ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program 2025–2026 Open Now — Check If You Can Apply!

ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program 2025–2026 is now open for applications, inviting early-career researchers from Japan and the ten ASEAN member states to propose projects that address pressing regional challenges. Launched by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), this fellowship offers a ¥150,000 grant per project and runs from June 2025 to March 31, 2026. Whether you’re a recent PhD graduate or a professional with regional experience, this program provides financial support, networking opportunities, and a platform to present your findings via webinars and policy briefs.

Structured for clarity, this article explains the ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program 2025–2026 in easy-to-understand language while providing actionable insights for professionals. You’ll learn about the program’s purpose, benefits, eligibility, research themes, application steps, tips, FAQs, and conclusion—all in approximately 1,200 words.

ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program 2025–2026 Open Now

The ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program 2025–2026 offers a ¥150,000 grant, nine months of research time, and valuable professional development for early-career researchers in Japan and ASEAN countries. By focusing on themes like EPA/FTA utilization, decarbonization, AI governance, and digital empowerment, fellows create policy-relevant outputs that guide regional decision-makers. To apply, confirm your eligibility, draft a clear proposal, submit by June 15, 2025, and prepare for an interview in July. If selected, you’ll present your findings via a webinar and publish a policy brief, gaining visibility, networking opportunities, and the chance to shape a sustainable future for ASEAN and Japan.

What Is the ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program?

The ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program is a grant initiative by the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) designed to support young experts in both ASEAN countries and Japan. Its main goals are to:

1. Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Fund research that enhances economic ties under EPA/FTA frameworks.
2. Promote Policy-Relevant Research: Support studies in decarbonization, AI governance, and digital empowerment.
3. Expand Networks: Connect researchers, policymakers, and institutions across the region.
4. Foster Innovative Solutions: Generate recommendations for socio-economic and environmental challenges in ASEAN and Japan.

Over nine months, selected fellows must complete their project, present findings via an AJC-hosted webinar, and publish a policy brief or working paper on the AJC website. This structure ensures that research is both practical and visible to stakeholders.

Why Apply? Benefits and Opportunities

Financial Support

The program offers a ¥150,000 grant, approximately USD $1,000, to cover:

• Fieldwork and Travel: Domestic or regional trips for data collection.
• Data Collection Costs: Surveys, interviews, or database access.
• Publication and Dissemination: Open-access fees or webinar hosting costs.

By covering these expenses, the grant allows young researchers to focus on project quality rather than budget constraints.

Professional Development

Fellows receive:

• Mentorship & Networking: Opportunities to interact with AJC staff, senior academics, and policymakers.
• Publication Support: AJC publishes the 3,000–5,000-word policy brief, increasing your research’s visibility.
• Webinar Presentation: A platform to showcase expertise to a regional audience, honing communication skills.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Build long-term partnerships for future research, publications, or grants.

Visibility and Impact

• Alumni Network: Membership in an exclusive alumni group for ongoing support and updates.
• Career Advancement: Listing “AJC Fellow” on your CV signals credibility to potential employers or funders.
• Policy Influence: Directly contribute recommendations to ministries and agencies in ASEAN and Japan.

Who Is Eligible? Eligibility Criteria

To ensure a high-quality cohort, the program has clear eligibility requirements:

1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of Japan or one of the ten ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).
2. Academic or Professional Experience:
   • PhD Holders: Received a PhD within five years of June 15, 2025 (i.e., June 16, 2020 or later).
   • Non-PhD Holders: Have 5–10 years’ work experience in relevant fields in the ASEAN-Japan region.
3. Cross-Border Collaboration: Research must involve at least one ASEAN country and/or Japan. Collaborative proposals often score higher.
4. Project Timeline: Complete the project by March 31, 2026, including the webinar and written output.
5. Language: All materials must be in English.

Example: A PhD holder from Thailand who graduated in March 2022 is eligible. A policy analyst in Vietnam with seven years of experience in renewable energy also qualifies, provided they partner with a Japanese researcher.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these five steps to prepare and submit a strong application:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Nationality: Confirm you hold a passport from Japan or an ASEAN member state.
• Academic/Professional Background:
  • PhD Track: PhD awarded on or after June 16, 2020.
  • Professional Track: Minimum 5 years’ work experience in ASEAN-Japan related fields.
• Collaboration: Identify at least one collaborator from another ASEAN country or Japan.

Tip: Gather your passport copy, CV, degree certificate (if applicable), and proof of experience before starting.

