ASEAN Emerging Thought Leaders Fellowship
The ASEAN Emerging Thought Leaders Fellowship is a six-month program for emerging policy leaders of ASEAN backgrounds living in Australia. It provides training in thought leadership, cultural diversity, policy analysis, media literacy and advocacy, while building professional networks and equipping a new generation of Australian ASEAN diaspora members to strengthen connections between Australia and ASEAN member countries.
Australia’s Southeast Asian diaspora is a key national asset for deepening regional engagement, yet remains under-mobilised within policy and research circles. Many diaspora professionals have high Asia literacy and sectoral expertise but lack structured opportunities to connect their skills to national and regional policy development. This fellowship fosters the professional networks that advance Australia’s strategic relationship with ASEAN countries.
The program runs in Australia from December 2026 to May 2027 in a hybrid format, with most events held online and some held in person in Melbourne.
The ASEAN Emerging Thought Leaders Fellowship is proudly supported by the ASEAN-Australia Centre.
Applications are now open, and close on 25 September, 2026. For more information and the application form, visit the program website here.