Nomination and Application Process
Asia 21 Fellowships are open to outstanding candidates who are passionate about Asia and have demonstrated excellence in their professional endeavors, significant leadership potential, and commitment to public service.
Fellows are selected through a rigorous competitive process which takes into account their track record of leadership, public and community service, professional achievements, and their commitment to the Asia 21 community and Asia Society’s global mission and values.
The selection of Fellows consists of two stages: nomination of candidates by the Asia 21 alumni, Asia Society trustees and staff; and Fellowship application by the nominated candidates. Self-nomination is not allowed.
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Criteria
To be eligible for the nomination and selection process of the Class of 2024, candidates must:
- Be born on or after 1 January 1984
- Be a proven leader in their professional field in Asia or with a focus on Asia. Typically, this means at least 5-10 years of outstanding professional work experience
- Have a demonstrated leadership track-record or potential
- Have demonstrated a commitment to values-based leadership and public service
- Be excellent communicators, including in cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary settings
- Be committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
Timeline for Nomination, Application & Selection
- Nominations for the Class of 2024 will be open from February 1 - March 17, 2024
- Applications for those nominated will be accepted from March 25 - May 24, 2024
- Only selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the Class of 2024 by August 2024
* Please note that this timeline is subject to change
The Nomination Process and Selection Process
- Only members of Asia 21 and Asia Society's global network are invited to nominate candidates. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Once the nomination process is complete, the Asia Society will ask nominees to submit their applications.
- All applications will be reviewed by the selection committees.
- The shortlisted candidates will then be reviewed by the selection committee, which will select the 2024 Fellows.
*Please note that ONLY successful candidates will be contacted regarding their selection to the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellowship. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we will not be able to provide feedback to unsuccessful nominees and applicants
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Asia 21?
Asia 21 Fellowship develops, connects and empowers the next generation of leaders in Asia to solve the region’s shared challenges and unlock its numerous opportunities.
Asia 21 Fellowship is:
Fellowship: a year-long fellowship focused on common challenges facing Asia and the unique leadership competencies needed to tackle them
Community: A network of 1,000 alumni from more than 40 countries and diverse sectors of economy and society
Ecosystem: A hub of innovation in policy, entrepreneurship and social change focused on Asia, connecting the best minds with resources, opportunities and networks
Click here for more information about the Fellowship.
Nomination Process
How do I nominate a fellowship candidate?
Asia 21 Alumni and Asia Society trustees, global center board members and staff can nominate candidates by visiting the nomination website and following the instructions.
How many people can I nominate?
As many as you want.
Do nominees have to be from my home country?
No. You may nominate anyone who meets eligibility requirements. (See “eligibility requirements” above)
I do not know who nominated me. Can you tell me?
We do not share this information. Nominators are welcome to inform their nominees, but we respect their decision if they choose not to.
Application Process
Who should apply?
An individual who is recognized for his or her extraordinary achievement, with a proven leadership experience or a potential to be a leader. The Asia 21 Fellows include leaders from across Asia and beyond, representing diverse sectors including academia, arts & culture, business, civil society, government, law, media, public health, science & technology. Successful candidates have demonstrated excellence in their field, a track-record of leadership and a commitment to values-based leadership and public service. To view the alumni of the Asia 21 Fellowship, click here.
Do I have to be nominated in order to apply?
Yes, and kindly note that self-nominations are not accepted.
Are there any eligibility requirements I should be aware of?
Yes. In order to be eligible, a candidate must:
- Be born on or after 1 January 1984
- Be a proven leader in their professional field in Asia or with a focus on Asia. Typically, this means at least 5-10 years of outstanding professional work experience
- Have a demonstrated leadership track-record or potential
- Have demonstrated a commitment to values-based leadership and public service
- Be excellent communicators, including in cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary settings
- Be committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Be fluent in spoken and written English
What materials will I need to submit when applying?
