Asia Pacific Leadership Program 2025

Application Deadline: November 1st, 2024

Applications are now open for the 2025 Asia Pacific Leadership Program. The Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) brings together people who value diversity and who are committed to co-creating futures that are peaceful, prosperous, equitable, and just. APLP fellows engage in experiential, place-based learning and explore leadership concepts and practices that enhance personal, team, and community effectiveness. Fellows reflect on the leadership challenges posed by today’s world, and develop strategies to address these challenges in local, regional, and global contexts.

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution in the United States, or equivalent degree representing a full-time program of study of at least 3 years’ duration, from an officially-recognized higher education institution outside of the United States.
• At least 5 years of work experience
• Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English. Applicants are encouraged to provide an English language test score (such as IELTS), if one is available.
• A demonstrated commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Asia Pacific region through professional work, study or living experience
• There are no citizenship, age, or ethnicity restrictions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Leadership track record in professional, public, and/or personal realms
• Willingness to engage fully in place-based experiential, and transformational leadership development training
• Deep involvement in a specific organization, business or community impact initiative (applicants must explain how, with their home-setting teams, they will experiment with the leadership strategies learned in APLP)
• International experience, including overseas residence, language skills, intercultural and diversity exposure
• Experience of cohort learning, working collaboratively in small teams or in large groups.

2025 Program Dates

• Pre-residency Virtual Connection: May 15-July 1
  Fellows engage virtually (synchronously and asynchronously) in this portion of the program from any location with internet access. Together, the cohort develops an appreciative understanding of one another’s diverse backgrounds and goals and begins to explore the challenges of leading change in ways that effectively and ethically engage and empower others. Fellows may continue full-time employment during this period, but they are responsible for completing all deliverables to be eligible for the Residency.
• Residency in Hawai`i: July 2-August 8
  Fellows convene in Honolulu, Hawai`i, where they live on the EWC campus, engage full-time with their cohort, program staff, and a network of community partners. This immersive experience allows them to develop shared perspectives on the significant factors and trends driving change in the Asia-Pacific region. Hawai‘i’s unique physical and cultural environment fosters openness to multiple perspectives on leadership and the future. These perspectives are further explored through peer-to-peer learning, inquiries into leadership concepts and capacities, and planning and practicing effective change approaches. This portion of the program also includes a one-week field study on Hawai‘i Island. The residency in Hawai‘i requires a full-time commitment, including participation in some evening and weekend activities, as well as individual and group assignments outside regular hours. During this period, fellows are not permitted to engage in part-time or full-time employment.
• Post-residency Virtual Connection: August 9-December 5
  Participants will meet virtually each month (synchronously and asynchronously) in this portion of the program. These sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on integrating leadership insights and practices as the cohort transitions back into home life, work, and community. Full-time employment may resume during this period, but fellows must complete all deliverables to receive a program completion certificate.
• Southeast Asia Symposium: February 1-7, 2026 (by invitation)
  This exclusive symposium in Southeast Asia (locale will be determined in mid- to late-2025) gathers selected fellows to deepen their collaboration on regional leadership and change initiatives. Participants will reconnect, share progress, and explore emerging opportunities through expert-led discussions, peer learning sessions, and field visits. Attendance is by invitation to 2025 fellows who successfully completed the APLP, ensuring a focused and impactful experience for all.

Supplemental Scholarships
All APLP fellows are eligible to receive supplementary scholarship support to fully or partially cover the cost of the APLP Program Fee and/or housing in an East-West Center residence hall during the Honolulu Residency. 

More Info: Asia Pacific Leadership Program