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.
Quick Eligibility
- 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
The program schedule is subject to change, and applicants cannot choose or guarantee which of the two 2027 periods they will attend.
Who Can 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.
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
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
Application Requirements
Applicants need to submit:
- Application Form
- Basic Question Form
- Essay
- Recommendation from their direct supervisor at their current job
- English proficiency certificate, if applicable
All application documents must be written in English.
Important Application Rule
IATSS explicitly states that submitting AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form or Essay results in immediate disqualification.
Important Dates
Deadline: September 30, 2026
71st Forum: May–July 2027
72nd Forum: September–November 2027
Applications are accepted once a year.
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