Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y) | Asia Society

Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y)

ASK-Y Cover

Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y) is a program that was launched in 2021 to convene the young generation across Asia and the rest of the world to voice their thoughts and share their concerns about the future of the world we inhabit. ASK-Y encourages youth participants of varying backgrounds to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to the big questions that concern cultural, economic, political, environmental, and social sustainability. 

ASK-Y is an effort to create a platform on which emerging leaders can interact and engage with key public figures and leaders of industries, thereby cultivating the next generation of public intellectuals and activists in the realm of global sustainability. From panel discussion to policymaking to technological invention, ASK-Y probes any and all generational, sociocultural, gender, and/or political issues pertaining to sustainability; the first principles under the issues, namely why we think we know what we already know; why we should be concerned about these issues; and offer our thoughts on how we can work together to navigate a more sustainable shared future.

The program highlights the creative perspectives and solutions as proposed by the youth to achieve the following objectives:

  • Promote multi-track diplomacy, especially track II diplomacy between private citizens and groups of individuals
  • Encourage youth participation in public and civic affairs by better building and managing the existing youth talent pool for track II diplomacy
  • Expand international cooperation and capacity-building across the grassroots network of young people working toward social and environmental justice
  • Produce and disseminate creative agendas for policy innovation and reform

2023 Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y) | List of 2023 ASK-Y participants.
2022 Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y) | List of 2022 ASK-Y participants.
2021 Asia Society Korea Youth (ASK-Y) | List of 2021 ASK-Y participants.

1. Eligibility

  • Anyone between ages 19 and 29
  • Must be recommended by an Asia Society affiliate and/or academic advisor at an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Fluency in the English language (both written and spoken)
  • Applicants need NOT have established residency in South Korea in order to apply
  • We do NOT discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, disability, or national origin. This program is open to prospective applicants of all nationalities.

2. Guests

  • Asia Society Korea Honorary Ambassador Members
  • Seasoned industry experts, advisors, and scholars affiliated with Asia Society Korea's extensive international network

3. Selection Committee Members

  • H.E. Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador, EU Embassy Seoul
  • Young Joon Kim, Board Member, Asia Society Korea
  • Joon Oh, Board Member, Asia Society Korea
  • Mason Richey, Senior Contributor, Asia Society Korea
  • Inakshi Sobti, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society India
  • H.E. Eric Teo, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Singapore
  • H.E. Akiva J. Tor, Ambassador, Embassy of Israel
  • H.E. Michelle Winthrop, Ambassador, Embassy of Ireland
  • H.E. Daniel Wolvén, Head of the Department of Asia and Latin America, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

4. 2024 Schedule 

  • Check back later for ASK-Y 2024 details. In the meantime, connect with us on Instagram for the latest updates!

5. Program Benefits 

  • Asia Society Korea student membership fee waived (one year)
  • Invitation to Asia Society Korea public programs
  • Mentorship opportunities from Asia Society Korea members
  • Grant of US$100 per discussion
  • Cash compensation upon completion of the project
  • Mentorship and career guidance by Asia Society members and affiliates

6. Progress Report

  • Participants are strongly encouraged to share with Asia Society Korea a summary of their activities and prospective career plans
  • The participants must submit a Final Report (in Asia Society Korea's format) of their ASK-Y participation within one month from the program end date
  • Participants are also encouraged to write a review of their activities in ASK-Y sessions which may be shared with our members and audience on Asia Society Korea's online platforms


If you have any inquiries regarding the application process, please contact us
at [email protected].