SEACH Vision

Building upon a century-old legacy in Southeast Asia's modernised rice industry, Shelley Tsang founded the Southeast Asia Cultural Hub (SEACH) in 2019 with a distinct regional perspective. SEACH was conceived on the principle that the region's profound cultural diversity — woven from its myriad ethnicities, religions, and geographies — is its greatest asset for future-facing civilisational dialogue and sustainable development. Our vision is to position Southeast Asia not merely as a subject of cultural appreciation but as a dynamic nexus for co-creating solutions to global challenges. We aim to harness this cultural capital to foster a new generation of leadership, strengthen regional cohesion, and build a prosperous, harmonious future rooted in a deep and shared heritage.

Strategic Priorities

SEACH operationalises its mission by integrating culture as a core component of regional progress, aligning with key ASEAN community goals. Our strategic framework is delivered through three interconnected priorities. First, we champion Cultural Continuity and Innovation, safeguarding intangible cultural heritage as a living resource for education and sustainable community development. Second, we focus on Leadership and Talent Development, creating high-level platforms for youth empowerment, skills integration, and STEM advancement to fuel inclusive economic growth. Third, we drive Policy and Ecosystem Development, facilitating multilateral dialogue and partnerships that translate cultural co-operation into tangible strategies for regional resilience and innovation.

Core Initiatives

SEACH translates strategic priorities into action through a suite of flagship initiatives designed for measurable impact. The China-ASEAN High-Level Youth Talent Exchange Platform, launched at a ministerial-level meeting, cultivates future leaders through educational empowerment. The Southeast Asia Cultural Innovation Accelerator incubates creative enterprises that merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and technology. Concurrently, the ASEAN Living Heritage Digital Archive employs advanced technology to preserve and animate the region's collective memory, while the Future Southeast Asia Leaders Forum convenes influential figures to shape the regional agenda. Together, these programmes demonstrate culture as a dynamic driver for practical community development and economic empowerment.

Global Reach and Impact

From its inception, SEACH has established itself as a credible and effective actor in the Southeast Asian cultural landscape. Our impact is evidenced by our ability to convene partners at the highest levels, notably launching a major youth initiative alongside the education ministers of China and all ten ASEAN nations during the ASEAN Education Cooperation Week. In partnership with key bodies such as the China New Urbanisation Construction Steering Committee and with dedicated funding backing, we effectively bridge cultural imperatives with developmental agendas. Our reach, while strategically focused, generates significant ripple effects — empowering individuals, fostering institutional collaboration, and influencing policy dialogues to strengthen the cultural foundations for long-term regional prosperity and understanding.