Program Information

Program Description

The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is comprised of the following components:

Spring 2023: Leadership Training Program & Study Tour
Laos, February 12-23, 2023

The Leadership Dialogue and Exchange program in Asia 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 self-care and wellness for leaders. With the larger objective of enhancing leadership skills and potential, the 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 will allow fellows to explore approaches that deliver positive impact and advance development knowledge. The program has previously taken place in the Philippines, Nepal, Mongolia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea, where local needs and challenges served as a contextual backdrop for exploring theories of change and practice in international development.

Fall 2023: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program
United States, October 1-14, 2023

The Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program will continue the work from the spring session, providing important opportunities for Fellows to extend personal bonds with their cohort and build new international perspectives and networks of support. Over this two-week period, the Fellows will participate in a comprehensive series of programs, policy discussions, and unique learning and leadership development opportunities organized in San Francisco, Washington, DC, and another small city in the United States.

Executive Coaching & Mentoring 

The Asia Foundation lends valuable perspectives to the field of leadership development, with a proven program history and record of commitment throughout Asia. Building on the regional network and local capacity of the Foundation, the program offers mentorship matching support tailored to the background and professional interests of each of the Fellows. Additionally, Fellows are offered a fixed number of one-on-one executive coaching sessions throughout their fellowship year.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Asia Foundation Development Fellows must:

• 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 and gender equality, environment, and regional cooperation;
• Be thoughtful, committed, respected and inspirational leaders within their professional fields and within their larger community;
• Be under 40 years of age by January 1, 2023;
• 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; and
• Be resident nationals or citizens of the following countries and region where The Asia Foundation has programs: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Laos; Malaysia; 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 will evaluate each application thoroughly and narrow down the pool of applicants. Final selections will be conducted by a distinguished committee with expertise on Asia’s needs and development conditions. Fellows will be chosen without regard to gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, marital status, or financial need. All submitted application information will be treated as confidential unless stated otherwise in the application. The identities of nominees will also remain confidential throughout the final selection process.

Please direct any inquiries to the Asia Foundation Development Fellows staff at [email protected].