14 Jan 2019
Launched: 5th Annual ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship Programme
Source: ASEAN Secretariat
JAKARTA, 14 January 2019 – The ASEAN Foundation with the support from the ASEAN Secretariat and U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the call for applications for the 5th ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship programme, targeted at early- and mid-career scientists from ten ASEAN countries.
The programme aims to empower ASEAN scientists to lead the efforts of fostering and institutionalising science-based policy-making throughout the region by placing them in relevant government line ministries in their home countries for one year. Under the mentorship of a fellowship supervisor from the ministry, the scientists will harness their knowledge and skills to support the policy makers in making informed policy decisions for the benefits of the citizens.
“The ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship programme is very much aligned with ASEAN’s motto, which is One Vision, One Identity, One Community. It provides an avenue for ASEAN scientists to contribute their evidence-based research skills in policy-making for the betterment of the society,” said Cheong Lee Sing, the Head of Science and Technology Division of the ASEAN Secretariat.
Since its introduction in 2014, the programme has been addressing a selection of themes that represents the most pressing development challenges in the field of science, technology and innovation. At the 8th ASEAN – U.S. Consultation on Science and Technology, three themes for the 2019 programme have been selected: Digital economy; innovative startups; and science, technology and innovation for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These themes are selected for their importance towards ASEAN’s effort in reaching global markets, promoting innovation and integration and narrowing development gaps across the region, as stated in the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2016 – 2025.
The immediate benefit of the fellowship is also evident. Prof. Michael A. B Promentilla, a 2018-2019 fellow from the Philippines, testified that being part of the ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship is a great opportunity and an enlightening experience for him. “I was involved in developing a research roadmap and the strengthening of a research network toward climate-smart and disaster-resilient health systems – a critical need for a disaster-prone region like ours,” Promentilla said.
The fellows will receive various privileges throughout the one-year programme, such as monthly stipend, opportunity to networking and involvement in workshops and ASEAN high-level meetings. The call for applications period will be closed on February 24th, 2019.
For more information about the ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship 2019, please visit https://aseanstfellowship.aseanfoundation.org/
For further questions, please address it to ASEANScienceFellows@aseanfoundation.org