The CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 offers a unique five-month research and collaboration programme in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for outstanding mid- to senior-level researchers from ASEAN member states (excluding Cambodia). This prestigious fellowship aims to strengthen regional research partnerships, enhance quantitative research capacity, and promote evidence-based policymaking across Southeast Asia.
The Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) is Cambodia’s oldest independent policy research institute, dedicated to generating high-quality, evidence-based research that informs national and regional development policies. CDRI fosters a collaborative environment, working with government, civil society, and development partners to address critical socio-economic challenges. The ASEAN Scholar Fellowship reflects CDRI’s commitment to building a robust research network throughout the region.
CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship Benefits
- Fellowship stipend
- Office space at CDRI
- Access to research facilities
- Library resources
- Computing facilities
- Research data infrastructure
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading policy researchers
- Regional networking opportunities
- Experience working on policy research related to Cambodia and ASEAN
- Long-term institutional collaboration opportunities
CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State other than Cambodia
- Hold a PhD in economics, public policy, development studies, statistics, data science, or a related field
- Exceptional candidates with a Master’s degree and at least five years of relevant research experience may also be considered
- Be affiliated with a university, think tank, or research institute within an ASEAN country
- Demonstrate a strong record of policy-related research and publications
- Have expertise in quantitative research methods, econometrics, statistical software (Stata, R, or Python), or AI-assisted research
- Have experience mentoring junior researchers or graduate students
- Demonstrate commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles
- Possess excellent written and spoken English
- Show interest in long-term regional collaboration
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English as separate PDF files:
- Research and collaboration statement (maximum two pages)
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications
- Letter of motivation (maximum one page)
- One recommendation letter from the current institution
Areas of Expertise
Applicants with expertise in one or more of the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Development Economics
- Economic Modelling and Forecasting
- Industrial and Trade Policy
- Labour Economics
- Public Finance
- Macroeconomic Policy
- Data Science for Public Policy
- Climate and Environmental Economics
- Digital Economy
- Innovation Policy
- Econometrics
- Artificial Intelligence in Research
- Statistics
- Quantitative Research Methods
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN Member State, excluding Cambodia.
Eligible countries include:
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Timor-Leste (if applicable under programme requirements)
How to Apply for CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship
- Prepare all required application documents (research and collaboration statement, CV, letter of motivation, recommendation letter)
- Save each document as a separate PDF file
- Attach all documents to a single email
- Submit the application before 15 August 2026
- Email the application to [email protected]
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the CDRI ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Who is eligible to apply for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026?
Researchers who are citizens of an ASEAN Member State (excluding Cambodia), affiliated with a university or research institution, and who hold a PhD (or a Master’s degree with at least five years of research experience) are eligible to apply.
Is the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship is fully funded. It includes a fellowship stipend, office space at CDRI, access to research facilities, library resources, computing infrastructure, and opportunities for regional collaboration.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit applications for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 is 15 August 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a research and collaboration statement (max 2 pages), an updated CV with publications, a letter of motivation (max 1 page), and one recommendation letter from their current institution, all in PDF format.
Can I apply if I am from Cambodia?
No, the fellowship is open only to citizens of ASEAN Member States excluding Cambodia, as the programme aims to bring regional expertise to CDRI.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts five months in total. It includes a three-month residency in Phnom Penh (late August to late October 2026) and two months of remote collaboration (November to December 2026).
Which research fields are preferred?
Preferred fields include development economics, economic modelling, industrial and trade policy, labour economics, public finance, macroeconomic policy, data science for public policy, climate and environmental economics, digital economy, innovation policy, econometrics, AI in research, statistics, and quantitative research methods.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no specific age limit. The fellowship targets mid-career and senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, university faculty, and think tank professionals, so a demonstrated track record of research is more important than age.
What are the selection criteria?
Applications are evaluated based on academic qualifications, research expertise, publication record, policy-relevant research experience, mentoring experience, proposed collaborative research ideas, and potential to strengthen institutional partnerships.
How will I know if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by CDRI for further discussion. Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for the next stage will receive communication.
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