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
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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.
Scope and Eligibility
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The program annually selects 12 graduate students (one each from 11 ASEAN Member States and Korea). Eligible applicants are Master’s and Doctoral students enrolled at accredited universities or research institutes, who must undertake a minimum of three months of fieldwork.
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Applicants must be graduate students (Master’s or Doctoral) who are citizens of ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, or Korea, and enrolled in accredited universities in their home country.
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Research must focus on Southeast Asian studies, ASEAN studies, ASEAN–Korea studies, or comparative topics.
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Researchers whose studies focus on their own country of affiliation are not eligible to apply for this fieldwork grant.
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Each recipient may receive up to USD 4,900 to cover essential research costs such as travel, accommodation, and interviews.
Research Topics
The grant prioritizes a wide range of topics, from ASEAN studies and comparative or country-specific research to ASEAN-Korea relations.
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ASEAN studies and ASEAN Member States specific country studies.
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ASEAN-Korea studies and comparative research.
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ASEAN-ROK cooperation priorities (e.g., gender, climate change, sustainable development, cyber security, peacebuilding).
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ASEAN Post-2025 Vision themes (e.g., integration, connectivity, institutional development, identity politics, regional geopolitics).
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Interdisciplinary studies in science, technology, and engineering with Southeast Asian relevance.
Selection Process
The Selection Committee will comprise six experts: two Southeast Asia specialists from Korea (including KASEAS), two non-KASEAS area specialists, and two Southeast Asian scholars from ASEAN Member States (AMS).
Selection criteria include:
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Clarity and relevance of the research question.
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Understanding of existing literature.
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Feasibility of research design and methodology.
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Necessity of fieldwork for data collection.
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Language proficiency and relevant academic experience.
Implementation and Reporting
Awardees will be affiliated with partner universities and research institutes during their fieldwork and will receive local mentorship and academic guidance. Fieldwork must complete by 30 April 2026. Recipients are required to submit:
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Submit a mid-term report within 6 weeks after arrival at the fieldwork site.
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Submit a final research report within 4 weeks of completing the fieldwork.
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Join the ASEAN–Korea Young Scholar Workshop to present your findings (online, tentatively on June).
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.