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.