The ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship is a partnership programme between the ASEAN Foundation, ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, ASEAN Secretariat and the U.S. Government through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that provides opportunities for scientists in Southeast Asia to apply their knowledge and analytical skills in promoting evidence-based policy making in the region..

Since its inception in 2014, the initiative has striven to support and encourage young scientists in Southeast Asia to work together with policymakers in integrating the ASEAN Community and advancing regional cooperation on ASEAN strategic priorities. The programme supports the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation 2016-2025 by highlighting its most important priorities as programme themes.

Through this programme, fellows are appointed to the relevant ministries in their respective countries to continue research in their topics of expertise within the ASEAN Community’s prioritised areas. Modelled after the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program and piloted by the ASEAN-U.S. Partnership for Good Governance, Equitable and Sustainable Development and Security (PROGRESS) project, the fellowship has thus far empowered 52 alumni. Under the management of the ASEAN Foundation, the fellowship is now in its fifth cycle. This year the themes are Digital Economy, Innovative Startups and Science, Technology and Innovation for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship programme is very much aligned with ASEAN's motto, which is One Vision, One Identity, One Community. It provides an avenue for ASEAN scientists to contribute their evidence-based research skills in policy-making for the betterment of the society.”

Cheong Lee Sing
Head of Science and Technology Division of the ASEAN Secretariat