The ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) is pleased to launch the inaugural ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship Program. This initiative is part of AJC’s commitment to co-creating dynamic human capital by fostering a new generation of thought leaders and practitioners from the ASEAN and Japan socio-economic fields, and foster greater regional cooperation between Japan and ASEAN member states.
About the Program
The Fellowship supports young and emerging researchers from ASEAN Member States and Japan through small-scale research grants and a platform for cross-border, interdisciplinary exchange. Selected fellows will carry out research on key topics shaping the future of the region and will present their findings through webinars and published working policy briefs.
Objectives
- Promote ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation through policy-relevant research
- Strengthen institutional linkages and dialogue among researchers
- Drive innovation in addressing regional socio-economic and environmental challenges
Research Areas (Selected Topics)
The geographical scope of research must include at least one ASEAN member state and/or Japan, or ASEAN and Japan in general, including but not limited to the following topics:
- Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)/Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Utilization between Japan and ASEAN member state/s
- Decarbonization
- AI Governance
- AI and Workforce Development
- Green Supply Chain
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Tourism
- Renewable Energy
- Carbon Trading
- Digital Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs
Fellowship Details
Grant Amount: ¥150,000 per research project
Number of Awards: 4 grants available
Duration: June 2025 – March 2026
Eligibility
Researchers with ASEAN or Japanese nationality
Researchers within 5 years from acquisition of PhD; or non-PhD holders with significant work experience in the region of 5-10 years
Research projects involving ASEAN-Japan collaboration
Individual or collaborative research
Must be completed by March 31, 2026
Application Timeline
Application Opens: May 26
Deadline: June 15
Interviews: July 10-15 (online, English)
Announcement of Fellows: July 31
Grant Disbursement: August 1
Expected Outputs
Presentation of findings via AJC-hosted webinars
Working research paper or policy brief (English, 3,000–5,000 words), published online with full author attribution
How to Apply
Visit https://forms.gle/wnTJT6t6ArUynnhT8 to apply.
Please follow the guidelines available from this link.
Be part of the ASEAN-Japan knowledge community and help shape a more sustainable, inclusive future for the region.
