Our Story

In the Fall of 2004, a group of students from Stanford University and working professionals from the Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative (SALI) – a foundation for innovative social enterprise projects – came together through their shared desire to see Southeast Asia grow. Their discussion at the Haas Center for Public Service would mark the birth of the Southeast Asian Leadership Network (SEALNet) student group at Stanford University.

The SALI professionals became SEALNet’s mentors, providing both personal support and professional guidance for them to implement their first-ever Service Leadership programs in Southeast Asia. In 2006, SALI and the SEALNet student group merged together on the basis of their shared values and mission to become the Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network.

Since then, SEALNet has hosted 65 Service Leadership programs, serving about 50 communities in 10 countries – thus creating a network of over 1000 passionate Servant Leaders who strive to realize SEALNet’s vision of a vibrant and interconnected Southeast Asia.


2002 (Pre-SEALNet)

Leng Lim and Mei Lin Fung were working on an leadership initiative for ASEAN, which took the name SALI (Southeast Asia Leadership Initiative). They met with Kevin Teo and Kwee Bin, two Singaporeans who will later help its operationalization.

2004

The Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network (SEALNet) was founded as a student group at Stanford University.

2005

SEALNet launched its pilot program, the 2005 Service Leadership Project in Vietnam (PV05), which built a computer laboratory, trained English teachers to make use of the new facilities, and conducted service leadership workshops for local high school students.

2006

SALI and SEALNet merged into one entity and was renamed the Southeast Asian Service Leadership Network.

2008

A SEALNet Chapter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was established.

2009

A SEALNet Chapter at the National University of Singapore was established.

2012

SEALNet Club Cambodia was established.

2013

SEALNet’s first Youth Leadership Summit. 

2015

SEALNet Club Vietnam and SEALNet Club Hanoi were established in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

2018

SEALNet Club Philippines was established.

2019

SEALNet’s 15th anniversary!