ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program 2025–2026

ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program 2025–2026

The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) has officially announced the launch of the ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program 2025–2026, aimed at empowering emerging researchers and thought leaders across Southeast Asia and Japan. This prestigious fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain funding, share ideas on global platforms, and contribute to sustainable regional development through policy-relevant research.

What is the ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship?

The ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program is a five-month initiative supporting small-scale, cross-border, interdisciplinary research. Its purpose is to foster ASEAN-Japan collaboration on key socio-economic and environmental issues. Fellows will present their work through webinars and publish policy briefs, contributing directly to regional cooperation.

Objectives of the Program

1. Strengthen ASEAN-Japan economic partnerships through research
2. Foster institutional and academic linkages
3. Promote innovation in addressing regional socio-economic challenges

Degree Level

ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program 2025–2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Japan Universities.

Available Subjects

Eligible research topics must focus on ASEAN, Japan, or both, and may include:

1. Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) / Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization
2. Decarbonization and renewable energy
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and workforce development
4. Green supply chains and circular economy
5. Sustainable tourism
6. Carbon trading and environmental markets
7. Digital empowerment of women entrepreneurs

Benefits

1. Grant Amount: ¥150,000 per research project
2. Number of Awards: 4

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students from ASEAN Member countries:

1. Brunei Darussalam
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)
5. Malaysia
6. Myanmar
7. Philippines
8. Singapore
9. Thailand
10. Vietnam

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State or Japan
2. Be within 5 years of PhD completion, or have 5–10 years of regional work experience without a PhD
3. Submit research that demonstrates ASEAN-Japan collaboration
4. Apply individually or with a team
5. Complete the research by March 31, 2026

Application Procedure

Visit the official application link to apply:

https://www.asean.or.jp/en/event-info/20250527/

Please read and follow the full application guidelines before submission.

Application Timeline

1. Application Opens: May 26, 2025
2. Deadline: June 15, 2025
3. Online Interviews: July 10–15, 2025
4. Fellows Announced: July 31, 2025
5. Grant Disbursement: August 1, 2025

Why Apply?

This fellowship provides:

1. A chance to join a global ASEAN-Japan research community
2. International recognition for your research
3. Access to a publishing platform and policy influence
4. A stepping stone for early-career researchers aiming to impact regional development

Be a Changemaker in ASEAN-Japan Cooperation

The ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship is not just funding—it’s a platform for real impact. If you are passionate about building a sustainable, inclusive future in the ASEAN-Japan region, this opportunity is for you.

Start your journey toward becoming a recognized voice in ASEAN-Japan research collaboration today.