Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network (SEALNet)

What Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network (SEALNet) does

SEALNet (Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (legal entity SEALNet, Inc., EIN 68-0598601) founded in Fall 2004 at Stanford University's Haas Center for Public Service by students collaborating with professionals from the Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (SALI). The organization develops and delivers youth service-leadership programs across all 10 ASEAN countries — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Brunei — targeting participants aged 18–25 of Southeast Asian descent. Core program offerings include two-week immersive Summer Projects addressing community-level social issues (e.g., disability inclusion, mental health, environmental sustainability, education, food safety), a week-long Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) launched in 2013 in Singapore, a Mentorship Program, and a growing network of SEALNet Clubs and Chapters at universities and communities.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with advisory input from a Council of Elders, and operates through five Executive Teams — Publicity, Technology, Fundraising, Finance, and Documentation & Sustainability — alongside volunteer program organizers. Total paid headcount is approximately 11, with the broader workforce composed of volunteers and alumni ('SEALNutters'). SEALNet does not develop proprietary technology; its digital infrastructure consists of standard website (sealnetonline.org), social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn), email, and online application (Google Forms) tools used for outreach, recruitment, and program management. The 2019 15th-anniversary rebrand introduced a redesigned website and updated logo but no new platform technology.

The business model is donation-driven: SEALNet accepts tax-deductible monetary contributions from individuals and organizations, in-kind donations (hardware, food, lodging, transportation for projects), and requires each program participant to fundraise at least USD 250 toward project costs. All on-site program expenses are covered by SEALNet, while participants fund their own travel. The organization has no parent company, is not venture-backed, and discloses no revenue or operating budget. Strategic partners for on-the-ground project implementation include Gawad Kalinga (Philippines), Population and Community Development Association/PDA (Thailand), Yodifee (Cambodia), Disability Resource and Development Group (Vietnam), and government-linked entities such as the Philippines Department of Science and Technology.

Name

Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network (SEALNet)

Legal name

SEALNet, Inc.

Website

https://sealnetonline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SEALNet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded at Stanford in 2004 that runs Summer Projects, a Youth Leadership Summit, and university clubs to develop service leadership among Southeast Asian youth (18–25) across all 10 ASEAN countries, funded by donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Leadership Development Programs

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), Volunteerism, Service-Learning & Community Service (EDALAHAG), Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB)

Keywords

• Youth leadership development
• Service learning programs
• Community service initiatives
• Nonprofit volunteer programs
• Cross-cultural mentorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Stanford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: SEALNet operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 68-0598601) that accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Donations support future programs and initiatives. The organization also accepts in-kind donations such as hardware, food, lodging, and transportation assistance for on-the-ground projects.
2. Participant Fundraising: Program participants are expected to fundraise towards their participation (e.g., USD 250 for summit/projects). This fundraising contribution is not a participation fee but rather a way for participants to contribute to the program's costs.

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SEALNet runs immersive youth service leadership programs in Southeast Asia, anchored by two-week Summer Projects that deploy youth volunteers to address community social issues (education, health, disability inclusion, environment) in 10 ASEAN countries. It complements these with the week-long Youth Leadership Summit (leadership training and capacity building) and a network of university-based Clubs and Chapters for ongoing engagement. All programs are volunteer-led, free to participants (on-site costs covered), and supported by participant fundraising.

