NIPPON FOUNDATION YOUNG SCHOLAR PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE
The UKM-Nippon Foundation Young Scholar Program is a prestigious research fellowship designed to support early-career postdoctoral scholars who are actively engaged in research, education, and community outreach on topics related to peace and human security in the Indo-Pacific region.

FELLOWSHIP
1st Nov 2025 – 30th Nov 2025 (1 month)
Fellows will be based at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

PROGRAM DESIGN
During the one-month residency, fellows are expected to:

  • Continuously conducting research in UKM for 1 month;
  • Engaging IKMAS Fellows on your research and publication;
  • Presenting a seminar during your stay in UKM;
  • Producing an article for IKMAS Working Paper during fellowship period; and
  • Publishing at least one Scopus/WOS indexed journal publication with IKMAS Fellows within one year after the fellowship period.

BENEFITS

  • Allowance;
  • Office space and access to IKMAS facilities;
  • Economy return flight ticket through the most direct route;
  • Accommodation in Malaysia
  • Publication incentive for successfully published Scopus/WoS journal articles

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All works and outputs produced during the fellowship will be governed by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s academic and intellectual property regulations.

ELIGIBILITY
Priority will be given to postdoctoral scholars from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (CLM).
Applicants from the following countries are also encouraged to apply:

  • Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Pacific Island nations
  • Members of the Malaysian Asia-Pacific Interdisciplinary Forum on Asian Narratives (APIFAN)

Requirements:

  • Applicants must hold a PhD at the time of application.
  • Research must be relevant to peace and human security in the Indo-Pacific region.

DURATION
The fellowship will be from 1st – 31th November 2025 (1 month)

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be submitted in English:

  1. A two-page summary of your current research and expected outcomes from the fellowship
  2. Cover letter addressed to the Selection Committee, UKM-Nippon Foundation Young Scholar Program
  3. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
  4. Copy of PhD certificate
  5. Additional supporting documents (optional)

Deadline for Applications:
10 September 2025

Please submit your application via email to:
Dr. Norinah Mohd Ali
Endowment Manager
nira@ukm.edu.my

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.