The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2026 at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore is now accepting applications from researchers and policymakers worldwide. This fully funded 2-6 month research fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct policy-relevant research on Southeast Asia — with a monthly stipend (including housing subsidy), round-trip airfare, and access to one of Asia’s premier research institutes.
Here’s what makes this fellowship special: you don’t necessarily need a PhD! Mid-career policymakers with relevant professional experience are welcome to apply alongside postdoctoral researchers. Whether you’re researching US-China relations, regional security, economic cooperation, or digital diplomacy in Southeast Asia, this program provides the platform, resources, and network to make an impact.
The fellowship is named after Professor Wang Gungwu, one of the most respected historians and scholars in Asia, who served as Chairman of ISEAS for 17 years. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, application process, and how to secure your spot in Singapore.
🎓 Quick Info Box
| Detail | Information |
| Fellowship Name | Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme |
| Host Institution | ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute |
| Country | Singapore |
| Duration | 2 to 6 months |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded Research Fellowship |
| Funding | Monthly stipend (includes housing subsidy) + round-trip airfare |
| Application Deadline | Applications for 2026 intake closed on August 4, 2026 |
| Open To | All nationalities (postdocs + mid-career policymakers) |
| PhD Required? | No — mid-career professionals without PhD can apply |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Official Website | https://www.iseas.edu.sg/fellowships/ |
Note: While applications for the 2026 intake have close on August 4, 2026, understanding the program details will help you prepare for the next cycle. Bookmark this page for updates!
🎓 What is the Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellowship?
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme honors Professor Wang Gungwu, a distinguished historian and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ISEAS, who dedicated 17 years to building research excellence at the institute.
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is Singapore’s premier regional studies think tank, established in 1968. It’s internationally recognized for its research on political, economic, and social developments in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The institute serves governments, businesses, and academics seeking to understand the region’s complex dynamics.
The fellowship program aims to build the next generation of scholars and policymakers who explore how major global powers — particularly the United States and China — impact Southeast Asia. It focuses on policy-relevant research that can inform decision-making and contribute to public understanding of critical regional issues.
What makes this fellowship unique:
- Open to both academics AND practitioners — you don’t need a PhD if you have relevant policy experience
- Flexible duration — choose between 2 to 6 months based on your research needs
- High-impact platform — your research will be published and presented to policymakers and scholars
- Networking opportunity — join a community of regional experts and potentially meet Professor Wang Gungwu himself
- Strategic location — Singapore is the perfect base for Southeast Asian research, with excellent connectivity across the region
Approximately 5-10 fellows are selected annually from a competitive international pool.
🎓 Fellowship Benefits — What You’ll Receive
The Wang Gungwu Fellowship provides comprehensive support for your research stay in Singapore:
💰 Financial Support
- Fixed monthly stipend covering living expenses (exact amount not publicly disclosed but designed to support comfortable living in Singapore)
- Housing subsidy included in the monthly stipend
- Round-trip economy airfare between your home country and Singapore
- No application fee
Cost of living context: Singapore can be expensive, but the stipend is designed to cover accommodation, food, local transport, and basic expenses. Monthly costs typically range from SGD 1,800-2,500 (approximately USD 1,350-1,875 or PKR 375,000-520,000) depending on lifestyle.
