The Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded visiting research fellowship of two to six months at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, open to postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers of all nationalities working on Southeast Asia-related issues. Named in honour of Professor Wang Gungwu, former Chairman of the ISEAS Board of Trustees, the fellowship covers airfare, a monthly stipend, housing subsidy, office space, computer equipment, IT services, and full access to the ISEAS Library. The application deadline is 4 August 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Visiting Research Fellowship |
| Organising Body | ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore |
| Mode | Offline (Residential at ISEAS, Singapore) |
| Duration | 2 to 6 Months |
| Location | ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore |
| Last Date to Apply | 4 August 2026 |
About the Program
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Program is administered by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute — one of Southeast Asia’s most authoritative policy research institutions — to support the next generation of scholars and policy experts examining the impact of major global developments on the Southeast Asian region. Named in honour of Professor Wang Gungwu, a distinguished scholar whose contributions to Southeast Asian studies and research excellence have shaped the field for decades, the fellowship provides selected researchers with a fully resourced institutional base in Singapore to conduct independent, policy-relevant research at the highest academic level. Consequently, fellows gain access to ISEAS’s world-class research resources, library collections, and regional expert networks while contributing original analysis to one of the most strategically significant research environments in Asia. Furthermore, the program’s explicit focus on policy-relevant outputs — including publication through ISEAS platforms — ensures that fellows’ research directly informs regional governance, international relations, and strategic thinking on Southeast Asia.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers from all nationalities
- Research proposals must focus on policy-relevant issues related to Southeast Asia and its interaction with major global developments
- Strong demonstrated research interest and academic or policy credentials in the relevant field are required
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must demonstrate capacity to conduct independent, policy-relevant research during the fellowship period
- Must be available to reside at ISEAS, Singapore, for the full duration of the fellowship
- A cost-sharing proposal may be required depending on the applicant’s institutional circumstances
- Reference letters must be submitted directly by referees — not through the applicant
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airfare | Return air tickets covered |
| Monthly Stipend | Provided to cover living expenses throughout the fellowship |
| Housing Subsidy | Residential accommodation subsidy included |
| Office Space | Dedicated office space at ISEAS provided |
| Computer Equipment | Computing equipment provided for research work |
| IT Services | Full IT support services available throughout the fellowship |
| Library Access | Full access to the ISEAS Library and its Southeast Asia collections |
| Publication Opportunities | Research may be published through ISEAS platforms and outputs |
Topics / Themes Covered
Research proposals should focus on policy-relevant topics including:
- US–China Relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
- Asia-Pacific Security Issues and Regional Stability
- China–ASEAN Relations and Multilateral Cooperation
- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its Regional Implications
- Regional Economic Cooperation and Integration in Southeast Asia
- Digital Technology and its Influence on Southeast Asian Societies and Governance
Selection Process
- Application documents submitted by email to ISEAS before 4 August 2026
- Reference letters submitted directly by referees to ISEAS — not via the applicant
- Evaluation based on research proposal quality, policy relevance, academic credentials, and alignment with ISEAS’s research priorities on Southeast Asia
- A cost-sharing proposal may be required from certain applicants depending on institutional context
How to Apply
- Visit the official Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme page at Click Here for full application details and submission instructions.
- Prepare your cover letter, CV or resume, and research statement outlining your proposed policy-relevant research project and its focus on Southeast Asian issues.
- Identify two referees and request that they send their reference letters directly to ISEAS — letters submitted through the applicant will not be accepted.
- Prepare a cost-sharing proposal if applicable to your institutional circumstances.
- Submit your complete application documents by email to ISEAS before the 4 August 2026 deadline.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee stated |
Required Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cover Letter | Outlining research interests and motivation for the fellowship |
| CV / Resume | Full academic and professional background |
| Research Statement | Detailed description of the proposed policy-relevant research project |
| Reference Letters | Two letters submitted directly by referees to ISEAS |
| Cost-Sharing Proposal | Required where applicable depending on institutional circumstances |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 4 August 2026 |
| Fellowship Start | 2027 (exact dates subject to individual confirmation) |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 to 6 months |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply / Official Programme Page | Click Here |
| Official Website | https://www.iseas.edu.sg |
Contact
Submit all application documents by email to ISEAS as directed on the official programme page. Referees must send their letters directly to ISEAS. Refer to the official ISEAS website for all programme-related queries and submission email details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027 Singapore?
Postdoctoral researchers and mid-career policymakers from all nationalities with a strong research interest in Southeast Asia-related policy issues are eligible; demonstrated capacity for independent, policy-relevant academic work is the primary selection criterion.
What does the Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027 cover financially?
The fellowship provides return airfare, a monthly stipend, a housing subsidy, dedicated office space, computer equipment, IT services, and full access to the ISEAS Library for the full two-to-six-month fellowship period.
What research areas are supported by the Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027?
Priority research areas include US–China relations and Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific security, China–ASEAN relations, the Belt and Road Initiative, regional economic cooperation, and the influence of digital technology on Southeast Asian governance and society.
How should reference letters be submitted for the Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027?
Reference letters must be sent directly by referees to ISEAS and must not be submitted through the applicant; applicants should identify two referees and coordinate their direct submission ahead of the 4 August 2026 deadline.
Is there an application fee for the Wang Gungwu Fellowship 2027 Singapore?
No application fee is stated; applicants should refer to the official ISEAS programme page for any administrative requirements prior to submission.