- Polkadot Blockchain Academy launches "Governance for New Leadership" program in Bali (Sept 7-13, 2025), its first executive policy training in Asia.
- Program bridges policymakers and blockchain developers for real-time collaboration on Web3 governance, in partnership with Mandala Blockchain Academy.
- Backed by Indonesia’s Digital 2045 vision, the initiative aims to build regional blockchain leadership and drive real-world innovation in public policy.
The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) today announced the introduction of its 'Governance for New Leadership' program, which will host senior policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in Bali this September. The week-long executive program (September 7-13, 2025) follows the success of PBA's pilot program in Lucerne, Switzerland, and represents the Academy's first expansion of its policy education initiative to the Asia region.
Held in Nusa Dua, Bali, in collaboration with Mandala Blockchain Academy (Mandala Chain's education wing), the program coincides with PBA's landmark developer training campus. This arrangement will enable government policymakers to collaborate shoulder to shoulder with blockchain developers on practical governance solutions throughout the program.
“The future of governance is programmable, and we’re inviting the world’s most forward-thinking leaders to help write those rules”, said Pauline Cohen Vorms, CEO of Polkadot Blockchain Academy. “What makes the Bali program unique is the direct bridge between policymakers and developers working together in real time.
Expanding on Switzerland Success: The Bali offering stems directly from PBA's highly successful pilot in Lucerne, which in April 2025 gathered UK Members of Parliament, officials from Indonesia and the European Union for hands-on training in blockchain governance. Dr. Lisa Cameron, UK Parliament Member and creator of the UK–US Crypto Alliance, described the Switzerland course as a 'worthwhile experience for MPs to see firsthand how Web3 is being used in practice'. Insights from the pilot have been integrated to expand the curriculum and enhance its real-world applicability. The extended Bali model will have participants translate policy concepts into functional prototypes with the aid of the parallel developer community.
Indonesia's Alignment of Digital Strategy: Indonesian officials have welcomed the program as aligning with the country's digital transformation objectives. "Programs such as PBA in Bali strongly support Indonesia's 'Digital 2045' vision of developing high-tech talent", remarked Pak Ery Wijaya, a Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy representative. “We’re proud to see international blockchain leaders partnering with local innovators for long-term economic impact”. By hosting the program in Indonesia, PBA aims to contribute to the growth of Southeast Asia’s blockchain ecosystem and policymaking expertise. Local developer participation via Mandala’s network will ensure knowledge transfer to Indonesian talent.
Also Read: MBRF and UNDP to Host 3rd Edition of Youth Knowledge Forum in Morocco
“We’re not asking leaders to become technologists”, Cohen Vorms explained. “We’re empowering them to lead through technological change by providing strategic clarity and implementation tools they can apply immediately”. The Academy anticipates that graduates will return home with actionable pilot projects and the know-how to guide broader adoption of blockchain solutions in their jurisdictions.
Program Information and Application: Governance for New Leadership: For Decision Makers Driving Innovation & Real Impact" takes place September 7-14, 2025 in Nusa Dua, Bali. Spots for the program are limited, so that the experience can be intimate and highly engaging. The USD $2,000 program fee includes tuition, housing, and meals for a week. (Indonesian public servants can apply for a sponsored rate to be paid in 5 DOT, Polkadot's cryptocurrency, as part of PBA's local capacity-building commitment.)
Applications are now open and will be accepted up to August 12th, 2025. Policymakers, regulators, and top professionals who wish to attend can learn more and apply at polkadot.academy/governance-bali. Further information and advisory assistance are available for interested applicants in a comprehensive program brochure.
