2025 IPSC Emerging Leaders Policy Forum

The 2025 IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum is a flagship initiative by the Indo-Pacific Studies Center, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the Indo-Pacific. This forum connects young professionals, university students, emerging leaders, and key stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to engage in transformative dialogue, collaborative learning, and impactful policy discussions that address the region’s most pressing challenges.

The IPSC Indo-Pacific Emerging Leaders Forum offers two participation pathways to ensure inclusivity and sustainability:

  • Competitive Leadership Fellowship: For individuals selected through a rigorous merit-based process.

  • Professional Development Track: For professionals and individuals seeking guaranteed access to leadership development opportunities.

This dual model ensures the forum is accessible to a diverse range of participants while fostering collaboration across generations and sectors.

Whether you join through the Competitive Leadership Fellowship or the Professional Development Track, you will enjoy full access to all sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Together, these cohorts create a collaborative and inclusive forum for shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.

Purpose

The 2025 IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum was created to bridge the worlds of academia, industry, and government, fostering a platform where emerging leaders can build cross-sectoral connections and enhance their understanding of the Indo-Pacific’s complex dynamics. By equipping participants with essential knowledge and networks, the forum empowers them to tackle regional issues, drive innovation, and strengthen cooperative ties across nations.

Forum Structure

The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum 2025 is a dynamic and immersive platform designed to empower emerging leaders across the Indo-Pacific. The forum is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience through thematic tracks, collaborative activities, and opportunities to engage with regional experts and thought leaders.

Program Components

Thematic Tracks

Participants can commit to a single track or multiple tracks based on their availability and interests. Tracks are offered sequentially, with clear schedules and sufficient time allocated for learning and engagement in each. Each thematic track spans 5 weeks and focuses on in-depth exploration of its core topics through seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Participants will choose from five thematic tracks tailored to address the most pressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific:

  • Track 1: Security and Geopolitics

  • Track 2: Economic Development and Regional Cooperation

  • Track 3: Climate Action and Environmental Security

  • Track 4: Governance and Multilateral Cooperation

  • Track 5: Technology and Innovation

Each track includes interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and hands-on projects to develop deep expertise in the chosen theme.

Total Weekly Commitment

11–15 hours per week
This includes both live sessions and self-paced activities, making the program accessible for working professionals and students.

Flexibility for Participants

  • Live vs. Recorded Sessions:
    All live sessions are recorded and made available for participants unable to attend in real time.

  • Self-Paced Learning:
    Participants can engage with materials and projects at their convenience within each week's framework.

Interactive Seminars
Engage with regional and global experts through focused discussions and presentations on critical topics. These seminars are designed to encourage dialogue and innovation.

  1. Collaborative Projects
    Participants can elect to work in small, interdisciplinary teams to design actionable solutions to real-world challenges. These projects will be presented during the final summit.

  2. Networking Opportunities
    The forum provides multiple avenues to connect with peers, mentors, policymakers, and industry leaders through formal networking events, roundtables, and mentoring.

  3. Simulations and Case Studies
    Real-world scenarios and case studies from the Indo-Pacific will help participants apply their knowledge and practice leadership in simulated decision-making environments.

  4. Summit
    The forum concludes with the IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum 2025 Summit, a high-impact event featuring:

    • Plenary sessions

    • Keynote speeches

    • Cross-track discussions

    • Collaborative project showcases

How the Tracks Work

  1. Independent Tracks:
    Each track operates independently, with its own set of seminars, workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects tailored to the track’s focus area.

  2. Cross-Track Collaboration:
    While tracks are independent, there are opportunities for participants from different tracks to interact during joint plenary sessions, interdisciplinary simulations, or networking events.

  3. Summit Integration:
    During the final summit, all tracks converge to present collaborative project outcomes, participate in plenaries, and share insights from their specialized work.

Forum Highlights

  • Online Sessions: Accessible to participants across time zones, with interactive components like Q&A, breakout groups, and live polls.

  • Onsite Events: Select locations in the Indo-Pacific to foster face-to-face collaboration and networking.

  • Flexible Engagement: Sessions are recorded and available for on-demand viewing, ensuring inclusivity and convenience.

  • Track Sequence:

    • Tracks are offered sequentially, with clear schedules and sufficient time allocated for learning and engagement in each.

    • This allows participants to move from one track to another, enabling them to explore different thematic areas.

  • Flexibility:

    • Participants can commit to a single track or multiple tracks based on their availability and interests.

    • Cross-track learning is encouraged through shared plenary sessions and collaborative activities.

Forum Schedule

Track/Summit Start Date End Date
Track 1: Security and Geopolitics 05 May 2025 08 Jun 2025
Track 2: Economic Development and Regional Cooperation 16 Jun 2025 20 Jul 2025
Track 3: Climate Action and Environmental Security 28 Jul 2025 31 Aug 2025
Track 4: Governance and Multilateral Cooperation 08 Sep 2025 12 Oct 2025
Track 5: Technology and Innovation 20 Oct 2025 23 Nov 2025
Summit: IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum 2025 25 Nov 2025 27 Nov 2025

2025 IPSC Emerging Leaders Policy Forum

Key Events

  • Annual Leadership Summit

    A 2-3 day summit, bringing together emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific to discuss critical issues including geo-politics, great power rivalry, regional governance, security, democracy, cybersecurity, supply chains, trade, minilateralism, multilateralism, ASEAN, AUKUS, the QUAD, BRICS+5, NATO in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, Pacifica, technology, and global leadership.

