Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 in Singapore: Fully Funded Fellowship for Researchers and Policy Makers @Unknown

Applications are now open for the prestigious Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. The fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for post-doctoral researchers and mid-career policy makers to conduct policy-relevant research on Southeast Asia while engaging with one of the region’s leading research institutes.

Named in honour of Professor Wang Gungwu, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ISEAS, the programme seeks to support the next generation of scholars and policy experts examining major geopolitical, economic, and technological developments shaping Southeast Asia.

The fellowship is hosted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, a renowned autonomous organization dedicated to the study of socio-political, economic, and security trends in Southeast Asia and its broader strategic environment.

About the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme

The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme is designed to provide scholars and practitioners with the opportunity to undertake in-depth research on key regional and international issues affecting Southeast Asia. Successful fellows will be based at ISEAS in Singapore for a minimum of two months and up to six months.

During the fellowship period, fellows will have access to office facilities, library resources, computer equipment, and research support at ISEAS. Participants will also become part of a vibrant network of academics, researchers, and policy professionals working on Southeast Asian affairs.

The fellowship encourages innovative and policy-oriented research in areas connected to major global and regional developments. Fellows are expected to contribute to academic and policy discussions while producing publications and presentations during their residency.

Research Priority Areas

Applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals aligned with one or more of the programme’s priority themes, including:

• Developments in US-China relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
• Asia-Pacific security issues, including the South China Sea and China-ASEAN relations
• Regional and global economic cooperation initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
• The rise of China and its impact on Southeast Asian communities
• The use of digital media and technology to influence perceptions and advance geopolitical interests in Southeast Asia

The programme particularly welcomes research that combines academic rigor with practical policy relevance.

Fellowship Benefits

The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme offers several attractive benefits to selected applicants. Successful fellows will receive:

• A fixed monthly stipend, including a housing subsidy
• Round-trip economy airfare between the fellow’s home country and Singapore
• Access to office space, IT services, and ISEAS research facilities
• Access to the extensive ISEAS Library collections and resources
• Opportunities to network with regional scholars and policy experts
• The possibility of meeting Professor Wang Gungwu during the fellowship period

The programme provides an ideal platform for scholars and professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in Southeast Asian studies and policy research.

Expected Outputs

Selected fellows will be expected to contribute actively to the intellectual life of the institute. Fellows are required to:

• Publish research outputs in ISEAS Perspective and ISEAS Fulcrum publications
• Deliver an in-house seminar presenting their research findings
• Participate in academic and policy discussions hosted by ISEAS

These opportunities allow fellows to increase the visibility of their research while engaging with influential policy and academic audiences.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to applicants from around the world who meet the following criteria:

• Post-doctoral researchers working in relevant fields
• Mid-career policy makers with substantial professional experience and demonstrated research interests
• Applicants with expertise in international relations, security studies, political economy, regional development, or digital governance

Applicants without a PhD may still apply if they possess significant professional experience and a strong research background relevant to the programme themes.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official FormSG application portal. The application package typically includes:

• A completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Research proposal
• Supporting academic and professional documents
• Contact details of two referees

Referees are required to send recommendation letters directly to ISEAS via email.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 is:

4 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications early to avoid last-minute delays.

Why Apply?

The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful research in one of Asia’s leading intellectual hubs. Fellows benefit from academic mentorship, policy engagement opportunities, and access to a rich network of experts focusing on Southeast Asian affairs.

For researchers and policy professionals interested in geopolitics, regional cooperation, digital governance, and Southeast Asian development, this fellowship provides an excellent platform to deepen expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute to important regional conversations.

As global dynamics continue to reshape Southeast Asia, the programme aims to cultivate thought leaders capable of generating innovative ideas and evidence-based policy solutions.

Interested candidates should review the official fellowship guidelines carefully and submit complete applications before the closing date.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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