IATSS Forum Leadership Development Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
If you're a young professional from Asia with a passion for leadership and regional development, the IATSS Forum Leadership Development Program 2026 in Japan offers a fully funded, immersive experience to enhance your skills and broaden your perspectives. Applications are now open for this prestigious 8-week program, which brings together emerging leaders from across Asia to engage in collaborative learning and cultural exchange.
🎓 Program Summary
Location: Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Organizer: International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences (IATSS)
Type: Professional Leadership Development
Target Group: Young professionals from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
Fields of Focus: Leadership, sustainable development, cross-cultural collaboration
Coverage: Fully funded (includes airfare, accommodation, program fees, and meals)
Duration: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Program Start Dates:
69th Forum: May – July 2026
70th Forum: September – November 2026
Eligible to: Citizens of the aforementioned countries, aged 35 or younger, with at least 2 years of full-time professional experience
📚 Program Overview
The IATSS Forum is designed to cultivate future leaders in Asia through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes "Thinking and Learning Together." Participants will engage in:
Seminars and Lectures: Covering topics like sustainable urban design, environmental issues, and education policies.
Field Studies: Visits to institutions and communities to observe and learn from real-world applications.
Group Work: Collaborative projects that encourage cross-cultural teamwork and problem-solving.
Cultural Exchange: Activities that promote mutual understanding and appreciation among participants from diverse backgrounds.
The program aims to develop participants' leadership abilities, critical thinking, and commitment to contributing positively to their societies.
🎁 Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
Round-trip airfare between their home country and Japan.
Accommodation for the duration of the program.
Meals during the program period.
Coverage of all program-related expenses, including seminars, field studies, and cultural activities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a citizen of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Have at least 2 years of full-time professional experience.
Possess sufficient English proficiency to participate in discussions and activities.
Demonstrate leadership experience and potential.
Show a commitment to addressing issues in their home countries and contributing to regional development.
📝 Application Procedure
🗓️ Application Period: June 1 – September 30, 2025
📬 Submission Methods:
Online: Upload completed application documents via the official IATSS Forum website.
Postal Mail: Send documents to the respective Country Committee Secretariat.
📂 Required Documents:
Completed Application Form.
Basic Question Form.
Essay on a specified topic.
Recommendation Form from a supervisor or professional associate.
Copy of English proficiency certificate (if available).
Selection Process:
Document Screening: Evaluation of submitted materials.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (schedule varies by country).
Final Selection: Successful applicants will be notified and assigned to either the 69th or 70th Forum session.
🔗 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME LINK
