U.S. Embassy in Singapore

The essence of intercultural education is the acquisition of empathy–the ability to see the world as others see it, and to allow for the possibility that others may see something we have failed to see, or may see it more accurately. The simple purpose of the exchange program…is to erode the culturally rooted mistrust that sets nations against one another. The exchange program is not a panacea but an avenue of hope….

Senator J. William Fulbright
From The Price of Empire

Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program Competition 2024-2025   

The United States is committed to sustained engagement across Asia as a strategic priority, including working closely with multilateral institutions such as ASEAN. The objective of the Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative is to deepen people-to-people engagement and strengthen our ties with the ten member nations of ASEAN, while specifically emphasizing the importance of ASEAN. Since the program began in 2012, more than 100 scholars from all 10 ASEAN Member States have been awarded scholarships to pursue studies focused on a wide range of subjects including public health / pandemic response, jurisdictional issues in South China Sea, engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN economic integration, human trafficking, and food safety.

The initiative is open to university faculty, foreign ministry and other government officials, and professional staff from the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs in ASEAN Member States. The awardee will travel to the U.S. for 3-4 months in the first half of 2025 for scholarly and professional research on issues that are relevant to ASEAN, and central to the U.S.-ASEAN relationship. Projects should be regional in scope and/or have clear implications for the entire ASEAN region.

While it is expected that the majority of time will be spent on research, the awardee is also encouraged to expand and develop their network of professional contacts so that professional relationships established during their time in the United States can be sustained after the formal grant period has ended. In addition, the awardee will be expected to seek opportunities to provide an ASEAN perspective during their time in the United States through guest lectures, seminars, or participation in academic or professional conferences.

About Fulbright  

Established in 1946, Fulbright is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government. The purpose of the Fulbright Program is “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” With this goal in mind, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas, experience cultures and observe each other’s political and economic institutions. Singapore’s first Fulbrighters travelled to the U.S. in 1956. Since then, over 500 Singaporean Fulbrighters have studied, researched and experienced life in the U.S.  

Qualifying Research Fields 

Fulbright Visiting Scholars may apply to conduct research in fields that support ASEAN initiatives. Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar proposals should be carefully developed projects that will deepen the applicant’s understanding of one or more aspects of the U.S.-ASEAN relationship. Examples include:  

• Supporting regional economic integration  
• Expanding maritime cooperation  
• Promoting opportunities for women  
• Addressing transnational challenges (e.g. regional collaboration on issues such as curbing human trafficking, countering violent extremism, preventing wildlife trafficking, or promoting sustainable fishing)  

Fields of study could include, but are not limited to:  

• Education  
• Financial Market Integration  
• Food Technology  
• Information Sciences  
• Journalism  
• Law  
• Public Administration  
• Public/ Global Health  
• Trade and Investment  

Program Benefits 

The award will cover:  

• A direct-flight, round-trip economy-class air ticket on an American carrier.  
• A monthly living stipend between US $2,710 and $3,145/month, depending on the U.S. city.  
• A one-time US $1,250.00 settling-in and professional allowance.  
• Qualifying university lab and research fees of up to $3,000, as necessary.  
• No dependent support will be available.  
• Exchanges must be at least three months, but no more than four months in length.  

 Eligibility  

• Applicants must be Singaporean citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must be residing in an ASEAN Member State throughout the nomination and selection process and must return to an ASEAN Member State upon completion of their U.S. stay. Non-Singaporean applicants must apply through their home country’s embassy or Fulbright Commission.  
• Applicants should be university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, or professionals in the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs whose work focuses on U.S.-ASEAN issues.  Applicants must have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment.  
• Preference is given to applicants who have not had recent or substantial experience in the United States.  
• Applicants selected for a Fulbright grant are required to submit a Fulbright Medical History & Examination Report no later than 60 days prior to departure.  

 Disqualification:  

• Applicants who are currently teaching, studying, or conducting research in the U.S.  
• Applicants who have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years.  
• Applicants who have received a J-1 visa in the category of Professor/Research Scholar within the past two years.  

Competition Schedule  

*Selected Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholars will come to the United States during the first half of 2025, starting their grant between January and March 2025. Program timing may be subject to change due to travel restrictions or other considerations.  

Application Procedure  

Explore affiliations with U.S. institutions, universities, think tanks and research institutes before submitting the online application.  Letters of invitation will enable program organizers to make a strong decision about the applicant and the proposed research.  

Access the online application beginning October 9, 2023 at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2024 

NOTE: Clearly indicate in the application portal and your project title that you are applying for the Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Award.  

Application Materials:  

• Application  
• Project statement (3-5 pages maximum)  
• Bibliography  
• Curriculum vitae (up to 6 pages)  
• Letter of invitation (strongly preferred but not required)  
• Three letters of recommendation  
• Passport scan  

Contact: 

Fulbright Program Coordinator
Public Affairs Section
U.S. Embassy Singapore
27 Napier Road
Singapore 258508
Email: Singaporefulbright@state.gov