Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2025 in Singapore

Omran Aburayya
May 7
2 min read

If you're a postdoctoral researcher or mid-career policymaker passionate about Southeast Asia's evolving geopolitical landscape, the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2025 offers a unique opportunity. Hosted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, this fellowship supports in-depth, policy-relevant research on international politics, regional economics, and digital technology. Applications are open until July 30, 2025.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

Location: Singapore
Host Institution: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Academic Level: Postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers
Target Group: Global applicants with a focus on Southeast Asia
Fields of Research:
- US-China relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
- Asia-Pacific security issues (e.g., South China Sea, China-ASEAN relations)
- Global/regional economic cooperation initiatives (e.g., Belt and Road Initiative, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)
- Rise of China and its impact on Southeast Asian communities
- Use of digital media and technology by countries to influence perceptions in Southeast Asia
Funding and Coverage:
- Fixed monthly stipend (inclusive of housing subsidy)
- Round-trip economy airfare between home country and Singapore
- Access to office space, IT services, and ISEAS Library
- Meeting with Professor Wang Gungwu (subject to availability)
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
Start Date: Flexible within the fellowship period
Eligible to: Postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers worldwide

📚 Wang Gungwu Fellowship Overview

The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme honors Professor Wang Gungwu's 17-year tenure as Chairman of ISEAS's Board of Trustees. It aims to nurture the next generation of scholars and policymakers by supporting research that explores the nexus of big-power relations and their impact on Southeast Asia. Fellows are expected to conduct policy-relevant research in the specified priority areas and contribute to ISEAS publications and seminars.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support:
- Monthly stipend covering living expenses and housing
- Round-trip economy airfare
Professional Development:
- Access to ISEAS facilities, including office space and library resources
- Opportunity to present research findings at in-house seminars
- Contribution to ISEAS publications (ISEAS Perspective and Fulcrum)
- Engagement with a network of regional scholars
- Potential meeting with Professor Wang Gungwu
Additional Considerations:
- Proposals for partial or full cost-sharing will be considered.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Open to postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers globally
Mid-career policymakers without a Ph.D. are eligible, provided they demonstrate appropriate professional experience and research interest
Applicants must be able to reside in Singapore for the duration of the fellowship.

📝 Application Procedure

Prepare the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- CV/Resume
- Research Statement (3 pages, double-spaced) detailing:
  - Area of research
  - Research methodology
  - Timeline and expected outputs
  - Proposed duration of fellowship at ISEAS
- Two Letters of Reference
- Proposal for partial/full cost-sharing (if applicable)
Submit your application via email to:📧 development@iseas.edu.sg Subject line: Application for ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2025 – [Your Full Name]
Ensure that your referees send their letters directly to the same email address with the subject line: Application for ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2025 – [Reference Letter for Your Full Name]