IATSS Forum Leadership Program 2027Fully Funded Leadership Program in Japan
Are you a young professional from selected Asian countries looking to strengthen your leadership skills through an intensive international experience in Japan?
- Host
- Not required
- Age limit
- 35 years or younger as of September 30, 2026
- Degree
- Working Professionals
- Experience
- At least 2 years of full-time professional experience
Can you apply?
1. Current employment
You must currently work full-time in a professional field.
This includes:
- Private-sector employees
- Government employees
- NGO employees
- Academic professionals
- Self-employed professionals
- Freelancers
2. Experience
You need at least 2 years of full-time professional work experience at the time of application.
Timeline
Deadline: September 30, 2026
71st Forum: May–July 2027
72nd Forum: September–November 2027
Applications are accepted once a year.
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Applying
Common questions
What Kind of Candidates Does IATSS Look For?
IATSS looks for candidates demonstrating:
- Leadership experience
- Awareness of issues affecting their communities
- Desire to create positive change
- Broad professional skills and experience
- Ability to work across cultural and professional backgrounds
- Sufficient English proficiency
- Independence and adaptability
- Clear goals for participating in the Forum
Is this fully funded leadership… funded?
Fully funded programme support
Who can apply?
Nationality: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Education: Working Professionals
Age: 35 years or younger as of September 30, 2026
Is there an application fee?
$0
How do I apply?
Apply directly on the official website: iatssforum.jp. Potenue does not collect applications.
Full description
Are you a young professional from selected Asian countries looking to strengthen your leadership skills through an intensive international experience in Japan? The IATSS Forum Leadership Development Program brings together emerging professionals from 10 Asian countries for an 8-week residential leadership programme in Mie Prefecture.
The program schedule is subject to change, and applicants cannot choose or guarantee which of the two 2027 periods they will attend.
What Does the Program Provide?
The programme is designed as a sponsored residential leadership programme, with support including:
- International travel support
- Residential accommodation
- Program participation and training
- Field studies and learning activities
- Cross-cultural leadership development
- Support for living needs during the program
All quick facts
- Opportunity Type
- Fully Funded Leadership Development Program
- Education Level
- Working Professionals
- Work Experience
- At least 2 years of full-time professional experience
- Eligible Nationalities
- Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
- Age Limit
- 35 years or younger as of September 30, 2026
- English
- Sufficient English proficiency required
- Nomination Required
- No external nomination
- University Admission
- Not required
- Application Fee
- $0
- Funding
- Fully funded programme support
- Location
- Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- 2027 Cohorts
- 71st Forum: May–July 2027
- 72nd Forum: September–November 2027
- Application Period
- June 1–September 30, 2026
- Application Method
- Online application through the IATSS Forum country-specific portal
