The Obama Foundation Leaders programme has announced Kelvin Tan, co-founder and CEO of Project ID among 105 emerging leaders selected to join the programme’s 2023 cohort this year.
The programme trains participants around the world in leadership development and civic engagement to help build their skills and scale their work across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Kelvin, from Malaysia, will be one of just 35 Leaders participating in the Asia-Pacific programme. This year’s Asia-Pacific cohort represents 22 nations and territories across the region.
He got his start as a public-school teacher through Teach For Malaysia and went on to co-found and manage Project ID for more than a decade. He has also been recognised as an Acumen Fellow and as a Tatler Gen.T Honouree.
He most recently founded Edflow, a digital learning platform to support high-school students by providing a space for them to share and access learning resources.
“It is an honour to join the global network of Obama Foundation Leaders. As part of the Leaders Asia-Pacific cohort, I’m excited to join fellow Leaders doing the work in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and Europe. Together, we are driving sustainable change all around the world,” said Kelvin Tan, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Project ID.
“We are proud to welcome the newest class of Obama Leaders into our community of changemakers,” said Cedric Brown, Vice President of Leadership Programs, Obama Foundation.
“We look forward to challenging and supporting each of these exceptional Leaders to further develop their already-impressive skills as they bring their passion, dedication, and talent to the critical issues in their respective communities. With Kelvin contributing his unique perspective and experience, we are confident that our newest class of Obama Leaders will inspire and learn from one another, driving each other to become more impactful in their day-to-day work. We can’t wait to see all they accomplish.”
As part of the six-month, non-residential programme, these dedicated changemakers will convene virtually each week for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community.
They will also have an opportunity to participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.
President Obama’s familial ties to the region, his time in Indonesia as a young man, and his upbringing in Hawai’i have informed his values and his faith in the passion of this generation of changemakers across the Asia Pacific region. Launched in 2019, the program is creating a network of leaders who drive positive, innovative change in their communities throughout the continent and across the globe.
The 2023 cohort of Asia-Pacific Leaders are working across a broad range of issues and focus areas, including the climate crisis, indigenous rights, education, and more.
The Obama Foundation Leaders program is designed to further inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from Africa, Asia Pacific, and Europe to change their respective communities and the world. To learn more, visit obama.org/leaders.
