BACKGROUND

Three decades after the establishment of ASEAN, its leaders identified ongoing challenges in achieving shared prosperity, fostering ASEAN awareness, and enhancing interactions among its people. To address these issues, the ASEAN Foundation was established during ASEAN’s 30th Anniversary Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 15 December 1997. The ASEAN Foundation, an organisation from and for the people of ASEAN, aims to build a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community. It supports ASEAN by promoting awareness, identity, interaction, and development among the region's populace.

In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has significantly impacted the way information is disseminated and consumed, especially among young people. Influencers have the unique ability to connect with large audiences in an engaging and authentic manner, making them powerful advocates for social and cultural initiatives. Recognising the growing influence of social media creators, the ASEAN Foundation sees an opportunity to harness their reach and creativity to further promote ASEAN awareness and identity.

Together with the Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, the ASEAN Foundation will conduct the ASEAN-Korea Youth Influencers Project. Previously run as Korea Online Supporters by Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, this initiative, now in collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation, has evolved into the ASEAN-Korea Youth Influencers Project. This initiative will engage young creators from ASEAN and Korea to foster friendly relations. The project aims to highlight Korea's cultural and strategic influence while promoting the strengths of ASEAN-Korea relations, which have flourished through robust economic ties, cultural exchanges, and collaborative efforts in addressing regional and global challenges. By leveraging the influence of social media creators, the project aims to create a deeper connection and understanding between the youth of ASEAN and Korea.

This initiative aligns with the ASEAN Foundation's mandate to strengthen people-to-people connections and supports the ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025 by reinforcing ASEAN awareness and identity among young people. Additionally, it will support the Republic of Korea Mission to ASEAN in promoting Korea as a Global Pivotal State (GPS) that empowers youth to foster regional peace and stability.

OVERVIEW

The ASEAN-Korea Youth Influencers Project will select 33 young content creators and influencers (30 from 10 ASEAN countries and 3 from Korea) and empower them to create compelling digital content that showcases cultural exchange, economic partnerships, and shared values between ASEAN nations and Korea. The project begins with a call for applications, followed by an online interactive workshop on ASEAN-Korea relations and an online networking session. Participants will then develop and implement a social media campaign plan over a 10-week online campaign. The project will conclude with an online closing ceremony. This initiative aims to amplify the positive aspects of ASEAN-Korea relations and Korea's global influence, educating, motivating, and inspiring while highlighting the impact of ASEAN-Korea relations and Korea as a GPS.

OBJECTIVE

To empower talented young creators and influencers from ASEAN and Korea to create compelling digital content that educates, motivates, and inspires, while highlighting the impact of ASEAN-Korea relations and Korea as a GPS.

BENEFITS

Monetary rewards: Opportunity to win a grand prize for the top three influencers. The first winner will receive USD 500, while the second winner and third winner will receive USD 300 and USD 200 respectively.

Completion Incentive: Each influencer will receive an incentive of USD 150 upon completing the minimum deliverables of 10 pieces of creative content.

E-certificates: Receive official recognition of your participation upon completing the minimum requirement. The top three influencers will receive a winner's certificate.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other influencers and engage with the ASEAN Foundation and ROK Mission to ASEAN officials, enhancing your professional network. 

Exclusive Invitations: Attend ASEAN Foundation and ROK Mission to ASEAN’s offline and online events, providing unique experiences and exposure (location-specific).

ELIGIBILITY

• ASEAN and Republic of Korea nationals aged 18-35
• Interested in ASEAN-Korea relations and passionate about promoting and enhancing ASEAN- Korea ties.
• Active on social media with a public account (no minimum followers required).
• Not affiliated with any political
• Proficient in English (No TOEFL/IELTS and other English scoring tests required).

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive campaign plan, incorporating feedback and guidelines from the ASEAN Foundation.
• Attend an online interactive workshop on ASEAN-Korea relations and participate in online networking sessions to enhance understanding and collaboration.
• Actively participate in the online campaign, creating and posting a minimum of 10 pieces of creative content over the 10-week campaign period, including at least one collaborative piece with fellow influencers.
• Promote and share ASEAN Foundation and ROK Mission to ASEAN activities on personal social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and other relevant platforms.
• Coordinate with ASEAN Foundation staff to ensure smooth workflow and alignment with project objectives.
• Create and submit a 5-week campaign reports and a final report detailing content performance, engagement metrics, and narrative lessons learned.

EXPECTED OUTPUT

• Campaign Plan: A content plan developed and submitted after the first online meet-up, outlining the strategy for the 10-week campaign.
• Content Creation: A minimum of 10 creative content pieces produced and delivered throughout the 10-week campaign, including at least one collaborative piece.
• Campaign Reports: 5-week report of the contents published and a final report covering content performance, engagement metrics, and narrative lessons learned. Workshop and Networking Participation:
• Workshop and Networking Participation: Active participation in the online interactive workshop on ASEAN-Korea relations and online networking sessions.
• Promotion of Foundation Activities: Effective promotion and sharing of ASEAN Foundation and ROK Mission to ASEAN activities on personal social media platforms.

TIMELINE

No.

Activity

Tentative Timeline

1

Call for applications

23 July – 11 August 2024

2

Selection of content creators and influencers

12 – 15 August 2024

3

Announcement of selected content creators and influencers

16-19 August 2024

4

First online meetup

21 August 2024

5

Submission of brief campaign plan

28 August 2024

6

Implementation of campaign

2 September – 11 November

2024

7

Campaign report submission

18 November 2024

8

Influencers online meetup and announcement of winners

25 November 2024

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for the ASEAN-Korea Youth Influencers Project please follow the steps below and ensure you submit all required documents:

1.       Prepare Required Documents:

Scan of Valid Identification Card (National ID/Passport)

Full-face Photo: Submit a JPG or JPEG copy, maximum size 500

Latest CV in English

Creative Content Challenge: Create a piece of creative content introducing yourself and explaining why you want to be part of ASEAN-Korea Youth Influencers. Share this on your social media account, ensuring your account is set to public (not private). The content can be a graphic, video (maximum duration 60 seconds), or blog article (if you use Naver). Tag and mention @aseanfoundation and @rokmissiontoasean. In the caption, use #ASEANKoreaYouthInfluencers #주아세안대표부서포터즈, #주아세안대표부 #rokmissiontoasean #BeASEAN hashtags. Copy the link to your post to fill in the application form.

200-Word Motivation Essay: Explain your interest in the project how you can contribute to promoting ASEAN-Korea relations, and what you hope to achieve through this experience (to be filled in the application form).

Social Media Profile: Provide a brief description of your social media Tell us about the demographics of your followers, the type of content you typically share, and how you plan to engage your audience in promoting ASEAN-Korea relations. No minimum follower count is required; we value authentic engagement and creativity.

2.       Submit Your Application:

Fill out the application form and upload your documents and content link at bily/ASEANKorea_YIP_Form.

Deadline: 11 August 2024, 23.59 (GMT+7)

For inquiries, please contact ASEANKorea.YIP@aseanfoundation.org

*Only selected candidates will be contacted