🔬 Research Resources
- Dedicated office space at ISEAS for the duration of your fellowship
- Computer equipment and IT support services
- Access to ISEAS Library — one of Southeast Asia’s best specialized libraries with extensive collections on regional politics, economics, and history
- Access to ISEAS facilities including meeting rooms, research equipment, and collaborative spaces
- Publication platform — contribute to ISEAS Perspective and ISEAS Fulcrum publications
👥 Professional Development & Networking
- In-house seminar presentation — share your research findings with ISEAS researchers, visiting scholars, and invited guests
- Invitation to meet Professor Wang Gungwu (where possible) — a rare opportunity to engage with one of Asia’s most influential scholars
- Join ISEAS network — become part of a community of regional scholars and continue contributing after your fellowship
- Regular seminars and events — attend talks, workshops, and conferences organized by ISEAS
- Proximity to policymakers — ISEAS regularly hosts government officials, diplomats, and business leaders
🌍 Singapore Advantages
- Strategic location — easy travel to ASEAN countries for field research
- Safe and modern city — excellent quality of life, world-class healthcare, efficient public transport
- Multicultural environment — English-speaking, diverse, welcoming to international researchers
- Regional hub — access to embassies, international organizations, regional offices of global institutions
Important: Fellows are responsible for their own health insurance coverage during the fellowship.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
The Wang Gungwu Fellowship has inclusive eligibility requirements that welcome both academics and practitioners:
✅ Academic Researchers
- Postdoctoral researchers from any discipline related to the fellowship’s focus areas
- PhD completed (or near completion) in relevant fields such as:
- International relations
- Political science
- Economics
- Regional studies (Asian studies, Southeast Asian studies)
- Security studies
- Digital media and communications
- Development studies
✅ Mid-Career Policymakers
- No PhD required! This is a major advantage for practitioners
- Must demonstrate appropriate professional experience through your CV/Resume
- Should have research interest aligned with the fellowship’s priority areas
- Examples of eligible professionals:
- Government policy analysts
- Think tank researchers
- International organization staff
- NGO leaders working on regional issues
- Journalists specializing in regional affairs
- Business analysts focusing on Southeast Asia
✅ Research Focus
Your proposed research must fall within these priority areas:
- Developments in US-China relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
- Trade tensions, strategic competition, regional responses
- Asia Pacific security issues
- South China Sea disputes
- China-ASEAN relations
- Regional defense cooperation
- Maritime security
- Progress and prospects of global/regional economic cooperation initiatives
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- ASEAN economic integration
- Trade agreements and investment flows
- Rise of China and its impact on Southeast Asian communities
- Cultural influence
- Migration and diaspora communities
- Economic dependencies
- Social and political impacts
- Use of digital media and technology by countries to further their interests and influence perceptions
- Digital diplomacy
- Information warfare
- Social media influence campaigns
- Technology governance
✅ Nationality & Location
- All nationalities eligible — truly international program
- Applicants from any country can apply
- Must be willing to reside in Singapore for the full fellowship duration (2-6 months)
✅ Language Requirement
- Proficiency in English is essential for research, writing, and presentations
- No IELTS or TOEFL required — your academic/professional background will demonstrate language ability
✅ Fellowship Duration
- Minimum 2 months
- Maximum 6 months
- You propose your preferred duration based on research needs (subject to ISEAS approval)
🎓 Who Should Apply (And Who Should Not)
✅ You Should DEFINITELY Apply If:
- You’re researching Southeast Asia’s role in US-China relations or great power competition
- You’re a policymaker who wants to deepen your understanding of regional dynamics through focused research
- You need access to specialized resources, data, and networks in Singapore
- You want to publish policy-relevant research that reaches decision-makers
- You’re interested in building long-term connections with Southeast Asia’s research community
- You have 2-6 months available for full-time residence in Singapore
- You’re looking for a fully funded opportunity to advance your career
❌ Don’t Apply If:
- Your research has no connection to Southeast Asia or the fellowship’s priority areas
- You cannot commit to 2-6 months of full-time residence in Singapore
- You’re looking for a teaching position (this is a research-only fellowship)
- You want to conduct research on topics outside international relations, security, economics, or digital technology
- You’re not willing to contribute written outputs to ISEAS publications
- You prefer purely theoretical work without policy relevance
The fellowship is perfect for researchers and practitioners who want to make their work matter in real-world policy discussions.
🎓 Research Priority Areas — What Topics Are Covered?
