which broadened her perspective on what it meant to be successful.

This experience would plant a seed in her to make opportunities more accessible to everyone. In fact, the word “accessibility” popped up several times throughout our chat, which made it clear that enabling people to access opportunities is what’s close to Joanne’s heart.

But how did Joanne eventually enter the social impact space with a heart for Southeast Asia today?

Initial Exposure

In her first year of university, Joanne took up a part-time digital coordinator role at a social enterprise connecting people with good causes through tech.

“For example, if you can cook a meal we can connect you with say, the seniors living in nursing homes. And instead of cooking at the nursing home, we bring them to your house to try your cooking and forge connections.”

Little did she expect this stint to get her interested in volunteering. It even shifted her perceptions around it.

“It’s so much more than donating things to help someone,” she said, “I got to learn skillsets like connecting people with others while tackling the problem of loneliness amongst elderlies living in nursing homes”.

This spirit of volunteering would surface again during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Joanne was working from home while being employed at an e-commerce company, where she realized that many were starting ground-up initiatives to help those in need, such as giving online tuition for free.

But there was a problem. People didn’t know where to gain access to such opportunities, and others didn’t know who to seek help from.

“So I was like, why not try to compile everything into an online directory that will connect people with specific causes that they are passionate about?”

The directory was known as “How Can I Help SG”, built on Google Sheets with the help of a software engineer volunteer.

To her surprise, the directory quickly went viral, with many wanting to list new volunteering opportunities and some even thanking her for coming up with it. That was when Joanne realized how technology could be used to do good in society.

Growing Interest in Southeast Asia

For Joanne, it was her childhood experiences of visiting relatives in Malaysia during the Lunar New Year holidays that cultivated her interest in Southeast Asia.

“My mom is Malaysian, and we will take an eight-hour night train to her kampung (village), and reach at like say 4 AM in the morning,” she shared.

Joanne has never experienced life in a kampung. But the visits helped her to get a sense of a sense of solidarity where villagers would help each other in times of need—typically known as the kampung spirit—which some would say has disappeared in a concrete jungle like Singapore.

She would hear stories of village life, such as working in agricultural fields and rubber plantations. As the years progressed, she saw how villagers had to endure poor internet connectivity, with some eventually leaving for cities miles away for better opportunities.

Later on, Joanne had an opportunity to broaden her perspective on Southeast Asia by working in the tourism and e-commerce industries.

For instance, Joanne worked on social media campaigns to market Singapore to the rest of the region, and she had to learn and be mindful of the type of content that people in Southeast Asia consume. She also got to interact and collaborate with engineers in Indonesia and Vietnam while working at an e-commerce company.

These experiences came in handy when Joanne volunteered as a digital literacy ambassador at the ASEAN Foundation, where she forged new friends from across Southeast Asia.

“I got to better understand the problems that my friends who lived in villages were facing, especially those struggling with digital connectivity and literacy back home,” she said.

Joanne added that it was challenging to promote digital literacy in bigger countries like Thailand and Indonesia, where internet penetration rates are lower in rural regions.

“I think that a mix of all these experiences kickstarted a series of thoughts like: What can technology do? What can I do to help people in Southeast Asia? How can we tap into each other’s strengths and make an impact together?”

Building Connections

Just as Joanne was figuring out what to do, community leader Charles Lee reached out to ask if she would be interested to start GoodHub SEA together.

While she claimed to be attracted to the idea of building a team from scratch and combining Southeast Asia and technology, I wondered what she wanted to achieve.

After all, people who start non-profits must have good intrinsic reasons, since it is not as attractive as starting a profitable business.

“For me, I think it’s about building that kampung spirit of giving back and paying it forward, while using technology to help people understand Southeast Asia better,” she said.

It felt like a culmination of Joanne’s prior experiences. Little seeds had been planted as she explored her interests, which turned into an intrinsic passion to help social enterprises and non-profits across Southeast Asia to leverage tech to expand their impact.

With that, Joanne hopes to generate awareness of Southeast Asia amongst youths and get her volunteers to build empathy and professional skills by working with stakeholders. For instance, they recently faced project delays while working with a social entrepreneur who runs an organic farm in southern Thailand.

“So we learned that flooding has occurred in the village, and we were more concerned with how they’re doing rather than say a website that we are trying to help them build,” she shared.

At the same time, Joanne admits that they’re still in the process of figuring things out. This includes defining what success would look like, and searching for the right metrics to measure their impact.

“We want volunteers to gain practical skills, and get people to be more curious about Southeast Asia,” she said.

