Inaugural Asia Foundation Development Fellows Kick off Year in Singapore, Philippines

This week, The Asia Foundation is hosting the inaugural class of The Asia Foundation Development Fellows: Emerging Leadership for Asia’s Future program in Singapore and the Philippines. The 10 fellows – an accomplished group of inspirational young professionals working in government, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and media and representing nine Asian countries – gathered first in Singapore for an opening reception hosted by Asia Foundation President David D. Arnold and attended by government officials, corporate leaders, and development professionals. The reception introduced the Fellows and featured remarks by Asia Foundation-Singapore board member Ong Keng Yong, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, and Kishore Mahbubani, notable academic, diplomat, and current Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The Fellows then participated in a specially designed four-day leadership training workshop held in partnership with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, led by program faculty Philip Merry, founder and chief executive officer at the Global Leadership Academy.

Starting today, the Fellows embark on a four-day program in the Philippines, where they will engage with leading Philippine development innovators and recognized policy-makers such as Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III, Office of the President; Undersecretary Richard Moya, CIO at Department of Budget and Management; Rappler, Devex, and the Asian Development Bank. Fellows will also travel to the earthquake-affected areas of Bohol to meet with representatives from the business sector, as well as school and urban communities working on redevelopment and rehabilitation efforts.

The program draws on the Foundation’s own unique approach to development, and extensive connections and deep expertise working with thought leaders, development practitioners, and local communities. The Philippines and its development challenges and innovations will serve as a contextual backdrop for applying theories and concepts in international development.

The Development Fellows were selected from among 600 applicants for their outstanding leadership potential and accomplishments related to The Asia Foundation’s fields of expertise – governance and law, economic development, women’s empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation. Front row, left to right: Salinee Tavaranan (Thailand), Marcia Czarina Corazon del Mundo Medina-Guce (Philippines), Eaimt Phoo Phoo Aung (Myanmar), Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah (Indonesia), Jaya Luintel (Nepal). Back row, left to right: Badruun Gardi (Mongolia), Goris Mustaqim (Indonesia), Lican Liu (China), Thiem Hai Bui (Vietnam), Guteriano Neves (Timor-Leste).

Fellows Guteriano Neves (left) and Jaya Luintel participate in the leadership workshop at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy that focused on strategic thinking and decision-making, working with participants on developing critical perspectives and best practices in leadership and management.

Eaimt Phoo Phoo Aung presents at the workshop; Fellows and Asia Foundation staff look on.

Read more about the program and the Fellows, or follow #AsiaDevFellows on Twitter for updates.