Nominations now open for 2025 Yahoo Academy

Nominations are now open for Yahoo Academy 2025, an industry-renowned, immersive talent development programme designed to empower the next generation of media and marketing professionals across Australia and Singapore. This 14th edition marks three years since Yahoo Academy expanded to Singapore with delegates from both countries forming a 30-strong cohort.

Taking place in Sydney on April 8 and 9, the fully sponsored programme will provide this year’s set of rising stars with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving workplace. The 2025 edition will feature deep-dive workshops led by industry-leading experts including renowned strategist Rob Campbell, earned media guru Simone Gupta and AI expert Lucio Ribeiro.

These sessions will delve into critical areas such as practical implementation of AI, strategic and critical thinking, business problem solving and other areas crucial to the future of work in an era of unprecedented skills disruption.

The experience will culminate in a high-stakes Pitch-Off, where participants will put their learning into action by tackling a real-world business problem for Australian charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD). The winning team will walk away with an all-expenses-paid trip to a major international marketing conference in May, including flights, accommodation and event tickets.

John McNerney, Managing Director of Yahoo AUSEA, says: “The pace of change in our industry is relentless and it’s now more critical than ever to invest in the next generation of talent. Yahoo Academy is about giving rising stars the tools and confidence to lead, adapt and thrive in an evolving workplace.

“Over the years, we’ve seen participants go on to shape the industry in incredible ways and I’m excited to see how this year’s group will rise to the challenge and embrace the opportunity to make their mark.”

On returning to the program as this year’s charity in focus, Dominic Brook, co-founder of MMAD, says: “Last year’s winning team blew us away with their creativity, passion and ability to think strategically under pressure. I can’t wait to see that same level of drive and innovation from this year’s participants. We’re deeply grateful to Yahoo for their continued support and belief in MMAD’s mission to create real change through the power of music and mentoring.”

Confirmed workshop hosts include:
• Rob Campbell, Chief Strategy Officer, Colenso BBDO who will be drilling down on how to make strategies fit for the real world.
• Simone Gupta, Co-Founder, Supermassive will share her tips on thinking like an earned media guru to get real cut-through in the modern media landscape.
• Lucio Ribeiro, Founder, Lucio AI who is set to give the latest updates on the practical AI tools that can actually help you at work.
• Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham, Founder, The Nest Consultancy is a leading pitch expert and will share his tips on giving high-impact presentations that leave an impression.

Sharing her experience, class of Yahoo Academy 2024 delegate, Jasmine Phua of CPXi Asia, says: “Yahoo Academy was a fantastic opportunity that allowed me to broaden my horizons through a one-of-a-kind experience, opening myself up to new ways of approaching the evolving digital landscape. The race towards performance is getting tougher – but learning newer, more effective ways to capture attention and maximising AI has equipped me with an edge in driving our campaigns in Singapore.”

Elika Tamaddoni, Head of Trade Marketing at Yahoo AUSEA, adds: “Yahoo Academy is all about pushing emerging talent to develop the skills that matter most in today’s industry. We bring in top experts to challenge and inspire them. Last year’s cohort proved just how powerful that experience can be turning their learning into truly impactful ideas and I’m excited to see this year’s group step up, embrace the challenge, and show us what they’re capable of.”

Applications are now open to media and marketing professionals across Australia and Singapore who possess up to seven years of experience and are eager to take their careers to the next level. Applications close on Friday, February 28 and nominees must be available to attend the workshop in Sydney.

For details on how to apply, click here.