In addition to basic personal and contact information, we will ask you to submit the following:
- A brief personal bio;
- A ‘Statement of Interest’ explaining why you are interested in becoming an Asia 21 Fellow, how you would benefit from the Fellowship, and how your community (professional field, country, organization or network) and the Asia 21 ecosystem and Asia Society at large would benefit from your participation; and
- ONE letter of recommendation
Does my letter of recommendation have to come from the person who nominated me?
No. It can come from the nominator, but it does not have to.
Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
Successful candidates are leaders in their fields, so the best recommendations come from those who can vouch for their track-record and achievements. Often, this will mean that the recommender is a recognized leader in the same field.
May I submit more than one letter of recommendation as part of my application?
No. We will only review one letter of recommendation per candidate, so please choose your recommender carefully.
What is the deadline for letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation must be received before the application deadline. Letters of recommendation received after the application deadline will not be accepted. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that references receive the email asking for a letter of recommendation and submitting their letters on time.
May recommenders write letters of recommendation in languages other than English?
Letters of recommendation must be written in English.
Is there a limit to how many times I can apply for the Asia 21 Fellowship?
No, there is no limit. As long as you are nominated again, you may apply as many times as you wish. Please indicate the year of your previous application and the name of your nominator. Asia 21 is a highly competitive fellowship, and we have to turn down many qualified individuals each year, so applying again in the following years is encouraged!
Selection Process
How does the selection process work?
- Only members of Asia 21 and Asia Society's global network are invited to nominate candidates. Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Once the nomination process is complete, the Asia Society will ask nominees to submit their applications.
- All applications will be reviewed by the selection committees.
- The shortlisted candidates will then be reviewed by the selection committee, which will select the 2024 Fellows.
Will you alert me if I am selected as a finalist, and if so, will I have to submit any additional documentation (aside from the application itself)?
We do not alert applicants of their status until the day the selection committee finalizes all decisions (see the timeline above for important dates). You will not be required to submit any additional documentation unless specifically requested by the Asia 21 team.
Does my nationality or area of work affect my chances of being chosen?
No. Asia Society is committed to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all our work and across the workplace. Applicants are chosen first and foremost on their merit, taking into account their professional achievements and current work, leadership experience and capacity to collaborate on future projects. In selecting applicants, we look to uphold Asia 21’s tradition of geographic, cultural, sectoral, and gender diversity, which is vital to the Fellowship’s overall success.
How many Fellows are chosen?
Typically, the incoming class comprises 30 to 40 individuals chosen from among hundreds of applicants.
Selected Awardees
What responsibilities are incumbent upon those chosen to become Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows?
Selection as an Asia 21 Next Generation Fellow is not simply a form of recognition for extraordinary work; it does come with significant responsibilities in the Fellowship year following the selection of the new class and beyond. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider whether they can commit to the Fellowship responsibilities before applying, as their selection is contingent upon written acceptance of these commitments:
- Attend the Annual Summit (typically held over four days) and other Fellowship programs and activities throughout the year;
- Participate in the orientation and other preparatory calls with the Fellows leading up to and following the Annual Summit;
- Lead, participate and execute community and collaborative impact activities to be agreed upon at the beginning of the Fellowship year;
- Actively engage in other Asia 21 Fellowship network activities and efforts to develop Asia 21-related programs in your home country; and
- Continue to contribute to and actively engage with the Asia 21 and Asia Society community after the completion of the Fellowship.
What is the time commitment for the Asia 21 Fellowship?
Asia 21 Next Generation Fellowship is a year-long commitment. However, all Fellows maintain their full-time work commitments and other responsibilities during the Fellowship Year. We also expect that you will continue to remain engaged with the Asia 21 and Asia Society network and with your Fellowship class for years to come.
Is funding available to cover travel to the annual Asia 21 Summit?
Asia Society covers travel expenses for the incoming class of Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows to attend the Annual Summit. Some Fellows choose to cover their own travel expenses.