But I was more interested in finding out what Joanne wants to achieve personally, and what she envisions Southeast Asia to be like in the long run.

“I literally want to have friends in every country in Southeast Asia,” she declared.

To her, it would be more than just visiting other countries in the region as a tourist. She feels that eventually, we should all travel around Southeast Asia as a “citizen of Southeast Asia”, and embrace the idea of knowing exactly the location of every major city in the region, just as how people might pinpoint the location of their neighborhoods on a map.

While the idea of becoming a “citizen in Southeast Asia” might sound far-fetched for some, Joanne believes that it’s possible, and she has already embarked on a journey to achieve that.

For one, she has begun learning the numbers “one to ten” in all Southeast Asian languages. Which, at least in my opinion, is a great place to start.

Enjoyed today’s article? Follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

Have a new idea or lead for a story, feedback on our work, or just want to say hi? Email us at hello@seamplified.com.

Today’s edition is a “Hear Me Out” commentary by James*, a Burmese who has left Myanmar for education opportunities abroad, amidst a coup back home that has not shown signs of ending soon. He shares his thoughts on the coup, his perspective on why the brain drain has worsened, and his hopes for Myanmar’s future.

Reading time: 5 minutes

*Name changed on request for anonymity

💬 Hear Me Out

A commentary series that brings you unfiltered and unique perspectives straight from Southeast Asia’s youths, touching on a broad range of societal issues that concern them today. 

Myanmar is facing an existential brain drain crisis. Here’s why I chose to leave with fellow youths

by James

My name is James. I am a Myanmar citizen and one of the many youths who left Myanmar to study abroad at the start of 2024. I was fortunate to come from an upper-middle-class family that could afford to send me abroad.

For countless young people in Myanmar, the coup in 2021 has led to an ever-growing exodus. Some moved abroad for education, while others sought work to escape the dire conditions at home. By February 2024, the climate of fear had intensified, and leaving the country felt like the only viable option for many.

I want to share my personal experience as a youth who left Myanmar to study abroad. I’ll explore the fear we endured, the conflicts we faced, and the motivations that pushed us to leave.

The initial crisis

When the coup happened in 2021, I was a student preparing for a pre-university examination that had been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Given my limited knowledge of Myanmar’s history and politics, I did not fully understand what was happening.

However, the coup disrupted the examination schedule, leaving many students like myself and parents uncertain whether we should continue preparing for it.

Resistance movements sprung up across the country, with many protesting against the return of a military dictatorship through rallies, street protests, and online campaigns. Opposing groups pressured students to boycott the government exam as part of a Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), labeling those who participated as traitors who supported the military regime.

Armed groups also began to emerge under the umbrella term “PDF” (People’s Defense Forces) in response to the military’s brutal crackdowns.

As the situation worsened, I began to hear news about the junta’s violent suppression of peaceful protests with protestors being shot by police and soldiers.

I was worried about our country’s future, yet ashamed of what the junta was doing.

By 2022, curfews were in place, and armed units were placed to deal with protests or threats.

Power outages became a daily occurrence, with electricity available for less than six hours a day in most neighborhoods. Rural areas faced even harsher conditions, with some villages losing access to electricity permanently and having to rely on firewood for cooking.

Parents began to seek alternatives as they were worried about their children’s education and future. Some families who could afford it chose to enroll their children in private or international schools offering programs like the IGCSE or GED (a U.S. college preparation exam), while others chose to leave the country.

I opted to attend private online tuition for the IGCSE O Level, but my friend took the GED and left with his two older sisters, as his family feared for his safety and felt that it was no longer viable for him to stay in Myanmar.

The last straw

Unfortunately, the introduction of a conscription law in early 2024, which made military service compulsory for young men, forced more students and professionals like myself to leave Myanmar. Parents also scrambled to send their children abroad, viewing it as the only way to ensure their safety and future.

For me, leaving Myanmar was a difficult yet necessary decision. Like many of my peers, I sought refuge in education abroad, hoping to build a better future.

Another friend of mine faced mounting family pressure to leave the country before being forced into military service. News circulated—some real and some fake—about young people being taken away in army vehicles, added to the fear.

At the same time, economic hardships, coupled with political oppression and rising crime rates, made staying in Myanmar untenable for many. Parents encouraged their children to leave, viewing it as a chance to escape poverty and build a better life.

With that, many sought opportunities abroad to support their families back home. In countries like Japan and Malaysia, workers earn significantly higher wages—sometimes five times more than they would in Myanmar.