The fellowship supports research in five interconnected priority areas:
1. US-China Relations and Southeast Asia
- How trade wars, technology competition, and strategic rivalry affect ASEAN countries
- Southeast Asian responses to US-China competition
- Regional hedging strategies
- Economic dependencies and diversification efforts
2. Asia Pacific Security
- South China Sea disputes: territorial claims, freedom of navigation, resource competition
- China-ASEAN relations: defense cooperation, trust-building measures, conflict management
- Regional security architecture and multilateral forums
- Cyber security, maritime security, transnational threats
3. Regional Economic Cooperation
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): infrastructure projects, debt sustainability, regional impacts
- Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): implementation, trade effects, economic integration
- ASEAN economic community progress
- Digital economy cooperation
- Supply chain resilience
4. China’s Rise and Southeast Asian Communities
- Chinese diaspora communities and transnational connections
- Cultural and educational exchanges
- Economic influence through investment and aid
- Social impacts on local communities
- Political influence operations
5. Digital Media and Technology
- Digital diplomacy strategies of major powers
- Social media influence campaigns in Southeast Asia
- Information warfare and disinformation
- Technology governance and regulation
- Digital infrastructure and data sovereignty
Your research should combine academic rigor with policy relevance — findings that can inform decision-makers, contribute to public debate, or advance scholarly understanding of the region.
🎓 Required Documents
Prepare the following materials for your application:
- Cover Letter
- Explain your interest in the fellowship
- How it fits your career goals
- What you hope to achieve during the fellowship
- CV/Resume
- Complete academic and professional history
- Publications (if applicable)
- Relevant research or policy experience
- Language skills
- For non-PhD applicants: emphasize professional experience demonstrating research capacity
- Research Statement (3 pages, double-spaced) Must include:
- Area of research: Clear research question or topic
- Research methodology: How you’ll conduct the research
- Timeline: Research plan for your fellowship duration
- Expected outputs: Publications, policy briefs, reports you’ll produce
- Duration of fellowship at ISEAS: Specify your preferred duration (2-6 months)
- Two Letters of Reference
- From academics, supervisors, or senior colleagues who can attest to your research capabilities
- References should address:
- Your research skills and potential
- Relevance of proposed research
- Ability to complete the project successfully
- Proposal for Partial/Full Cost-Sharing (if applicable)
- If your institution or organization can cover part of the fellowship costs, include this proposal
- Cost-sharing is optional but may strengthen your application
Pro tip: Your research statement is the most critical document. Make sure it clearly demonstrates: (1) why your topic matters for Southeast Asia, (2) how it fits the fellowship’s priority areas, and (3) what specific research outputs you’ll produce.
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps carefully to apply for the Wang Gungwu Fellowship:
Step 1: Review Eligibility and Priority Areas Carefully read the fellowship description on the ISEAS website to ensure your research fits the priority areas and you meet eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents Gather all required documents listed above. Pay special attention to the 3-page research statement — this is your opportunity to showcase your project.
Step 3: Contact Your Referees Inform your two referees in advance that you’re applying. Give them adequate time to write strong letters.
Step 4: Submit Your Application via Email Send your complete application package to: development@iseas.edu.sg
Email subject line (EXACTLY):
Application for ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2026 – [Your First Name and Last Name]
Attach all documents (cover letter, CV, research statement, cost-sharing proposal if applicable) in PDF format.
Step 5: Referees Submit Letters Separately Your two referees should send their letters directly to: development@iseas.edu.sg
Email subject line for referees:
Application for ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2026 – Reference Letter for [Your First Name and Last Name]
Step 6: Wait for Response
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
- If selected, ISEAS will coordinate fellowship start dates and logistics with you
- Successful fellows typically begin their fellowship 3-6 months after selection
🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Timeline |
| Application Cycle (2027 Intake) | Close on August 4, 2026 |
| Selection Notifications | Shortlisted candidates contacted (dates vary) |
| Fellowship Start Dates | Flexible — coordinated with fellows |
Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the next application cycle!
🎓 Why Apply — Why Singapore & ISEAS?
Singapore is the ideal base for Southeast Asian research for several compelling reasons:
🏆 ISEAS – Premier Regional Research Hub
ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute is Asia’s leading think tank for Southeast Asian studies, consistently ranked among the world’s top regional studies centers. Its research directly influences policy decisions in ASEAN governments, international organizations, and major powers engaged in the region.
