Location: Singapore
Institution: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Fellowship Length: Minimum 2 months, maximum 6 months
Closing Date: Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Target Group: Post-doctoral researchers and mid-career policy makers
The Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 is an ISEAS fellowship for researchers and policy makers studying big-power relations and Southeast Asia. It supports policy-relevant work in international politics and security, regional economics, and digital technology.
About Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027
The programme honours Professor Wang Gungwu. He served for 17 years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Through this programme, ISEAS aims to support the next generation of scholars and policy makers. As a result, the fellowship centres on research that connects major-power dynamics with Southeast Asian developments.
Main Research Themes
The fellowship lists five priority research areas.
• US-China relations and their impact on Southeast Asia
• Asia Pacific security issues, including the South China Sea and China-ASEAN relations
• Global or regional economic cooperation initiatives, including examples such as the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP
• China’s rise and its impact on Southeast Asian communities
• Digital media and technology used by countries to influence perceptions in Southeast Asian countries
Length and Residency
The fellowship may run for at least two months and up to six months. ISEAS must approve the final fellowship period.
Successful fellows are expected to remain in residence at ISEAS throughout the fellowship. Therefore, applicants should plan for an in-person research stay in Singapore.
What Fellows Receive
ISEAS provides both funding and research support.
✓ Monthly stipend fixed by the programme
✓ Housing subsidy included in the stipend
✓ Round-trip economy airfare between the home country and Singapore
✓ Possible meeting with Professor Wang Gungwu
✓ Office space, computer equipment, and IT services
✓ Access to the ISEAS Library and other Institute facilities, where appropriate
Publication and Seminar Requirements
Fellows must contribute to ISEAS Perspective and ISEAS Fulcrum publications in their research areas. They must also present their research findings at an in-house seminar during the fellowship.
In addition, fellows join a network of regional scholars. They are also welcome to continue contributing to ISEAS after the fellowship period.
Who Can Apply
The programme welcomes applicants from the stated professional groups.
• Post-doctoral researchers
• Mid-career policy makers
• Mid-career policy makers without a Ph.D. or equivalent degree
• Applicants whose CV or resume shows relevant professional experience and research interest
How to Apply
Applicants must upload the application and supporting documents through the official FormSG application link. ISEAS states that the deadline is Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
Two referees must also email their letters of recommendation to development@iseas.edu.sg. They should use the subject line: Application for ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellows Programme 2027 – [Reference Letter for First Name and Last Name].
Shortlisting and Enquiries
ISEAS will contact applicants if they are shortlisted for an interview. For enquiries, the programme page lists Mr Malcolm Yiong, Assistant Director, Development, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
Key Date
• Final deadline: Tuesday, 4 August 2026
• Application platform: FormSG
• Referee letters: Sent by email to development@iseas.edu.sg