Unfortunately, I’ve heard that many who left are illegal immigrants in foreign countries, who took the risk to escape the dire situation at home.

We’re all moving out of fear, uncertainty, and a sense of hopelessness about our future. Some workers leave to support their families, while students like me leave to seek education and safety.

Until Myanmar achieves stability and safety, the brain drain will continue, leaving the country with fewer skilled individuals to rebuild it. For now, leaving feels like the only option to survive and thrive.

But it doesn’t mean that we will never return. Like me, many of my friends still dream of returning to Myanmar to build a new life. This lies in our hands and we believe that it is definitely possible!

When the situation back home stabilizes, hopefully in the near future, I want to contribute to the country’s rebuilding efforts. I hope to see Myanmar emerging as a thriving, modern nation, fully adapted to the demands and opportunities of the 21st century.

I also aim to launch multiple business ventures that will create opportunities for the people of Myanmar. These initiatives will be my way of giving back to the community and promoting progress within the country. In fact, I am already focusing on developing the education, skills, and connections that I need to turn this vision into reality.

I believe that we will be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel one day.

Calling for pitches!

If you’re a youth in Southeast Asia (aged 18-35) and have something close to your heart to share with everyone, we’d love to hear from you! Simply drop us a pitch at hello@seamplified.com.

Enjoyed today’s article? Follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

Hey there, Zhan Tiam here, founder of SEAmplified.

Have you ever taken a roller coaster ride before?

A typical ride starts by going up the slope gently, reaches a climactic high, and goes down and up suddenly. Accompanied by sudden sharp turns and bumps, the ride is at turns exhilarating and scary.

This is exactly what SEAmplified’s journey has been over the past year.

The initial days

In January, SEAmplified started as a weekly newsletter that explained how politics affect the job prospects of youths in Southeast Asia. We wanted to help more youths in the region to get to know each other better, and tackling a common concern like getting employed felt like a good place to start.

The initial days were exciting. Subscriber numbers grew quickly, and it felt like we were on an upwards trajectory. We even thought we might eventually hit thousands of subscribers.

But the euphoria was short-lived.

By the end of our second month, we noticed that our open rate and subscriber growth had plateaued.

The problem? Our value proposition was unclear, topics were too random, and we fell short of reaching youths.

Had we become too focused on just growing numbers? I’m not sure, but I knew that we were losing our focus and direction.

After speaking to our readers, we decided to adopt a humanistic approach to storytelling while staying true to our mission.

We began by featuring inspiring youths of Southeast Asia through the Trailblazers series. We also commented on how youths are pursuing happiness, before switching to focus on how they’re Redefining Work.

This decision would give birth to some memorable stories that we’ve published this year.

Gearing Up

In April, we had our first profile—a Singaporean who moved to Vietnam to grow a wet wipes manufacturing company. It was my first attempt at interviewing a profile, and I was amazed by the fact that a Singaporean youth would choose to venture into Vietnam instead of anywhere else.

To my surprise, this became the most popular article on SEAmplified! We noted that readers enjoy human interest stories, and decided to stick to it. Other memorable profiles included a Singaporean who wanted to stop the brain drain in Myanmar, and an Indonesian music composer who hopes to go international.

They stood out to me, not just because I was inspired by them, but also because I got to catch up with them in person and forge a deeper connection. I enjoy meeting my connections in person, as that’s the way to build trust and friendship with people from different backgrounds. It’s also part of what we want to do, to create catalysts for growth and collaboration amongst Southeast Asia’s youths.

When it came to Redefining Work, a personal favorite was our analysis on whether it was okay for youths not to secure a summer internship.

A quick backstory about the piece: I was scrolling through my LinkedIn feed and chanced upon a profile who “happily shared that he does not have a summer internship”. The post stood out in stark contrast to the many internship posts shared by other university students, sparking my curiosity about the value of summer internships.

This is a glimpse of how we decide on topics to write about. As a youth-focused publication, we want to touch on issues that the region’s youths are concerned about. We draw inspiration from our everyday experiences, through conversations with friends and social media, and highlight the aspirations that we have in common.

In June, we did another round of surveys with our readers, and the results were encouraging! Many of you enjoyed the new verticals and suggested that we do short-form videos. That’s when we launched SEA Oddities, now a short-form video series demystifying our shared culture in Southeast Asia.

We also featured our Trailblazers profiles through a “3 questions” short-form video series, and collaborated with an artist influencer by getting him to sketch and befriend Filipino and Burmese strangers in Singapore. It has enabled us to reach thousands of accounts online, which was a great boost in our efforts to amplify the voices of Southeast Asia’s youths.

