2026 SEASAT Youth Camp and Youth Assembly Launch in Taiwan | Partially Funded Youth Leadership Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Southeast Asia-South Asia-Taiwan (SEASAT) Youth Camp in Taiwan. The annual flagship youth leadership program is organized by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) and will bring together 40 emerging young leaders from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Taiwan, and like-minded countries. The event will take place in Taiwan from 13–16 July 2026.

This year’s edition is especially significant as TAEF plans to officially launch the Youth Assembly, a new initiative aimed at empowering youth participation in grassroots policymaking and community impact initiatives. The 2026 camp will reconnect previous participants while welcoming new delegates to collaborate on regional challenges, leadership, sustainability, and public participation.

Program Overview

• Host Country: Taiwan
• Organizer: Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF)
• Program Type: Youth Leadership Camp
• Event Dates: 13–16 July 2026
• Number of Delegates: 40
• Eligible Regions: Southeast Asia, South Asia, Taiwan, and like-minded countries
• Funding: Partially Funded
• Application Deadline: 23 May 2026

About the SEASAT Youth Camp

The SEASAT Youth Camp has been organized annually by TAEF since the foundation’s establishment. The program seeks to connect aspiring young leaders between the ages of 20 and 30 to encourage dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, policy discussions, and regional cooperation.

The 2026 edition focuses on strengthening youth leadership and grassroots policymaking through the launch of the Youth Assembly initiative. Delegates will participate in leadership-focused workshops, panel discussions, interactive classes, and collaborative activities designed to prepare future changemakers in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Topics Covered

The 2026 SEASAT Youth Camp will focus on:

• International Relations
• Community-Based Projects
• Sustainability
• Public Participation
• Policymaking

Delegates should also expect some collaborative work and assignments outside scheduled sessions.

Financial Support

The organizers will cover most local expenses during the camp, including:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Insurance
• Educational materials
• Local transportation for official activities
• Site entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses

However, participants must cover:

• Round-trip airfare to Taiwan
• Visa or entry permit expenses
• Personal expenses

The organizers encourage delegates to seek external sponsorship or travel funding support if necessary.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old at the time of application
• Be students or young professionals
• Be available to attend the program physically in Taiwan from 13–16 July 2026
• Demonstrate interest in Asian and Indo-Pacific contemporary issues
• Show passion for youth leadership and community engagement
• Be proactive and willing to contribute genuine perspectives
• Have good English communication skills

The organizers note that participation does not guarantee entry permission into Taiwan. Applicants should independently verify visa and entry requirements through Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs and local diplomatic missions.

Participant Obligations

Selected participants will be required to:

• Attend all sessions and activities
• Actively participate in discussions and workshops
• Submit a post-camp essay in English (1200–1500 words)

Outstanding essays may later be published by TAEF.

Additional Opportunities

Participants demonstrating exceptional performance may receive:

• Publication opportunities through TAEF
• Networking with regional youth leaders and policymakers
• Potential sponsorship to attend the 2027 Yushan Forum

The program also provides opportunities to build long-term regional collaboration networks among young leaders from Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Application Requirements

Applicants need to prepare:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A 300-word response to a screening question on an issue they care about

Applications must be submitted online. Email applications will not be accepted.

Application Deadline and Selection Timeline

Application Deadline

• 23 May 2026 (23:59 GMT+8 Taipei Time)

Selection Results

• Successful applicants will be notified by:
  • 31 May 2026 (18:00 GMT+8 Taipei Time)

The organizers strongly advise applicants not to book flights or transportation before receiving official selection confirmation.

Why You Should Apply

The 2026 SEASAT Youth Camp offers a valuable platform for young leaders interested in international relations, sustainability, public participation, and regional cooperation. Participants will gain leadership experience, policy exposure, intercultural understanding, and networking opportunities with youth leaders and experts from across Asia.

The launch of the Youth Assembly also creates new opportunities for delegates to contribute directly to grassroots policymaking and long-term regional collaboration initiatives.