The Asia Pacific Initiative (API) has launched the “Leaders in East Asia for Peace (LEAP)” Fellowship, which aims to strengthen relations between neighboring countries and promote peace in East Asia by facilitating the mutual exchange of young next-generation leaders among think tanks and research institutions in the region. A signing ceremony for the agreement to dispatch LEAP fellows to the Asan Institute for Policy Studies (Seoul, South Korea) was held on October 7, 2024, in Seoul.

Background of the LEAP Fellowship

The establishment of LEAP was initiated by a proposal from Mr. Chris Brunger, a trustee of the International House of Japan (IHJ), who suggested that “by reflecting on both the past and future, we can promote deeper mutual understanding in East Asia and advance conflict resolution and peacebuilding between neighboring countries.” Following this proposal, API agreed to collaborate with the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, a long-standing partner in policy research through initiatives such as the Japan-Korea Policy Dialogue, to co-develop LEAP. The signing ceremony took place at the Asan Institute, where API President Ken Jimbo and Mr. Brunger visited the Institute. The agreement was signed between API and Dr. Choi Kang, President of the Asan Institute, in the presence of Mr. Chung Mong Joon, founder and honorary chairman of the Asan Institute, and Mr. Brunger.

About the LEAP Fellowship Program

API plans to open the application process for the first cohort of LEAP fellows in the near future. The fellowship targets young researchers at the research associate level. The first cohort of fellows will be dispatched to the Asan Institute for one year starting in 2025 (with the possibility of extension for up to two years). The fellowship will focus on research related to geopolitics, geoeconomics, and Japan-Korea relations in East Asia. The program also includes intensive Korean language training to deepen fellows’ understanding of local issues through direct interaction with people in South Korea. The fellowship aims to foster sustainable grassroots connections and to develop leaders who can serve as bridges between East Asian countries. During their time at the Asan Institute, fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including the annual “Asan Plenum,” which gathers prominent global experts and scholars.

About the Asan Institute for Policy Studies

The Asan Institute for Policy Studies was established in 2008 in Seoul, South Korea, as a think tank conducting research in various fields, including international relations, security, foreign policy, and economics. It aims to provide objective and practical policy recommendations to address challenges faced by South Korea, Asia, and the world. The Institute regularly hosts international conferences and symposiums on themes such as multilateral cooperation, peace, and security in East Asia. It plays a vital role in strengthening policy formation and international cooperation through collaboration among researchers and experts.