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Asia Foundation Development Fellows

Building Knowledge and Networks for Asia and the Pacific’s Next Generation of Development Leaders

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is a dynamic and multifaceted learning program designed for highly talented individuals under 40 from Asia and the Pacific to enhance their leadership skills, regional development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure. The program reflects TAF’s seven-decade investment in the most promising future leaders in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 2014, the program has built a robust network of close to 150 current fellows and alumni.

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program provides 12 highly qualified young professionals under age 40 from Asia and the Pacific with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of the region’s critical development challenges. The year-long professional advancement program draws on TAF’s extensive 20-country network and deep expertise working with innovative leaders and communities across the region.

Each year, fellows convene for two highly interactive in-person programs: a spring program in Asia and fall program in the United States. The program is designed so that fellows may remain in their current occupations while participating in the program’s rigorous modules. Through a multifaceted program design and an emphasis on cohort learning, fellows deepen their leadership skills, enhance Asian development knowledge and international exposure, and grow regional professional networks. To date, the program has produced close to 150 fellows from 22 countries who have gone on to become storied leaders in their fields.  

The program consists of two components: 

Spring Leadership Training Program & Study Tour, Asia

The Leadership Dialogue and Exchange program in Asia and the Pacific presents a series of highly interactive leadership training modules with executive coaches; site visits with leading development practitioners and thinkers, recognized policy leaders, and local innovators; short assignments; and sessions focused on building self-awareness and wellness for leaders. Training modules focus on strategic thinking and decision-making, working with participants on developing critical perspectives, problem-solving skills, managing change, and introducing innovative approaches in leadership and management. Site visits allow fellows to explore approaches that deliver positive impact and advance development knowledge. Each year, the program takes place in countries across Asia and the Pacific where local needs and challenges serve as a contextual backdrop for exploring theories of change and practice in international development. 

Fall Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program, United States

The fall program continues the work from the spring session and provides important opportunities for Fellows to deepen personal bonds with their cohort. Through continued leadership training and a comprehensive series of programs, policy discussions, and meetings with a range of organizations and leaders, the fellows build new international perspectives and networks.

Professional Development Award

An award of up to USD 2,500 is made available to each selected fellow. This cash award allows fellows the opportunity to design individualized plans to further their leadership skills and relevant professional experience in areas of particular importance to their career growth. 

Executive Coaching and Mentoring

Building on the regional network and local capacity of TAF, the program offers mentorship-matching support tailored to the background and professional interests of each of the fellows.

Eligibility

Asia Foundation Development Fellows must: 

  • Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment related to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise: governance, economic development, women’s empowerment, environmental resilience, education and leadership, and international cooperation.  
  • Be thoughtful, committed, respected, and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and their larger community.  
  • Be under 40 years of age by January of the program start 
  • Be conversant in English (TOEFL exam results are not required).  
  • Be available and able to participate in all program components on the program dates specified.  
  • Be able to secure a visa for travel to the United States.  
  • Be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries and regions: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.  

Selection Process  

The program is highly competitive. Staff from The Asia Foundation evaluate each application thoroughly and narrow down the pool of applicants. A committee with expertise on Asia and the Pacific conducts final selections. Fellows are chosen regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, marital status, or financial need. All submitted application information is treated as confidential unless stated otherwise in the application.  

Selection Timeline: 

Information on the 2027 program to be announced in the fall.

For questions, please contact development.fellows@asiafoundation.org  only. We are unable to answer inquiries via the organizational phone line, general email, media contact, or social media channels.