The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is designed to be a multifaceted experience, enhancing leadership skills, Asian development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure for Asian professionals. The program also provides the flexibility for Fellows to custom-tailor their own professional development component and to stay in their current occupations while participating in the program’s rigorous modules. The program is comprised of the following five components: 1) The Leadership Training Program offered in partnership with the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea; 2) The Workshop on Asian Development, held each year in a different Asian nation; 3) A two-week leadership dialogue and study tour opportunity in the U.S.; 4) A flexible professional development stipend/ award of US$5,000; and 5) A mentoring component allowing Fellows to tap into The Asia Foundation’s extensive human resources and thematic expertise. The application period starts in the fall of each year. A selection committee, comprised of distinguished specialists, then makes their final decision at the beginning of the following year. The Fellows will be recognized over a year-long period from January 1 through December 31.
Other Criteria
Asia Development Fellows must: have a demonstrable record of high achievement, and must show evidence of outstanding potential for professional advancement, and significant impact in their chosen field; have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment related to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise – governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation; have outstanding personal character and integrity; be thoughtful, committed, respected and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and within their larger community; be under 40 years of age by the time of selection; be conversant in English; be available and able to participate in all components of the program; and be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries where The Asia Foundation has programs: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Japan, Korea; Laos; Malaysia; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; and, Vietnam.
