Call for Applications: Indo-Pacific Young Leader's Program

TheAsia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on Canadas relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canadas catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asias bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach, and convening activities, we aim to deepen Canadas understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen our ties across government, business, and civil society.

We are seeking 12 to 15 exceptional young professionals (aged 39 and younger) who are based in Asia for the 2026 cohort of our Indo-Pacific Young Leaders (IPYL) Program. The program will run for approximately one year, from January to December 2026.

The IPYL Program is funded by the Government of Canada and is a key APF Canada initiative to build long-term Canada competence among emerging leaders in the Indo-Pacific. The goal of the program is to help participants deepen their understanding of Canadas engagement in the region and develop meaningful networks with Canadian government officials, industry leaders, and experts.

Benefits of joining the program

• Participation in a one-week learning tour of Canada in May-June 2026 (exact dates TBC). Funding by APF Canada is limited to airfare, hotel, per diem and other incidental expenses for the duration of the trip. Canadian visa application (if applicable), travel insurance fees and other travel related expenses will be the responsibility of the participant. APF Canada may provide a letter to support the visa application, if needed.
• Access to APF Canada's network of policy leaders, diplomats, scholars, and industry experts.
• Leadership and policy-skills development opportunities.
• Exposure to Canadian institutions, innovation ecosystems, and policy environments.
• Ad-hoc opportunities to contribute to APF Canada events, publications, or forums.
  

Eligibility

Applicants should have strong understanding, experience, and interest in Indo-Pacific affairs in areas such as politics, economics, society, diplomacy, international relations, security, history, and environmental issues. We are especially interested in early-to mid-career professionals working in government, regional or international organizations, think-tanks, media, the private sector, or universities.

• Individuals who hold citizenship or permanent residency in an Indo-Pacific country/jurisdiction.
• Undergraduate degree (minimum) in a field such as Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Economics, Sociology, History, Geography, Asian Studies, etc. Current graduate students are also eligible.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in government, international or regional organizations, think-tanks, media outlets, business, or academia.
• Able to facilitate the required travel documents to participate in the learning tour of Canada.

Required participation for the program

• Attend monthly virtual briefings on topics central to Canadas Indo-Pacific Strategy, ensuring ongoing engagement and continuous learning.
• Participate in a one-week Learning Tour in Canada (May or June 2026, dates TBC).
• Engage constructively with peers and guest speakers.
• Represent the program professionally in all activities.
• Support alumni programming and remain connected to the network after completion.

Program Application Procedure

Applications should upload the followingdocuments in ONE MERGED PDF file. Incomplete application will not be considered.

The application deadline is Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).

• Resume detailing your academic background, skills, and professional experiences.
• Cover Letter detailing why you are interested in joining the program (max. 2 pages)
• Short questionnaire (max 2 pages for all four questions):
  1. In your opinion, what is a major challenge Canada is currently facing in its relationship with the Indo-Pacific?
  2. What aspect of Canada-Indo-Pacific relations are you most eager to learn about?
  3. How might having a better understanding of Canada help you in your current or future career?
  4. On what international issue would you most like to show leadership in the future? Please explain.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but due to the anticipated high volume of applications,only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview by January 12, 2026. Thank you for your understanding.

Disclaimer

Participation in the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders (IPYL) Program does not create or imply an employeremployee relationship with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada or the Government of Canada. All activities within the program are voluntary and educational in nature, and participants are not considered employees, contractors, or agents for any purpose.

Furthermore, submitting your application is deemed to be consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of assessing your suitability for the program. APF Canada respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.

Please add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of our correspondence.