    Objective: To foster dialogue and collaboration among emerging leaders, encouraging them to create actionable solutions to shared challenges.

    Activities: Plenary sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

  • Joint Policy Paper Series

    A series of co-authored policy papers by emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific, addressing critical topics such as geopolitics, great power rivalry, regional governance, security, democracy, cybersecurity, supply chains, trade, minilateralism, multilateralism, ASEAN, AUKUS, the QUAD, BRICS+5, NATO in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, technology, and global leadership.

    Objective: To give emerging leaders a voice in policy development and influence decision-making at both national and international levels.

    Activities: Research, mentorship by academics and policy experts, and publication in academic journals and media outlets.

  • Partnerships and Networking Opportunities

    Foster relationships between emerging leaders and key industry leaders, government representatives, and academic institutions to build a robust network of support for youth-driven initiatives.

    Objective: To create long-lasting connections between participants and professionals in fields like climate action, innovation, and public policy.

    Activities: Networking events during the summit, exchange programs, and virtual networking through the innovation hub.

  • Exchange Program

    A 1-2 week exchange program to provide participants exposure to the cultural and business landscapes of the Indo-Pacific.

    Objective: To deepen cross-cultural understanding and foster joint projects in areas like sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and innovation.

    Activities: Academic sessions, industry visits, and community activities that promote sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and innovation.  Collaborative projects developed by participants, with highlights presented at the Annual Leadership Summit.

  • Digital Innovation Hub

    A digital platform where emerging leaders can collaborate on projects, share ideas, and participate in virtual events such as webinars, hackathons, and challenges.

    Objective: To create a sustained community of innovators across the Indo-Pacific, focused on solving global issues through technology and innovation.

    Activities: Monthly webinars, virtual project collaborations, and peer-to-peer discussions.

  • Climate Action Challenge

    A competition-based initiative inviting emerging leaders to propose innovative solutions to climate change and environmental challenges.

    Objective: To empower emerging leadersto take action on sustainability by developing and implementing practical solutions, with the best projects receiving funding and mentorship.

    Activities: Ideation workshops, proposal submission, evaluation by a panel of experts, and funding for top ideas.

Alumni Network and Mentorship Program

Participants will automatically become members of the IPSC Emerging Leaders Alumni network designed to provide continuous engagement and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the impact of the forum extends beyond the immediate program. Benefits include:

  • Biannual mentorship sessions and exclusive networking events for alumni.

  • Opportunities for alumni to mentor emerging leaders, contribute to ongoing projects, and take part in advanced training and workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The dual cohort model ensures the Emerging Leaders Forum is inclusive and impactful. The Competitive Leadership Fellowship provides opportunities for individuals with demonstrated potential, while the Professional Development Track allows professionals to participate without undergoing the competitive process. This approach fosters diverse perspectives and supports the forum’s financial sustainability.

  • The program focuses on emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific region. While priority may be given to individuals from these countries, applicants from other regions with a strong interest in Indo-Pacific issues may also be considered.

  • Applications typically involve submitting a form, resume, and potentially a personal statement. Deadlines vary, so it’s best to check the IPSC website or reach out to their contact team for exact dates.

  • No, there are no fees to register or attend the activities of the IPSC Emerging Leaders Policy Forum. The forum is committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.

    However, certain programs within the forum, such as the Emerging Leaders Exchange Program, may require participants to cover some personal expenses, such as meals, depending on the specific arrangements of the program. We strive to minimize these costs and, where possible, provide information on scholarships, bursaries subsidies, or external funding opportunities to support participants.

    For more information about potential personal expenses for specific activities, please feel free to contact us directly.

  • The forum events vary, with the Annual Leadership Summit lasting 2-3 days and the Exchange Program extending 1-2 weeks. Applicants should be prepared for both pre-event preparations and post-event engagements if they join collaborative projects.

  • The Exchange Program includes academic sessions, cultural activities, and collaborative projects. Selection may depend on an applicant’s professional background, area of interest, and regional representation.

  • The forum targets early- to mid-career professionals or students with a demonstrated commitment to regional or global policy issues. There are no age criteria.

  • While the program itself has a set schedule, participants may continue to collaborate through the Digital Innovation Hub or related initiatives. Extensions are subject to individual arrangement.

  • Many leadership forums provide certificates of participation or completion, which can be beneficial for resumes or LinkedIn profiles. It’s best to confirm with the IPSC for their specific offerings.

  • Mentorship may include guidance from regional policy experts, seasoned diplomats, or academic professionals. Participants often have access to mentors during the Joint Policy Paper Series and through other organized sessions.

  • The forum likely uses digital platforms for collaboration and coordination, enabling participants to contribute flexibly across time zones and maintain consistent communication through the Digital Innovation Hub.

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