Doubts and renewed momentum

Yet as a first-time founder, there were times when I doubted if I made the right decision to start SEAmplified.

For one, the media landscape was already extremely saturated. This meant we would be competing with millions of publications and content creators all trying to capture your attention. Also, our focus was not exactly on delivering the latest headlines or viral news, so it would prove challenging for our content to gain traction quickly.

There were days when I wondered why some pieces of content failed to do well, and there were times when slow follower growth made me wonder if spending so much time and effort on SEAmplified was worth it.

And as a solopreneur, it was not easy to juggle between content creation and other aspects of the business.

So, what kept me going?

I’ll attribute it to two things—my underlying passion for fostering understanding between Southeast Asia’s youths, and the support of our readers, freelancers, and mentors.

In particular, I’d like to give a special mention to our freelancers and mentors who’ve dedicated time to support SEAmplified’s growth this year.

If you’ve been following our platforms closely, you would have “met” our freelancers through our content. Phoebe Yeo has been writing articles for our newsletter, while Sherlyn Ng is our video editor and host for SEA Oddities. They came up with many exciting topics, such as how Indonesians are freelancing their way out of unemployment, and how medicated oils are used across Southeast Asia. Some of these topics were beyond what I could think of!

Meanwhile, Julian Wong and Khairul Rusydi, entrepreneurs in the media and education space, agreed to come on board as my mentors. They gave valuable advice and insights based on their years of experience, and guided me into charting a clearer path for SEAmplified and myself.

On this note, I want to thank them for taking time out of their busy schedules to address my concerns and questions. Without them, I’d probably still be lost, and SEAmplified may not have seen the success it did this year.

With the support of our freelancers and mentors, a renewed momentum kept me going, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

One key partner was Josephine Tan, a Singaporean who runs preschool centers and an education consultancy in Indonesia. I first connected with Josephine online a few months back, and she quickly became a staunch supporter after hearing about what we do at SEAmplified.

In fact, it was Josephine who made our first-ever business trip to Indonesia possible! She kindly arranged an itinerary for our visit to Bandung and brought us to several nature, heritage, and cultural sites. We are extremely grateful to Josephine for facilitating the trip, and we look forward to working with her to bring more youths to Indonesia to be inspired by the locals and opportunities there!

We also managed to establish content partnerships with institutions and organizations that are encouraging more youths to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia. They include Singapore Management University, Nanyang Technological University, and OSG Youth Alliance, who gave us the opportunity to work with them to amplify their Southeast Asian programs and expand our reach to more youths.

These content partnerships would also enable us to earn our first dollar this year! Generating revenue while keeping the publication up with no paywall is crucial in our efforts to reach out to more youths across Southeast Asia.

For that, we are grateful for the partners who resonated with our mission and chose to support us. We look forward to working with our existing partners and forge more partnerships with like-minded organizations in 2025.

Looking back, I never thought that any of these were achievable within our first year of operating, so it’s a big win for us by any measure.

These opportunities got me thinking: what more can we do to help youths thrive and survive in Southeast Asia in 2025?

Upcoming Plans

One thing’s for sure—our content direction will not change.

We will continue to tell inspiring and thought-provoking stories on how youths in Southeast Asia are charting their own paths in life. We will also continue to create exciting social media content to uncover the shared culture that we have in Southeast Asia.

By doing so, we want our stories to create new catalysts for growth, collaboration, and mutual understanding across our region, even as the rest of the world becomes increasingly dangerous and fragmented.

But we also recognize that creating content is just the first step in fostering understanding across the region. What we want to do next is to connect you with new ideas, possibilities, and opportunities across Southeast Asia in person.

This could be in the form of a getaway trip to a regional country, networking dinners, or discussion sessions with regional youths and professionals. You can expect us to be out and about engaging youths, through in-house events and outreach to schools and institutions.

And on that note, what else would you like to see on SEAmplified in 2025?

As we stick by our mission to amplify your aspirations in Southeast Asia, we also hope to hear from you. If there’s anything you think we could do to promote the region to more youths, or would like to work with us, do drop us an email at hello@seamplified.com.

And thank you for riding through 2024 with us. The journey continues.

Happy New Year.

As always, if you enjoyed today’s article, do follow SEAmplified on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for more exciting and exclusive content, hit the subscribe button, and tell us how we did in the poll below!

Have a new idea or lead for a story, feedback on our work, or just want to say hi? Email us at hello@seamplified.com.