Product overview

SEALNet is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of youth service leadership programs. Its core offerings include Summer Projects (immersive 2-week experiential programs addressing social issues in Southeast Asian communities), the Youth Leadership Summit (week-long leadership training and capacity building), and local Clubs and Chapters (sustaining service initiatives regionally). Supporting infrastructure includes Executive Teams for operations management and a Mentorship Program connecting young leaders with projects. The organization was founded at Stanford University in 2004 and operates across 10 Southeast Asian countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Summer Projects Fully immersive, two-week experiential programs bringing together Southeast Asian youth volunteers (mentors and mentees, preferably aged 18-25) from around the world to address imminent social issues in Southeast Asian communities through an intensive service leadership model. Programs run across multiple ASEAN countries and are implemented in partnership with local NGOs, schools, and community organizations. All on-site expenses are covered by SEALNet; participants cover their own travel fare and are expected to fundraise (e.g., USD 250) toward program costs.
• Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) A week-long leadership incubator and training platform building and connecting the next generation of Southeast Asian leaders through capacity building, skills training, and social issue awareness. The summit convenes youth aged 18-24 with leadership experience and is held biennially or annually (e.g., YLS 2019, Youth Leadership Summit Special Online Modules 2020, Youth Leadership Summit 2024 planned with online and in-person phases in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).
• Clubs and Chapters Local SEALNet clubs established in schools and communities across Southeast Asian countries (e.g., Cambodia SEALNet Club, Philippine Science High School Eastern Visayas Campus SEALNet Club) to sustain service leadership initiatives, provide ongoing volunteer opportunities, and support continued alumni engagement with SEALNet's mission.
• Mentorship Program Program connecting Southeast Asian youth (preferably 18-25 years old) with service leadership projects, requiring a fundraising commitment (e.g., USD 250) and full project participation as mentors and mentees within the Summer Projects framework.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 40 projects sponsored since founding, with presence in all 10 ASEAN countries
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VietFellows (AAPIP - Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVietFellows is a project of AAPIP dedicated to engaging Vietnamese Americans in issues surrounding Agent Orange/Dioxin. They identified local partners in Vietnam including Disability Resource and Development Group (DRD) and schools for people with disabilities. SEALNet collaborates with VietFellows to implement Project Vietnam 2012 focusing on disability awareness through devised theater.
• Disability Resource and Development Group (DRD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRD's mission is to promote the full participation of and equal opportunities for People With Disabilities (PWDs) in all spheres of society. They support groups/organizations of PWDs and enhance awareness among society. SEALNet partners with DRD for disability-focused projects in Vietnam.
• 15 May SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 15 May School is a school and shelter for street children from the poorest area of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The school provides primary and secondary level schooling free of charge to over 250 students and shelter for 30 children. SEALNet partners with this school for vocational English training projects.
• Gawad KalingacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGawad Kalinga is a non-profit organization that builds communities for displaced families and provides them with tools necessary to improve their situations. SEALNet partners with Gawad Kalinga for educational projects in the Philippines, including tutoring and mentorship programs for youth in Gawad Kalingan communities.
• University of the Philippines - Cebu High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA local high school with an Enriched General Curriculum that admits students with no less than an academic average of 85% in math, science, English, civics and Filipino. Partner school for SEALNet projects in the Philippines.
• Cebu City National Science High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA local high school consisting of students in the upper 10% of their graduating class with a rigorous curriculum focused on math and science. Partner school for SEALNet educational projects in the Philippines.
• Philippine Science High School - Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA specialized science high school operated under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). SEALNet partners with PSHS-EVC for science and engineering leadership education projects in Leyte, Philippines. A SEALNet club has been established in this campus.
• YodifeecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA local non-government organization in Cambodia that provides support for youth with disabilities. SEALNet partners with Yodifee for education and vocational training projects targeting physically disabled youth in Phnom Penh.
• Population and Community Development Association (PDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Thailand's largest non-profit organizations. PDA supports and facilitates SEALNet's environmental and community development projects in Thailand, helping ensure project sustainability within communities.
• Thi Nghe Orphanage for Children with DisabilitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam providing services for children with disabilities. Identified as a potential local partner through VietFellows for disability-focused initiatives.
• Vocational School for the Orphaned and Handicapped in SaigonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal educational institution in Saigon providing vocational training for orphaned and handicapped youth. Identified as a potential local partner through VietFellows.
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - PhilippinesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe executive department of the Philippines responsible for coordination of science and technology-related projects. DOST governs the Philippine Science High School System and supports SEALNet's educational initiatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Global Citizen Year: Non-profit that recruits and trains youth for service leadership and gap-year programs in developing regions. Comparable immersive service leadership model targeting similar 18-25 age demographic.
• AIESEC: Global youth-led non-profit running leadership and cross-cultural exchange programs across 100+ countries including Southeast Asia. Directly comparable in mission (youth leadership development, cross-cultural collaboration) and volunteer-driven model.
• Global Volunteers: Non-profit facilitating short-term volunteer service programs for youth and adults in developing countries, including Southeast Asia. Comparable service-immersion model targeting similar participant demographic.

Regional players

• Gawad Kalinga: Philippines-based non-profit focused on poverty alleviation and community development, and an actual SEALNet partner. Overlaps with SEALNet in Philippines-based youth service and community-development programming.
• VietFellows (AAPIP): Vietnamese-American civic engagement initiative under Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy; an active SEALNet partner. Closely comparable in mobilizing diaspora youth for Vietnam-focused service projects.

Broad incumbents

• Asia Foundation: Large international development organization with deep pan-Asian footprint and youth-leadership programming. Overlaps with SEALNet's regional Southeast Asia focus and governance/civic engagement mission.
• Ashoka: Global organization supporting social entrepreneurs and youth changemakers across Southeast Asia. Comparable in cultivating young leaders and service-driven changemakers, but with broader scope and larger infrastructure.
• Room to Read: Established education-focused NGO operating throughout Southeast Asia with volunteer engagement components. Comparable in combining youth development, education programming, and cross-cultural volunteer mobilization.
• International Youth Foundation (IYF): Large established non-profit working globally on youth leadership, employability, and civic engagement programs. Operates in Southeast Asia with broader portfolio but overlapping youth-development mission.
• Habitat for Humanity (Youth Programs): Major international NGO with active youth volunteer and service-learning programs across Southeast Asia (especially Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines). Overlaps with SEALNet's community-service volunteer mobilization model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sealnet
• Facebookfacebook.com/sealnet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sealnet
• Instagraminstagram.com/sealnet.official

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network (SEALNet)