🌏 Strategic Geographic Location
Singapore sits at the heart of Southeast Asia, offering:
- Easy access to all 10 ASEAN countries for field research
- Major transportation hub with excellent connectivity
- Political neutrality allowing open academic inquiry
- Multilingual environment (English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil) facilitating regional research
📚 Research Resources
- ISEAS Library: One of the world’s best collections on Southeast Asia
- Data access: Regional statistics, government documents, archival materials
- Interview opportunities: Access to policymakers, diplomats, business leaders based in Singapore
- Regional conferences: Frequent events bring together regional experts
💼 Career Impact
- Publication platform: ISEAS Perspective and Fulcrum reach policymakers across the region
- Network building: Connect with scholars, government officials, and practitioners
- Credential: ISEAS fellowship is highly respected, strengthening academic and policy careers
- Future collaboration: Many fellows maintain long-term relationships with ISEAS
🌟 Professor Wang Gungwu’s Legacy
Meeting Professor Wang Gungwu (where possible) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Now in his 90s, Professor Wang is one of the 20th century’s most influential historians of China and Southeast Asia. His insights on regional history, Chinese diaspora communities, and great power relations are unmatched.
🌆 Quality of Life in Singapore
- Safe city — one of the world’s lowest crime rates
- Modern infrastructure — excellent healthcare, public transport, housing
- Multicultural — diverse, cosmopolitan, English-speaking
- Family-friendly — if bringing dependents, Singapore offers excellent schools and facilities
- Food paradise — incredible diversity of Asian and international cuisine
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I apply without a PhD? Yes! The fellowship explicitly welcomes mid-career policymakers without PhDs, provided you can demonstrate relevant professional experience and research interest through your CV. If you’ve worked in government, think tanks, international organizations, or NGOs focusing on Southeast Asian issues, you’re eligible.
Q2: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL scores? No, IELTS or TOEFL is not required. English proficiency is assessed through your application materials and professional/academic background. If you’ve studied or worked in English-medium environments, you’re qualified.
Q3: How much is the monthly stipend? The exact stipend amount is not publicly disclosed, but it is designed to cover living costs in Singapore. Typical monthly expenses range from SGD 1,800-2,500 (approximately USD 1,350-1,875), and the stipend is calibrated to this range.
Q4: Can I choose any duration between 2-6 months? Yes, you propose your preferred duration in your research statement based on your project needs. The final duration is subject to ISEAS approval. Most fellows choose 3-4 months.
Q5: Will I have teaching responsibilities? No, this is a research-only fellowship. You’re expected to focus on your research, contribute publications, and present a seminar — but no teaching duties.
Q6: Can I bring my family to Singapore? Yes, though the fellowship stipend is designed for the fellow only. If bringing dependents, you’ll need to budget for their expenses separately. Singapore requires dependent visas, which you’ll arrange with support from ISEAS.
🎓 Official Source & Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.iseas.edu.sg/about-us/opportunities/fellowships/wang-gungwu-visiting-fellows-programme/
- Application Email: development@iseas.edu.sg
- Contact Person: Mr. Malcolm Yiong, Assistant Director, Development
- Address: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Singapore 119614
🎓 Summary Table
| Fellowship Detail | Information |
| Program Name | Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme |
| Host | ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute |
| Location | Singapore |
| Duration | 2 to 6 months (flexible) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (stipend + airfare + housing) |
| Monthly Stipend | Fixed amount (includes housing subsidy) |
| Airfare | Round-trip economy flight covered |
| Eligibility | Postdoctoral researchers + mid-career policymakers |
| PhD Required? | No (for mid-career professionals with relevant experience) |
| Nationality | All nationalities eligible |
| Research Focus | US-China relations, Asia Pacific security, regional economics, China’s rise, digital technology |
| English Test | No IELTS/TOEFL required |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| 2026 Intake Deadline | Close on (August 4, 2026) |
| Next Cycle | Expected mid-2026 for 2027 intake |
| Publication Requirement | Contribute to ISEAS Perspective/Fulcrum |
| Presentation | In-house seminar required |
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Final Thoughts
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2026 is a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research on Southeast Asia at one of the region’s most respected institutions. With a fully funded stipend, round-trip airfare, world-class resources, and the chance to engage with leading scholars and policymakers, this fellowship can significantly advance your research career.
What makes it even more accessible is that mid-career professionals without PhDs can apply — a rare opportunity in the academic fellowship world.
While the 2026 intake has closed, start preparing now for the next cycle expected to open in mid-2026. Monitor the ISEAS website for announcements.
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