LeadNext

Change today requires people-centered leaders with the capacity to work across disciplines, navigate complexity, and operate cross-culturally. Through a unique program design that facilitates cross-cultural exchange between fellows from the US and Asia, LeadNext builds a vibrant network of future leaders aged 18–25 from across Asia and the Pacific, and the United States and supports their growth, impact, and capacity to address today’s greatest challenges.

Today’s most complex challenges do not stop at national borders. Economic uncertainty, environmental stress, conflict, and rapid social change all call for leaders who can think across cultures, work across disciplines, and build trust in an increasingly complex world.

LeadNext responds to that need by bringing together emerging leaders ages 18 to 25 from Asia, the Pacific, and the United States in a long-term exchange program. The fellowship provides a dynamic leadership framework based on global citizenship, how to better understand complexity in a global world, and how effective changemakers must work across differences and lead from their authentic selves. Through virtual learning, expert-led sessions, mentorship, and an in-person global leaders summit, fellows build lasting international networks, gain practical leadership skills, and explore new ways to contribute in their communities and careers.

The program consists of the following components:

Virtual Leadership Training Intensive

Fellows meet virtually over several weeks to follow a multidisciplinary curriculum focused on transformative leadership. The intensive establishes a shared framework for addressing today’s challenges. With an emphasis on collaboration and exchange, fellows work together and draw from their lived experiences to develop their leadership visions and gain tools for self-awareness, public speaking, and elevating impact.

Masterclasses

Global experts present case studies of leadership in action as they share their real-world approaches to addressing a range of contemporary challenges. Fellows develop lasting skills, tools, and approaches to better understand the policies and ecosystems that drive impact. They study complex issues, process, and challenges related to social change and bring their collective experiences to bear on discussions.

Mentorship

Fellows are paired one-on-one with professional mentors based on their specific goals and interests. These mentors are drawn from TAF’s broad network to connect emerging leaders with recognized leaders, influencers, and shapers.

Global Leaders Summit

A dynamic, in-person capstone convening enables fellows to deepen and expand their learning through rigorous exchange, continued leadership development, and skills-building. At the core of the summit is a leadership training retreat where fellows build on the previous months of work and, through reflective practice, learn how to be effective changemakers.

Eligibility

LeadNext fellows are dynamic, emerging leaders between ages 18 and 25. They represent many sectors and demonstrate outstanding character, integrity, and are respected leaders in their communities.

Selection Process

The program is highly competitive. Each application is read thoroughly by TAF experts, selection panelists, and a final selection committee with expertise in Asia-U.S. exchange, leadership, and issues facing Asia and the Pacific.

This fellowship is fully funded.

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

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