Youth Leadership Development Programme

The ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) is a leadership development programme that aims to grow and connect emerging young leaders with a focus on public, private, people sector collaboration. It is organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) in partnership with
the National Youth Council (NYC).

The programme was inaugurated in 2018 to commemorate Singapore’s Chairmanship of ASEAN. After a hiatus in 2020, the third run of the Fellowship took place from 27 to 31 October 2021.

Join Us as an ASEAN Youth Fellow

Application for ASEAN Youth Fellowship (AYF) is now CLOSED. The AYF 2024 applications will open in the first quarter of 2024. If you are interested in joining the programme, please register your interest by clicking on the button below, and we will contact you once applications are open. For enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].

Programme Objectives

The AYF aims to provide leadership development and build a strong network among up-and-coming leaders while exposing them to further opportunities in the region and enhancing social innovation in ASEAN.

During the programme, participants have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with senior policy-makers and thought leaders, as well as participate in exclusive institutional visits and learning journeys to key facilities and organisations in Singapore and the region.

Upon completion of the programme, ASEAN Youth Fellows are committed to:

Hear from Our ASEAN Youth Fellows

“I can’t thank Singapore (the NYC and SIF) enough for bringing us from different parts of ASEAN together and enabling an exchange of meaningful ideas as well as building lifelong friendships among us all. Singapore makes us think more about our indivisible roles and responsibilities in giving back to the society and contributing to build a world that is socially innovative, compassionate and globally responsible.”

Tann Channarath

Lecturer, Institute of Foreign Languages, Royal University of Phnom Penh
2022 ASEAN Youth Fellow (Cambodia)
“As a Singaporean organised, led and funded programme, it really helped to bring a set of highly talented and diverse group of people together to remove boundaries, build trust and forge lifelong friendships. Singapore is one of the smallest nations within ASEAN and has established itself as a hub for culture, commerce and politics. Through this programme, it is solidifying itself as a excellent hub for future leaders to find a common ground, gather and work together to build a brighter future.”

Wu Khai Woon Kevin

Managing Partner, Kevin Wu & Associates
2022 ASEAN Youth Fellow (Malaysia)
“The AYF not only brings people together to discuss and debate topics of regional and global importance but also helps strengthen the common identity among ASEAN participants. I may have joined AYF as a Filipino delegate, but I emerged as a more empowered ASEAN citizen. My experience would help shape my conversations within my spheres of influence. Singapore is doing a great job capitalising on people and enriching its contribution to the regional agenda.”

Mary Manlangit

Programme Officer, ASEAN Economic Reform Programme, British High Commission in Singapore
2021 ASEAN Youth Fellow (the Philippines)
“The various panel discussions, cultural tours, visits to organisations, and collaborations with other ASEAN delegates at the AYF has left me greatly inspired and filled with innovative ideas. Singapore's role in fostering social innovation, compassion, and global responsibility is evident through its commitment to hosting events like the AYF that brings people from diverse backgrounds together. By providing a platform for cross-cultural exchanges and promoting dialogues on important global issues, Singapore plays a vital role in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and nurturing compassion among participants.”

Ei Mon Kyaw

Co-Founder, Teachers Empower Teachers
Teacher Trainer, Mote Oo Education
2023 ASEAN Youth Fellow (Myanmar)