The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows is the only initiative in the Asia-Pacific region that gathers diverse individuals crossing geographic boundaries whose work and leadership is changing the world. As an initiative it serves as a platform for collaboration across different sectors.

Read more: What is Asia 21?

Now that I’ve given the definition in broad strokes, let me try to put more in to it: The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows, as many of its member-leaders would attest to, is a community and a family – all linked by their passion and a vision for a better future for all. Obviously, a tall order for any individual, even a group of individuals, but speaking from what we’ve all been through the past few years, visions of a better and shared future are reinvigorated and reinforced together.

It's a unique platform that pulls individuals from different walks of life and champions from different sectors. Helping leaders go out of their advocacy or sector bubble and collaborate. You’d find seemingly polar sectors coming into new collaborations and birthing unique ideas. It encourages its fellows to have difficult conversations, to talk about differing points of view, and discuss how, despite differences, a shared vision can be turned into a goal and into reality.

“One friend I met there won the Pulitzer two years later and my strongest memory of her was her pranking the WhatsApp group that we put together for that conference. And it’s wonderful to have that level of trust, vulnerability, [and] good humor. I think from that comes a lot more creativity and just exciting new, different ways of thinking…

My favorite thing about this organization, [is that] everybody I’ve met is expansive and has that sense of vulnerability and humanness that allows for playfulness, fun, creativity, innovation – all the good stuff.” – Steph Sy, Class of 2019 (Listen to the conversation here)

So, what about the individuals in the network? Patronize me when I say that they’re all cool and laidback individuals. They are. At the caliber of the Asia 21 Fellows, you would expect them to be out of reach. Individuals so consumed by their singular vision, straight forward, unyielding, and unapproachable; and they are all these except the last one. They’re leaders in their field and yet they will sit down with you and indelibly inspire through a friendly conversation with genuine openness to new ideas.

Who are part of the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows? Check out some of them here.

How does it happen?

Every year, the Asia 21 Summit is hosted in a different Asian city where alumni welcome the newest cohort to the network. The gathering showcases the amazing work of the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows.

Due to COVID-19 however, the summit had to take a break but came back in full swing with a 4-day program themed Asia 21 Reunited: Leading the World of Competing Values in Tokyo, Japan. 

Each day was filled with several thematic discussions and breakout groups that provided opportunities for each member of the incoming class to enrich each other’s endeavors through mutual learning and ideation. And yes, there was still time for laughs and drinks – where the conversations on impact and fun continued.

How does it work?

The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows community is a platform where diversity is embraced.

The family only keeps growing and with its multiplying diversity, so do the possibilities for shared futures. We get there by actively reaching out. The Asia 21 community thrives in forwarding what each individual can offer – whether their expertise, their services, or their network; and reaching out for help when they need it – from the smallest ask to the biggest favor.

The Asia 21 community means working together, supporting each other – ultimately, being there for each other in the dire and the triumphs, no matter the scale.

“A few years after [my Asia 21 class), when there’s a major disaster, you know that you can pick up the phone and some of these people will be there to help – to help in the work that you do. And it all started with those memorable and fun stuff, including the embarrassing ones.” Atty. Lesley Cordero on sharing her experiences during the Asia 21 Summit of 2012

“[The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows is a] Safe space. [You] know that you’re not alone and [that] others are going through challenges, that there are other good people doing the work that you’re doing even if it’s [in] a different sector. [It’s knowing that] We’re not just the crazy ones. Maybe we all are the crazy ones.” Love Gregorie Moral-Perez, Class of 2008. (Listen to the conversation here)

What’s the next step?

More than conversations and a safe space, the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows with the support of Asia Society and its various centers, move forward and act. It’s bridging individuals through its programs so that every individual can create more impact even across geographic boundaries.

With the Asia Society mission to create real solutions and born from the desire to extend their conversations outside of the annual summit, ten (10) Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2016. Here, they initiated the Asia 21 Action Lab, a workshop designed to help individuals within the Asia 21 network get the support they need from their peers in solving their challenges.

“The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows is truly a good community because the relationships last beyond after [the Summit]. This is about coming together in conversation. How can we help [each other] and what are your needs – so that we can support you.”

Kristin Kagetsu, Class of 2015 at the Tokyo Summit 2022

The next step is a step toward realizing a vision of shared futures for all, together; and the Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows are well on their way to doing just that.