ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025/Report/Rruunnaa

Kopisanangan toinsanan, Tabi Pibabasan. This is my first time to follow Summit and i can't deny that every day is a new for me and i am truly grateful for having a chance to be here.

Sponsorship

I am one of the participants that get a full scholarship. So, I would like to send my gratitude to the ESEAP Summit Organizer for choosing me. It really helps me to enjoy all the privileges provided such as accomodation, meals and transportation.

Roles

Full Scholarship Participant
Member of Kent Wikimedia Club
Wikimedia Malaysia

Things learned at the Summit

22 May 2025-Arriving at Manila

My friend and I,Joeiviviean, representing the Kent Wikimedia Club, embarked on our journey to the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 with great anticipation. We flew from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and then transited to Manila via Malaysia Airlines. Upon our arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, we were warmly greeted by the organizing team. They assisted us in securing a Grab ride to Sheraton Manila Bay, our accommodation for the event.As we approached the hotel, we were excited to see numerous participants already gathered, engaging in lively conversations and networking. The air was filled with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose.

Later that evening, Wikimedia Malaysia hosted a delightful cup noodle party. Despite the simplicity of the event, it was incredibly memorable. We had the opportunity to connect with fellow Wikimedians from various countries within the ESEAP region. The informal setting fostered genuine conversations, allowing us to forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones.The warm hospitality, the vibrant atmosphere, and the shared passion for knowledge equity made for a wonderful start to our journey. We were eager to participate in the upcoming sessions and contribute to the collaborative spirit of the summit.

23 May 2025-SUMMIT Day 1

On the first day, the program started at 9.00 am after breakfast. The coordinator of the program greeted all the participants of Summit 2025 that has granted for a scholarship and the volunteer that will help throughout the programme. The first session that was remains vivid in memory was the activity which was impersonating Gallery Walk in school. There were five topic about the governance system and all of us have a chance to give a thought by writing on a sticker and put in on a board. The five section was language and translating, newbie handbook, support for emerging communities, training and advocacy. After all the brainstorming we have our tea break and each section presented by participant.

After that, the room was divided into two parallel sessions, each focusing on a different theme. I chose to join the Landscaping Global and ESEAP Regulatory Trends for Advocacy session. Through presentations by Wikimedia affiliates from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and two other countries, I gained valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by each organization, as well as the activities they’ve implemented to address these issues. They also shared thoughtful suggestions on how to further expand Wikimedia projects in their respective regions. Throughout the session, several important topics were discussed, including Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP), the minimum age for social media use, online child safety, and collaborative efforts with Ministries of Education, among others.

Later that evening, we enjoyed a delightful dinner, followed by an entertaining karaoke session. I was truly impressed by the mutual respect and encouragement displayed by the Wikimedian community during each performance. The atmosphere was warm and inclusive, making everyone feel comfortable to participate, regardless of their singing abilities. The karaoke session concluded at 8:30 PM, with Youngji, our informal emcee, humorously announcing that it was merely the 'semifinal.' That playful remark added a lighthearted touch to the evening, leaving us all thoroughly entertained.

24 May 2025-Summit Day 2

I began the day early, eager to immerse myself in the summit's activities. After a hearty breakfast, I joined fellow participants for the second day of the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as we prepared to delve into sessions aimed at enhancing collaboration and strategic planning among Wikimedia affiliates.

Connecting and Collaborating Between Affiliates and Countries The morning session focused on fostering connections between affiliates and countries. Speakers shared best practices and benchmarks on how working with other communities is being and can be done. Their insights provided valuable guidance on effective cross-border partnerships, highlighting the importance of mutual support and shared goals within the Wikimedia movement. This session broadened my understanding of regional collaboration, inspiring me to foster stronger ties with neighboring Wikimedia communities. It highlighted the importance of inter-affiliate cooperation, encouraging our club to seek partnerships beyond our immediate network.

Open Mic for Cross-border Collaboration Although this session started later than scheduled, it seamlessly integrated into the coffee break, allowing participants to network and discuss potential collaborations. During this time, I had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with Angelica from Wikimedia Philippines regarding their proposal for an ESEAP Youth initiative. As representatives of Wikimedia Malaysia Youth, we expressed our full support for this initiative and our willingness to collaborate in bringing it to fruition. This discussion exemplified the spirit of cross-border collaboration that is central to the Wikimedia movement. Engaging with Angelica from Wikimedia Philippines about the ESEAP Youth initiative was enlightening, reinforcing my commitment to youth engagement. Our club's support for the ESEAP Youth proposal positions us to play a pivotal role in shaping youth-focused programs within the region.

