Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

**Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026** The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada's catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia's bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach, and convening activities, we aim to deepen Canada's 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 Canada's engagement in the region and develop meaningful networks with Canadian government officials, industry leaders, and experts. **Program Benefits** • Participation in a one-week learning tour of Canada in May-June 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed). APF Canada provides funding for airfare, hotel, per diem and other incidental expenses for the duration of the trip. Participants are responsible for Canadian visa application fees (if applicable), travel insurance, and other travel-related expenses. APF Canada may provide visa application support letters when 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 • Opportunities to contribute to APF Canada events, publications, or forums **Eligibility Requirements** We seek candidates with strong understanding, experience, and interest in Indo-Pacific affairs across areas such as politics, economics, society, diplomacy, international relations, security, history, and environmental issues. We particularly welcome early-to-mid-career professionals working in government, regional or international organizations, think-tanks, media, the private sector, or universities. **Required Qualifications:** • Citizenship or permanent residency in an Indo-Pacific country/jurisdiction • Minimum undergraduate degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Economics, Sociology, History, Geography, Asian Studies, or related field (current graduate students eligible) • At least 5 years of relevant experience in government, international or regional organizations, think-tanks, media outlets, business, or academia • Ability to obtain required travel documents for the Canadian learning tour **Program Participation Requirements** • Attend monthly virtual briefings on topics central to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy • Participate in the one-week Learning Tour in Canada (May or June 2026) • Engage constructively with peers and guest speakers • Represent the program professionally in all activities • Support alumni programming and maintain network connections after completion **Application Process** Submit all documents as ONE MERGED PDF file. Incomplete applications will not be considered. **Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT)** **Required Documents:** • Resume detailing academic background, skills, and professional experiences • Cover letter explaining your interest in the program (maximum 2 pages) • Short questionnaire responses (maximum 2 pages total for all four questions): - In your opinion, what is a major challenge Canada is currently facing in its relationship with the Indo-Pacific? - What aspect of Canada-Indo-Pacific relations are you most eager to learn about? - How might having a better understanding of Canada help you in your current or future career? - On what international issue would you most like to show leadership in the future? Please explain. We appreciate all applicant interest. Due to anticipated high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews by January 12, 2026. **Important Disclaimers** Participation in the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program does not create or imply an employer-employee relationship with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada or the Government of Canada. All program activities are voluntary and educational in nature, and participants are not considered employees, contractors, or agents. Submitting your application constitutes consent to the collection, use, and necessary disclosure of personal information for program assessment purposes. APF Canada respects applicant privacy and maintains confidentiality of personal information.