Leaders Asia-Pacific is a non-residential leadership development program dedicated to equipping emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific region with a values-based leadership framework. The program aims to foster inclusive and lasting change in local communities, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world.
About the Program
Grounded in the principles that have shaped President Obama’s own journey—from Indonesia to Hawaiʻi—the Leaders Asia-Pacific program builds on his commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers across the region.
Launched in 2019, this six-month hybrid leadership program brings together 35 emerging leaders from various sectors. Participants engage in 8-12 hours of programming per month, focusing not only on what they lead but also how they lead.
Program Highlights
- Core Sessions: Over 21 workshops, leaders enhance their skills in storytelling, understanding power dynamics, and communicating across differences. Sessions take place weekly on Saturdays, lasting 2-3 hours each.
- Leadership Coaching: Each participant is paired with a coach for personalized guidance and growth.
- Regional Leaders and Guest Speakers: Leaders interact with prominent figures like Minister Audrey Tang (Taiwan), President Surangel Whipps Jr. (Palau), and Former Vice President Leni Robredo (Philippines).
Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of values-based leadership, the ability to lead change collaboratively, and practical tools to create impactful and inclusive change.
We Are Looking for the Next Generation of Obama Leaders
The application for the 2025-2026 Leaders Asia-Pacific program is now open! To initiate your application, you must register first. The deadline for submission is Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6).
The program is scheduled to begin the week of September 1, 2025, and will conclude by May 1, 2026, with planned breaks throughout.
Eligibility Criteria
- Location: Open to individuals residing in eligible Asia-Pacific nations or territories.
- Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylum seeker in an eligible country/territory.
- Have lived in an eligible area for the past 5 years, regardless of citizenship.
- Geographic Focus: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to creating positive change in local communities or the broader Asia-Pacific region.
- Leadership Experience: A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in your issue area is required.
- Language Proficiency: Professional fluency in English.
- Age Range: Between 24 and 45 years old as of September 1, 2025.
- Political Neutrality: Applicants must refrain from running for political office during the program.
Jurisdiction: The Obama Foundation is based in the U.S., so participants must not face legal or regulatory restrictions on virtual programming or U.S. travel.
Apply Now
Become part of a transformative journey that empowers changemakers to create inclusive, values-based change in their communities.
Deadline: January 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM United States Central Time (UTC-6).
To Apply: Register and submit your application.
For additional details about our programs, visit our website.
FAQs
For more details about the program, including frequently asked questions, visit the official Leaders Asia-Pacific FAQ page.
Empowering the next generation of leaders, one changemaker at a time.
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If you are based outside Asia, then check out this link for fellowship opportunities in Africa, and the United States:
