ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship 2025–2026

The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) has officially launched the ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program 2025–2026. This prestigious fellowship supports emerging researchers and thought leaders from Southeast Asia and Japan by providing funding and a platform for interdisciplinary research. The goal is to contribute to sustainable regional development through collaborative, policy-relevant research projects.

About the Fellowship

The program is designed to strengthen ASEAN-Japan collaboration on critical socio-economic and environmental challenges. Fellows will conduct small-scale, cross-border research, present their findings via webinars, and publish policy briefs aimed at influencing regional cooperation and policy-making.

Key Objectives:

• Promote stronger economic partnerships between ASEAN and Japan.

• Foster academic and institutional linkages.

• Encourage innovative solutions to regional socio-economic issues.

Degree Level

The ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship is not tied to a specific academic degree but is aimed at early-career researchers and professionals engaged in Fellowship-level research.

Eligible Research Topics

Proposals must be related to ASEAN and/or Japan and focus on one or more of the following areas:

• Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) / Free Trade Agreements (FTA) Utilization

• Decarbonization and Renewable Energy

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Workforce Development

• Green Supply Chains and Circular Economy

• Sustainable Tourism

• Carbon Trading and Environmental Markets

• Digital Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs

Fellowship Benefits

• Grant Funding: ¥150,000 per project

• Professional Exposure: Present research through webinars and policy briefs

• Networking Opportunities: Join a regional research community

• Career Development: Gain international recognition and policy influence

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State or Japan

• Hold a PhD completed within the last 5 years, or have 5–10 years of relevant work experience without a PhD

• Propose a research project that fosters ASEAN-Japan collaboration

• Apply individually or as part of a team

• Complete research by March 31, 2026

Eligible ASEAN Countries:

• Brunei Darussalam

• Cambodia

• Indonesia

• Laos

• Malaysia

• Myanmar

• Philippines

• Singapore

• Thailand

• Vietnam

Application Process

To apply, visit the official program page:
ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship 2025–2026

Important: Ensure you read the complete application guidelines before submitting your proposal.

Key Dates:

• Applications Open: May 26, 2025

• Deadline: June 15, 2025

• Online Interviews: July 10–15, 2025

• Fellows Announced: July 31, 2025

• Grant Disbursement: August 1, 2025

Why You Should Apply

• Become part of a high-impact regional research initiative.

• Strengthen your academic and policy influence in Southeast Asia and Japan.

• Collaborate with a network of professionals tackling urgent regional challenges.

• Contribute to meaningful and sustainable ASEAN-Japan development goals.