Becoming a Fellow

Applications for AJF 2020 now open. The programme will run from 13 July to 2 October this year. 

Who should apply

We welcome accomplished individuals with at least five years of professional journalism experience in any medium. You must be based in Asia and preferably working full time with a news organisation.

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Terms and expectations

AJF is a residential programme requiring full participation throughout the three-month period. Fellows receive a return air fare and accommodation. Fellows from outside Singapore will receive a stipend to cover basic living expenses.

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How to apply

Your completed application must be received by the deadline, Monday, 2 March 2020. You need to fill out a form and submit letters of support as well as samples of your work.

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Call for Applications

Journalists from across Asia are invited to apply for the 12th run of the Asia Journalism Fellowship (AJF) in Singapore from 13 July to 2 October 2020.

Since its launch in 2009, the AJF has established itself as a prestigious mid-career programme for outstanding media professionals. The Fellowship brings around 15 Asian journalists to Singapore for three months, fully sponsored.

Temasek Foundation initiated the programme to build bridges between Asian journalists, and between their countries and Singapore. The programme is hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies, a prominent research centre that is part of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore.

“The Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for committed journalists to take time out from the newsroom and reflect on the challenges facing journalism today, the reasons why they still want no other job in the world, and to work on a meaningful research project of their choice,” said AJF Director Alan John.

Temasek Foundation Chief Executive Officer Benedict Cheong said: “Year after year, we see a strong sense of camaraderie among every batch of Fellows and it heartens us that that many of them remain deeply connected with each other, keeping abreast of economic and social development issues in their communities.”

Institute of Policy Studies Director Janadas Devan said: “Media developments are a key area of research at IPS and we are pleased to host this worthwhile programme. We hope seasoned journalists will take the opportunity to come to Singapore and spend time considering the numerous challenges faced by countries in our region and beyond. IPS is well placed to connect Fellows with experts in academia as well as with key decision-makers and thought leaders here.”

During their stay, Fellows will take part in seminars and workshops designed to sharpen professional skills and deepen their understanding of key trends shaping their profession. Fellows also get to work on an independent project and pursue their intellectual interests, guided by experts on and off campus. AJF also provides access to key newsmakers in Singapore’s public sector, business community and civil society, offering insights into the challenges faced by one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan hub cities.

So far, 173 journalists from 20 Asian countries and territories have participated in the programme. The programme was hosted by the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information for eight years before moving to IPS in 2017.

“Fellows hone their journalistic skills, learn new ones and make friends for life” Mr John said.