Step 2: Draft Your Research Proposal

Your proposal should include:

1. Title: Concise and descriptive (e.g., “Circular Economy Models for Textile Waste in ASEAN-Japan Supply Chains”).
2. Abstract (150–200 words): Summarize research question, methodology, and expected results.
3. Introduction & Background:
   • Explain why your topic matters, citing data from high-authority sources (e.g., IEA, ASEAN Secretariat).
4. Objectives: List 2–3 clear goals (e.g., “Assess emissions in Indonesia’s cement sector; Propose CCS roadmap with Japanese partners”).
5. Methodology: Describe methods (surveys, interviews, data analysis). Include a timeline from June 2025 to March 2026.
6. Expected Outputs & Impact: Explain how findings will inform policy or practice in ASEAN and Japan.
7. Budget Breakdown: Show ¥150,000 allocation (e.g., travel ¥50,000; data ¥30,000; webinar ¥20,000; publication ¥50,000).
8. Team Composition: For joint proposals, include brief bios (100–150 words) highlighting expertise.

Example Budget:

Tip: Write simply—as if explaining to a ten-year-old—without jargon. This clarity helps reviewers understand your plan.

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

Access the form here:

ASEAN-Japan Fellowship Program Application Form

The form requires:

• Personal Information: Name, contact, nationality, institution.
• Academic/Professional Background: Details of degree(s) or work experience.
• Project Details: Copy and paste sections of your proposal.
• Attachments: Upload CV, degree certificates (if applicable), proof of nationality, letters of recommendation.

Tip: Allocate at least two hours for the form. Keep your proposal and documents on hand to copy/paste information without timeouts.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

• Deadline: June 15, 2025, 23:59 JST. Late submissions are not accepted.
• Early Submission: Aim for June 13, 2025 to troubleshoot any technical issues.
• Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive an email receipt. If you don’t see it within 24 hours, check spam or email [email protected].

Tip: Double-check that your budget totals ¥150,000 exactly. Any mismatch may lead to automatic disqualification.

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview

• Notification: Shortlisted candidates are informed by June 30, 2025.
• Interview Dates: July 10–15, 2025 (online, in English).
• Preparation:
  • Review your proposal thoroughly—reviewers may probe methodology, timelines, and potential challenges.
  • Practice concise, clear answers to questions like, “How will your project enhance ASEAN-Japan collaboration?” or “What are your key performance indicators?”
  • Ensure a quiet environment, stable internet, and a professional background.

Tip: Conduct a mock interview with a colleague to gain confidence speaking about your research.

Tips for a Winning Application

1. Start Early: Draft your proposal well before May 2025 to seek feedback from mentors or peers.
2. Align with AJC Goals: Use terms like “ASEAN-Japan collaboration”, “policy-relevant research”, and “sustainable development” to show you understand program priorities.
3. Cite Authoritative Sources: Reference data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), ASEAN Secretariat, or Japanese METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry).
4. Be Specific: Avoid vague statements—detail how you will collect data, where you will travel, and who you will collaborate with.
5. Emphasize Impact: Clearly state how your findings will inform policy or solve real-world problems, such as reducing emissions or improving women’s access to digital tools.
6. Create a Realistic Timeline: Break your nine-month project into monthly tasks—e.g., June–July for literature review, August–September for fieldwork, October–November for data analysis, December–January for drafting, February for webinar prep, March for finalization.
7. Proofread Thoroughly: Spelling or grammar errors can undermine professionalism. Ask a colleague to review your final draft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply if I’m a national of an ASEAN country but currently working outside the region?
A1: Yes. As long as you hold citizenship of an ASEAN member state or Japan and meet the experience criteria, your current employer’s location does not matter. Demonstrate how your project connects to ASEAN-Japan collaboration.

Q2: Is there an age limit to apply?
A2: No. Eligibility is based on nationality, academic qualification, and professional experience, not age.

Q3: Can I apply with a team of three or more researchers?
A3: Yes. Collaborative projects with multiple researchers from different countries are encouraged. Ensure every team member meets eligibility criteria and clearly define each person’s role.

Q4: What language should I use for my proposal and webinar?
A4: All application materials, including your research proposal, CV, and webinar presentation, must be in English.

Q5: What happens if I cannot complete the project by March 31, 2026?
A5: Timely completion is mandatory. If unforeseen issues arise, contact AJC before March 1, 2026 with a detailed remediation plan. Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases.