Maybank and ASEAN Foundation Back Two Projects Strengthening Education and Culture in Indonesia
Maybank Foundation together with the ASEAN Foundation has launched the implementation of the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (eYAA): Cohort 6 programme, which will carry out 10 community development projects in eight ASEAN countries. In Indonesia, the programme presents two initiatives focusing on strengthening basic education in Southwest Papua and preserving traditional weaving in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.
The programme launch began with a Regional Capacity Development Workshop held from 2–6 July 2026 at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 110 Youth Volunteers from across ASEAN underwent training before being deployed to project sites. This sixth cohort is also the first to involve Laos as an implementing country, alongside the addition of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEAN member.
ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Dr. Piti Srisangnam said each eYAA project is designed based on real needs identified by local organisations, so volunteers act as partners in creating sustainable solutions for communities. “eYAA proves that the most sustainable solutions are born from collaboration with local communities. ASEAN youth volunteers do not come to teach, but to work together with communities to create an impact that can continue to grow even after the programme ends,” he said. Since 2018, Maybank Foundation has been the programme’s main partner, providing grants of up to 25,000 US dollars for each project team.
In Indonesia, PT Lima Dua Edukasi is running the “Accelero” project in Sorong, Southwest Papua. This programme applies the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach through community-based learning activities to improve primary school students’ literacy and numeracy skills. A total of 500 students and 50 local facilitators will be involved in learning activities, mentoring, and strengthening a reading culture through the provision of reading corners and parental involvement. A representative of PT Lima Dua Edukasi said, “Reading and arithmetic skills are the foundation for every child to develop. Through Accelero, we want to ensure more children in Southwest Papua get learning opportunities that suit their needs, so they can build their future with greater confidence.”
Meanwhile, PT Tenun Indonesia Sejahtera is developing the “Sumba Weaving Museum” project in Watuhadang Village, East Sumba Regency. This programme develops a weaving gallery into an interactive museum that documents the process of making Sumba ikat weaving, while strengthening product marketing through cultural tourism packages, digital marketing training, and improved direct sales access for weavers. A total of 11 ASEAN Youth Volunteers will support the development of visitor experiences and museum promotion. A representative of PT Tenun Indonesia Sejahtera said, “Preserving Sumba weaving means safeguarding cultural identity while opening economic opportunities for the community. We hope this museum becomes a space that connects cultural heritage with the younger generation and a wider market sustainably.”
Maybank Group Chief Sustainability Officer Datuk Shahril Azuar Jimin said eYAA is a platform for ASEAN youth to generate real social impact through collaboration with local communities. According to him, the initiative aligns with Maybank’s sustainability commitment to drive community empowerment and inclusive development. “We believe the best investment is an investment in the younger generation. Through eYAA, volunteers not only gain leadership experience but also deliver real solutions that strengthen education, culture, and community welfare across ASEAN countries,” he said.
Since its inception, eYAA has involved 482 youth volunteers, implemented 50 community projects, and benefited more than 114,000 people across the ASEAN region. The organisers hope the implementation of Cohort 6 can strengthen cross-country collaboration while delivering sustainable solutions for education development, cultural preservation, the environment, and community development in the region.