ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) 2026 | Regional Leadership Programme in Singapore & the Philippines

Omran Aburayya
Apr 27
3 min read

If you are a young professional from Southeast Asia with a passion for leadership, collaboration, and creating meaningful impact — the applications for the ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) 2026 are now open. This prestigious regional programme brings together emerging changemakers for an immersive leadership journey across borders, equipping them with the skills, networks, and insights needed to shape a more inclusive and sustainable ASEAN future.

Organised by the Singapore International Foundation in partnership with the National Youth Council Singapore, AYF has been empowering young leaders since its launch in 2018 during Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

⭐ Fellowship Summary

Location: Singapore & Philippines
Host Institutions: Singapore International Foundation (SIF) & National Youth Council (NYC) Singapore
Programme Type: Leadership Fellowship
Target Group: Young professionals from ASEAN member states
Focus Areas: Leadership, regional cooperation, sustainability, cross-sector collaboration
Programme Format: In-person, immersive fellowship
Programme Dates: 13 – 20 November 2026
Application Deadline: 24 May 2026 (11:59 PM GMT+8)
Notification of Results: By September 2026
Eligible To: Citizens of ASEAN member countries aged 27–35

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) is a highly selective leadership development programme designed to cultivate the next generation of regional leaders. The 2026 edition marks the 8th cohort and will take place across Singapore and Manila, offering a dynamic, cross-border learning experience.

🧩 Structure and Activities

Participants will engage in a carefully curated programme that includes:

Immersive Learning Journeys: On-the-ground exposure to regional institutions and initiatives
Dialogues with Leaders: Interactive sessions with policymakers, industry experts, and changemakers
Cross-Cultural Exchange: Collaboration with fellows from diverse ASEAN backgrounds
Institutional Visits: Insights into governance, innovation, and development across sectors
Team-Based Engagements: Practical exercises to strengthen leadership and teamwork skills

The programme emphasizes action-oriented leadership, encouraging participants to translate ideas into tangible impact within their communities and across the region.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will gain access to a wide range of benefits, including:

Participation in a fully immersive regional leadership programme
Exposure to high-level discussions with regional decision-makers
Opportunities to build a strong ASEAN-wide professional network
Cross-cultural learning and collaboration experiences
Enhanced leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Long-term membership in a growing ASEAN Youth Fellows alumni network

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2026, applicants must:

Be 27 to 35 years old at the time of application
Be a citizen of an ASEAN member state
Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership in their professional field or community
Show potential for greater leadership roles and regional impact
Be committed to full participation in all programme components

📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must complete an online application form, which takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. It is recommended to prepare all required materials in advance.