Applications are now open for the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027, a prestigious international fellowship hosted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Named in honour of Professor Wang Gungwu, the programme supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers conducting policy-relevant research on Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Designed to strengthen the next generation of scholars and policy leaders, the fellowship provides financial support, access to world-class research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts while residing at one of Southeast Asia’s foremost policy research institutes.
Researchers with interests in international politics, regional security, economic cooperation, digital technology, and China–Southeast Asia relations are encouraged to apply.
About the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme honours Professor Wang Gungwu for his distinguished leadership as former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
The programme seeks to promote high-quality, policy-oriented research that enhances understanding of major geopolitical, economic, and technological developments affecting Southeast Asia.
Successful fellows become part of an international community of scholars while contributing research that informs regional policy discussions.
Research Priority Areas
Applicants should propose research aligned with one or more of the programme’s priority themes.
Research areas include:
- Developments in US–China relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
- Asia-Pacific security issues, including the South China Sea and China–ASEAN relations
- Global and regional economic cooperation initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- The rise of China and its impact on Southeast Asian societies
- The use of digital media and technology by countries to advance strategic interests and influence public perceptions across Southeast Asia
Projects that contribute practical policy insights relevant to these themes are particularly encouraged.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship is offered for:
- A minimum of two months
- Up to six months
Successful applicants are expected to reside at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore for the full duration of the fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme offers a comprehensive support package to selected fellows.
Benefits include:
- Fixed monthly stipend (inclusive of a housing subsidy)
- Round-trip economy airfare between the fellow’s home country and Singapore
- Office space
- Computer equipment and IT support
- Access to the ISEAS Library and institutional research facilities
- Opportunity to meet Professor Wang Gungwu during the fellowship, where possible
These benefits enable fellows to focus on high-quality research while engaging with Singapore’s vibrant academic and policy community.
Research Outputs
Fellows are expected to make meaningful contributions to the Institute’s research and outreach activities.
During the fellowship, participants are required to:
- Contribute an ISEAS Perspective publication
- Contribute to ISEAS Fulcrum
- Present their research findings through an in-house seminar
Following the fellowship, researchers are encouraged to remain engaged with the ISEAS scholarly network through future collaborations and publications.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for:
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Mid-career policymakers
Applicants without a PhD may still be considered if they demonstrate substantial professional experience and a strong research background relevant to the programme’s objectives.
The programme welcomes candidates with expertise in international affairs, economics, political science, security studies, public policy, digital governance, and related fields connected to Southeast Asia.
Why Apply?
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme offers an excellent opportunity to:
- Conduct policy-focused research in Singapore
- Collaborate with internationally respected scholars
- Expand regional academic and policy networks
- Publish research through respected ISEAS publications
- Present research to specialists and policymakers
- Strengthen future international collaborations
- Contribute to discussions on Southeast Asia’s evolving strategic landscape
The programme is particularly valuable for researchers seeking to increase the policy impact and international visibility of their work.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit their application together with the supporting documents through the official online application system.
Additionally:
- Two referees must submit letters of recommendation directly by email to the Institute using the required subject format.
- Applications must be complete to be considered for assessment.
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
28 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials well before the closing date to ensure all required documents and recommendation letters are submitted on time.
About ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is one of Southeast Asia’s leading autonomous research institutions dedicated to the study of political, economic, strategic, and socio-cultural developments in the region.
Through its research programmes, publications, and policy engagement, the Institute contributes to informed discussions on regional affairs and international cooperation.
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme reflects the Institute’s commitment to supporting high-quality scholarship and strengthening international academic collaboration.
Final Thoughts
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 provides an outstanding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and experienced policymakers to undertake policy-relevant research in Singapore while engaging with one of Southeast Asia’s leading research institutions. With generous financial support, access to world-class research facilities, publication opportunities, and collaboration with regional experts, the fellowship offers an ideal environment for advancing research on international politics, regional security, economics, and digital technology.
Researchers seeking to deepen their expertise on Southeast Asia and contribute to evidence-based policymaking should strongly consider applying for this prestigious international fellowship.
Keywords: Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027, ISEAS Fellowship, Singapore Fellowship 2027, Visiting Fellowship Singapore, Fully Funded Fellowship, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Policy Fellowship, Southeast Asia Research Fellowship, International Relations Fellowship, Asia Pacific Fellowship, China ASEAN Research, US China Relations Research, Digital Technology Fellowship, Economic Policy Fellowship, Research Fellowship Singapore, Academic Fellowship 2027, International Fellowship Opportunities, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, Visiting Scholar Programme, Global Research Fellowship
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Related Opportunities on Reign Gigs
- UNICEF Agora Learning Platform 2026: Free Online Courses With Certificates for Global Learners
- European Parliament Schuman Traineeships 2026–2027: Paid Five-Month Internship Programme for University Graduates
- US Department of State Expands Digital Screening & Social Media Vetting for Additional Visa Categories
