1. ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Grant
Each year, 12 outstanding graduate students—11 from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and 1 from the Republic of Korea (ROK)—are selected to embark on at least three months of immersive fieldwork in ASEAN countries or Korea. To encourage cross-regional learning and exchange, research proposals focusing solely on a student’s home country are not supported; instead, comparative or cross-country perspectives are strongly encouraged.
Through this hands-on experience, participants explore a wide range of topics, from ASEAN studies and comparative or country-specific research to ASEAN-Korea relations. This unique opportunity not only deepens research expertise but also builds lasting academic and professional networks across the region.
Program
Objectives
The YSRG aims to foster the next generation of Southeast Asianists by supporting fieldwork that advances understanding of Southeast Asia, ASEAN–Korea relations, and broader regional dynamics through locally grounded research and academic exchange.
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Enhance the quality of graduate research on Southeast Asia and ASEAN-Korea studies through field-based inquiry.
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Promote the sharing and dissemination of research findings across ASEAN and Korea.
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Strengthen regional perspectives and research capacity by cultivating insider viewpoints and academic networks.
Grant Benefits
Selected grantees will receive:
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Round-trip international airfare for approved fieldwork
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A monthly fieldwork stipend for up to three months
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Honoraria for local research advisors
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Participation in the Young Scholar Research Workshop
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be nationals of an ASEAN Member State or the Republic of Korea.
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Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or doctoral programme at a recognized institution in ASEAN or the Republic of Korea.
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Conduct research relevant to Southeast Asian Studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN-Korea Studies including research on Southeast Asian societies, regional issues, or ASEAN–Korea relations.
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To promote balanced regional representation, the selection committee generally aims to award up to one grant per ASEAN Member State and the Republic of Korea, subject to the quality of applications received.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
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Academic quality, originality and significance of the research
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Relevance to Southeast Asian studies, ASEAN Studies, or ASEAN- Korea studies
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Quality and feasibility of the proposed fieldwork
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Applicant’s research capacity and preparedness
Selection Priorities
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Institutional affiliation: Priority will be given to applicants enrolled in institutions located in their home countries.
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Research scope: Applications are open to research on any country or region in Southeast Asia. In line with the objectives of the grant, priority will be given to proposals that support Southeast Asian Studies as the study of Southeast Asia beyond the applicant’s own national context. Accordingly, lower priority may be given to proposals focusing exclusively on the applicant’s home country or the country in which they are currently enrolled.
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STEM proposals: The Young Scholar Research Grant is intended primarily to support research in Southeast Asian Studies and related area studies fields. Proposals that are primarily technical, laboratory-based, or focused exclusively on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are not eligible. Exceptions may be made only for projects that demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary engagement with the social sciences or humanities and make a clear contribution to the understanding of Southeast Asia and ASEAN–Korea relations.
Timeline
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Call for Applications: will be announced soon in late July 2026
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Application Deadline: 5 September 2026
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Results Announcement: Fourth week of October 2026
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Orientation: Second week of November 2026
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Fieldwork Period: Third week of November 2026 – Fourth week of March 2027
2. ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Research Workshop
The ASEAN-Korea Young Scholar Workshop is held online each year, offering recipients of the Young Scholar Research Grant a unique platform to showcase the progress and outcomes of their fieldwork. The workshop connects emerging researchers with senior scholars who serve as mentors, session chairs, and discussants—providing constructive feedback, guidance, and valuable insights to help strengthen and advance their work.
All presentations are compiled into formal online proceedings, ensuring broad visibility and the lasting preservation of research outcomes, while fostering a vibrant academic exchange across ASEAN and Korea.
3. ASEAN-Korea
Academic Conference
The ASEAN-Korea Academic Conference is an annual two-day event that provides a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange on key issues concerning ASEAN, Southeast Asia countries, and ASEAN-Korea cooperation. Hosted by leading universities and research institutes in ASEAN Member States, the conference rotates across regional capitals, with upcoming venues including Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.
Conference themes align with ASEAN’s Post-2025 Vision and the priority areas of ASEAN-Korea cooperation, covering topics such as higher education, the green and digital economy, sustainable development, ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and regional connectivity.
Program
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Enhance awareness of the challenges posed by regional and contemporary global issues facing ASEAN and Korea today;
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Promote the identity of ASEAN as a region characterized by diverse political, economic, cultural, and social characteristics;
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Present new research findings in the field of ASEAN/Southeast Asian Studies and Korean studies;
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Encourage intellectual discourse among researchers, governments, private sector, and NGOs on issues related to ASEAN/Southeast Asia Studies;
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Discuss overall ASEAN/Southeast Asian affairs and ASEAN-Korea cooperation.