The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program is now inviting applications for its 2026 cohort — a transformative year-long learning experience designed for exceptional leaders under 40 across Asia and the Pacific. Through a unique combination of intensive leadership training, regional study tours, executive coaching, and tailored professional development, the program invests in the most promising next-generation changemakers working to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and connected Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception, The Asia Foundation has spent over seven decades empowering leaders and supporting inclusive development across the region. The Development Fellows Program continues this legacy by cultivating individuals who are not only accomplished in their fields but also deeply committed to advancing good governance, economic resilience, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. Program Overview The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program blends academic learning, practical leadership development, and cross-cultural exchange. It provides fellows with a rare opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and refine their leadership paths while engaging with peers and mentors from across Asia and the Pacific. The fellowship year consists of two core experiential modules — one in Asia and one in the United States — along with continuous professional support, coaching, and a personalized development grant. Together, these components form a comprehensive journey that strengthens leadership capacity and broadens perspectives on regional and global issues. Program Components 1. Leadership Training Program & Study Tour — Korea (April 19–25, 2026) The fellowship year begins with a Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program in Korea, where participants engage in a series of intensive training sessions, field visits, and reflective learning activities. The curriculum is structured around strategic thinking, decision-making, and innovative problem-solving in complex development contexts. Interactive modules are led by expert facilitators and executive coaches who help fellows sharpen their ability to manage change, lead diverse teams, and craft effective solutions to pressing social challenges. Site visits expose fellows to leading development practitioners, policy innovators, and social entrepreneurs, offering tangible examples of successful, locally driven approaches to development. In addition to formal sessions, the program includes wellness and mindfulness activities designed to enhance self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence — essential traits for sustainable leadership in demanding environments. 2. Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program — United States (September 28–October 7, 2026) The second major component takes place in the United States, where fellows continue to build upon insights gained during the Asia program. The U.S. session immerses participants in a series of policy dialogues, study visits, and collaborative learning experiences designed to expand their understanding of international development frameworks, global governance, and innovation ecosystems. This portion of the fellowship emphasizes cross-cultural exchange and the formation of global networks. Fellows engage with U.S.-based policymakers, civil society leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs, gaining exposure to new perspectives and strategies for advancing inclusive growth and democratic governance in Asia. Together, these two modules form an integrated leadership journey that spans continents, deepens regional understanding, and connects fellows to a vibrant global community of changemakers. 3. Professional Development Award Each fellow receives a Professional Development Award of up to USD 2,500, enabling them to design and pursue a personalized learning plan aligned with their career goals. This flexible grant supports specialized training programs, professional certifications, research projects, language courses, or participation in key regional and international conferences. Through this award, The Asia Foundation empowers fellows to tailor their growth experiences, strengthening specific skills or networks relevant to their leadership trajectory. The individualized plans ensure that each fellow’s journey remains relevant, practical, and directly applicable to their long-term impact goals. 4. Executive Coaching and Mentoring The Asia Foundation provides each fellow with personalized executive coaching and mentorship matching throughout the fellowship year. Coaches work one-on-one with fellows to help them clarify their purpose, set actionable goals, and navigate professional challenges with confidence and authenticity. Additionally, the Foundation’s vast network of regional experts and alumni ensures that fellows are connected with mentors whose professional expertise aligns with their fields — from governance and climate policy to social innovation, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. This mentorship ecosystem provides continuous support, fosters accountability, and reinforces the program’s emphasis on lifelong learning and collaboration. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of professional accomplishment and commitment to the Asia Foundation’s core areas of expertise, which include: Governance and democratic institutions Economic development and innovation Women’s empowerment and gender equality Environmental resilience and climate adaptation Education and leadership development Regional and international cooperation Candidates must: Be under 40 years of age as of January 1, 2026 Be resident nationals or citizens of one of the following: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam Be fluent in English (no TOEFL required) Be available to participate fully in all scheduled program components Be eligible to obtain a U.S. visa for travel Applicants should be recognized as thoughtful, committed, and inspirational leaders who demonstrate integrity, creativity, and a clear vision for positive change in their communities and fields of work. Selection Process and Timeline The selection process for the Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is highly competitive. Applications are carefully reviewed by Foundation staff and a final selection committee composed of regional experts. The process prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that fellows represent a wide range of disciplines, backgrounds, and geographies. Key Dates: Applications open: September 23, 2025 Deadline: November 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST) Internal Review: November 2025 – January 2026 Final Selection: January – February 2026 Fellowship Year Begins: April 2026 All application materials are treated confidentially, and the identities of nominees remain protected throughout the review process. A Transformative Journey for Emerging Leaders The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program offers far more than academic training — it is an immersive leadership experience that empowers young professionals to transform vision into impact. Fellows join a vibrant alumni network of changemakers across Asia and the Pacific, fostering lifelong collaboration and knowledge exchange. Graduates of the program emerge equipped to lead with empathy, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding — qualities essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century. For the next generation of leaders determined to shape the future of Asia and the Pacific, this fellowship represents a remarkable opportunity to learn, lead, and connect. Application Deadline: November 10, 2025Inquiries: development.fellows@asiafoundation.orgMore Information: Visit The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.