Strategic Tactics for Building External Partnerships This session offered insights into identifying and nurturing productive partnerships. Best practices from the Wikimedia Foundation's perspective were shared, emphasizing strategies for successful external collaborations. The discussions underscored the significance of building relationships beyond the Wikimedia community to amplify our impact. From this, I learn effective partnership strategies provided me with tools to identify and cultivate meaningful collaborations. These insights will aid our club in establishing sustainable external relationships, enhancing our outreach and resource base.

Next we have Global Trends Workshop where participants engaged in discussions addressing current issues impacting individual contributors, communities, and the ESEAP region as a whole. Breakout sessions, such as "Readers and Contributors," facilitated focused conversations on specific topics. These dialogues provided a platform to explore challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of the global trends influencing our work. Discussing current issues affecting contributors deepened my awareness of global challenges and the need for adaptive strategies. The workshop's findings will inform our club's approach to addressing broader trends, ensuring our activities remain relevant and impactful.

ESEAP Community Skills Mapping The day concluded with an initiative to map the diverse skills within ESEAP communities. This exercise categorized competencies into areas like general organizational skills (leadership, problem-solving) and programmatic skills (logistics, reporting, documentation). The resulting "skills tree" aims to guide future training and capacity-building efforts, ensuring that our communities are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the Wikimedia movement. Participating in the skills mapping exercise helped me recognize areas for personal development and contribution. The resulting skills inventory will guide our club in leveraging members' strengths and identifying areas for capacity building.

25 May 2025-Summit Day 3

I started the final day of the summit early, eager to engage in the day's activities. After enjoying breakfast at the Manila Bay Kitchen, I joined fellow participants for the concluding sessions of the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025.

GLAM-Wiki Meetup The day began with the GLAM-Wiki Meetup, where participants shared insights into their respective communities' efforts in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM). This session provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the diverse initiatives across the ESEAP region, inspiring ideas for potential collaborations and projects within our own community.

Global Resource Distribution Committee Update Following a brief coffee break, we attended the Global Resource Distribution Committee Update. The committee provided updates on resource allocation and support mechanisms for Wikimedia affiliates. Understanding these processes is crucial for our club to effectively seek and utilize resources for future initiatives.

Move into Future Conference(s) The next session focused on guidelines and procedures for future programs, including grant applications and support structures. This information is instrumental in planning and executing successful projects, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of the Wikimedia movement.

Closing Session In the closing session, a symbolic gesture marked the transition to the next host of the ESEAP conference. The Philippines presented a quokka, a Wikimedian doll, to Wikimedian Taiwan, signifying their role as the upcoming conference organizer in Kaohsiung City. This moment encapsulated the spirit of unity and continuity within the ESEAP community.

Visit to the National Museum of the Philippines Post-summit, we visited the National Museum of the Philippines. The museum, an educational, scientific, and cultural institution, houses extensive collections in fine arts, anthropology, archaeology, and natural history. Exploring the museum's exhibits offered a profound appreciation for the Philippines' rich cultural heritage and underscored the importance of preserving and promoting such treasures. However, the tour coincided with a particularly hot day, with temperatures reaching up to 33.6°C (92.5°F) . The combination of heat and extensive walking led to noticeable fatigue, highlighting the physical demands of such excursions.

Dinner at Sky Deck View Bar, The Bayleaf The day concluded with a dinner at the Sky Deck View Bar, The Bayleaf. This gathering provided a relaxed environment to reflect on the summit's experiences, strengthen connections, and discuss future collaborations.

26 May 2025-Departure Back to Sabah

On our final day in Manila, my friend and I, representing the Kent Wikimedia Club, prepared for our journey back to Sabah. We had already completed online check-in for our flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), but upon arrival at the airport, we discovered that we still needed to line up at the counter to drop off our checked baggage and obtain our boarding passes. This process was a bit time-consuming, especially as we were still familiarizing ourselves with the airport system. Additionally, many people at the airport assumed I was Filipino and spoke to me in Tagalog, which added to the confusion.

