The IATSS Forum 2027 is a leadership development training programme in Japan for young professionals from selected Asian countries. Organised by the International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences, the programme focuses on “Thinking and Learning Together” and supports participants through seminars, field study, group study, and international exchange activities. Applications for the 2027 programme are accepted from June 1 to September 30, 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: 71st & 72nd IATSS Forum, 2027
Category: Leadership Development Training
Organizer: International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences
Country: Japan
Duration: 8 weeks
Programme Periods: May–July 2027 and September–November 2027
Application Period: June 1 to September 30, 2026
Participants: 40 participants in total for 2027
Eligible Countries: Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam
About the IATSS Forum 2027
The IATSS Forum is a leadership training programme for young professionals from Asian countries. Its purpose is to help participants develop the motivation, capacity, and mindset needed to think of solutions and take action for a better future.
The 2027 programme includes the 71st and 72nd IATSS Forum. Each programme period lasts eight weeks. The official schedule lists the 71st IATSS Forum from May to July 2027 and the 72nd IATSS Forum from September to November 2027.
The official page notes that the schedule and timeframe are subject to change. It also states that applicants cannot be guaranteed a specific programme period.
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Programme Purpose and Learning Format
The IATSS Forum uses the motto “Thinking and Learning Together.” The programme gives participants a place to exchange perspectives, learn across cultures, and consider solutions to issues facing Asia.
The programme includes several learning components.
✓ Group Study
✓ Seminars
✓ Field Study
✓ International Exchange Activities
✓ Discussions with other future Asian leaders
✓ Opportunities to learn through experience
The overarching theme of the current IATSS Forum is sustainable development. The official booklet explains that sustainable development includes areas such as the environment, economy, politics, and education.
What Participants Receive
The IATSS Forum provides support for selected participants during the programme.
✓ Round-trip airfare
✓ Participation fees for the programme
✓ Accommodation
✓ Almost all food expenses
Participants must pay for their personal expenses and part of their food expenses. More detailed information about expenses is provided in the Letter of Agreement given to successful candidates after the final interview.
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Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements stated by the IATSS Forum.
• Applicants must possess the nationality of one of the participating countries.
• Eligible countries are Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Applicants must be 35 years old or younger as of the application closing date.
• Applicants must currently be full-time employees working in a professional field.
• Self-employed and freelance applicants are included.
• Applicants should have at least two years of full-time professional job experience at the time of application.
• Applicants should have sufficient English skills and cultural adaptability to live and study abroad.
• Applicants must have the physical and mental capabilities required to fully participate without an accompanying person.
The official FAQ states that students who are not working full time are not qualified to apply. It also states that part-time students may apply if they are full-time employees working in a professional field.
Target Candidate Profile
The IATSS Forum looks for candidates who show leadership, awareness of issues, capacity, potential, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Target candidates may include people who:
• Have experience leading a team within an organisation
• Understand co-creative and collaborative leadership
• Are aware of issues facing their countries and communities
• Want to contribute to sustainable development in the region
• Can share skills, experience, and expertise during the programme
• Have sufficient English ability for lectures, discussions, and meetings
• Are disciplined and independent in a diverse environment
• Are motivated to learn from and respect others
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Required Documents
Applicants must download the official application booklet and forms from the IATSS Forum website.
Required documents include:
• Application Form
• Basic Question Form
• Essay Form
• Recommendation Form
• Certificate of English Proficiency, if available
The recommendation must be from the applicant’s employer. The official instructions state that it should be from the applicant’s direct supervisor at their current job.
All submitted documents must be written in English. Handwritten forms are not accepted. The official page also states that submitting AI-generated text for the Basic Question Form or Essay will result in immediate disqualification.
Basic Questions and Essay
Applicants must answer the official basic questions and prepare an essay using the required format.
The basic questions ask applicants to reflect on their leadership concept, development needs, expectations from the forum, possible contribution to the programme, and career goals.
The essay theme is: “How can you contribute to the sustainable development of your country?”
The essay must address:
• The challenges or problems the applicant wants to solve
• Why those issues are challenges and why the applicant wants to solve them
• A plan to address the issue with specific details
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Selection Process
The selection process has two stages.
• Document screening
• Final interview
Document screening is conducted by the IATSS Forum Country Committee. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview.
The final interview is conducted by IATSS Forum Japan Steering Committee members and IATSS Forum Country Committee members in the applicant’s home country.
Only shortlisted applicants invited to the final interview will be informed.
Key Dates
• Application Period: June 1 to September 30, 2026
• Document Screening: October to mid-November 2026
• Final Interview: Late November to late December 2026
• 71st IATSS Forum: May to July 2027
• 72nd IATSS Forum: September to November 2027
Applications cannot be submitted outside the official application period.
How to Submit an Application
Applicants should download and prepare the required application documents before submission. The official page instructs applicants to submit the required documents through the online application page on the IATSS Forum website.
Applicants should:
• Download the application booklet and forms
• Read the application instructions carefully
• Complete all required documents in English
• Convert the Word documents into PDF where needed
• Rename files by adding a nickname at the beginning of each file name
• Sign in to a Google account to access the online application page
• Upload the documents through the country-specific online application button
Submissions by email are not accepted. Applicants who wish to submit documents by post must contact their country secretariat in advance.
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