Despite these minor challenges, we managed to navigate the airport procedures and boarded our flight, which was delayed by 38 minutes. Upon arriving at KLIA, my friend Joeivivian and I decided to grab a quick meal at Burger King before our connecting flight. The meal provided a brief respite and a chance to reflect on our experiences.At 9:00 PM, we boarded our final flight back to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). Upon arrival, our institution's coaster was waiting to safely transport us back to our hostel, bringing our journey to a comfortable close.Looking back, the trip was filled with valuable experiences and learning opportunities. I am hopeful for the chance to attend the next ESEAP conference or even Wikimania, to continue building connections and contributing to the Wikimedia movement.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the strategy summit

Throughout the summit, I engaged in various sessions that focused on Movement Strategy and Charter Discussions on the future direction of the Wikimedia movement.

Regional Collaboration Strategies for enhancing cooperation within the ESEAP region.

Technology and Education Exploring the role of technology in promoting knowledge equity.

These sessions provided valuable insights and fostered a deeper understanding of the strategic goals of the Wikimedia movement.

Following the summit, I contributed to the Pitabangan Manila editathon, a 9-day online event aimed at creating and improving articles related to Manila and the Philippines. This initiative allowed me to apply the knowledge gained during the summit and contribute to the expansion of free knowledge. The experiences and knowledge gained from the summit have had a positive impact on the Kent Wikimedia Club such as:

Enhanced Collaboration Strengthened relationships with regional affiliates, fostering a spirit of cooperation.

Skill Development Acquired new skills and strategies that can be applied to future projects.

Increased Visibility Raised the profile of the Kent Wikimedia Club within the broader Wikimedia community.

Participating in the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 was an enriching experience that provided valuable insights into the strategic direction of the Wikimedia movement. The knowledge gained and connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the Kent Wikimedia Club.

Plans after the strategy Summit (from what was learned or contributed in the strategy summit)

As a final-year student, I am committed to continuing my support for the Kent Wikimedia Club's journey. The insights gained from the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 have inspired me to advocate for knowledge equity within my community. I plan to engage my peers and educators in discussions about the importance of open knowledge and encourage their participation in Wikimedia projects. Additionally, I aim to organize workshops and training sessions to introduce others to the world of Wikimedians, focusing on the benefits of contributing to platforms like Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. By sharing my experiences and the knowledge acquired from the summit, I hope to inspire a new generation of contributors who are passionate about preserving and sharing cultural heritage.Through these efforts, I aspire to foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, ensuring that the mission of the Kent Wikimedia Club continues to thrive beyond my academic tenure.

Comments/ suggestions about the strategy summit

Attending the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 in Manila was an enriching experience, offering valuable insights into the Wikimedia movement. However, there were certain aspects that could benefit from attention and improvement.

Experiences Outside the Summit During our stay, my colleague and I encountered challenges navigating the local environment. While exploring a shopping mall, we were approached by individuals seeking financial assistance. This experience highlighted the need for increased awareness and preparedness when interacting with the local community. It's advisable to remain vigilant and informed about such situations to ensure personal safety and comfort.

To improve future summits and similar events, the following suggestions are proposed: Support for First-Time Visitors Implementing orientation sessions for newcomers can assist them in acclimating to the event and the host city, fostering a more inclusive environment. In conclusion, while the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 was a valuable and insightful event, addressing these areas can further enhance the experience for all participants.

Conclusion

Attending the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 in Manila was an invaluable experience that significantly enriched my understanding of the Wikimedia movement. The summit provided a platform to engage with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting open knowledge. Despite facing challenges such as strict event regulations and unexpected encounters with local beggars, these experiences offered opportunities for personal growth and cultural learning.

As I transition into my final year, I am committed to applying the insights gained from the summit to support and advance the mission of the Kent Wikimedia Club. By fostering collaboration, advocating for knowledge equity, and engaging with the community, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the global Wikimedia movement. The summit has not only deepened my passion for open knowledge but has also equipped me with the tools and perspectives necessary to drive positive change within my community and beyond.

In conclusion, the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2025 was a transformative experience that has inspired me to continue my journey as a Wikimedian, dedicated to the principles of knowledge sharing and cultural preservation.