Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI) ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026

Applications are now open for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship 2026 at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI). This prestigious fellowship invites outstanding mid- to senior-level researchers from ASEAN member states to participate in a five-month research and collaboration programme in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The fellowship aims to strengthen regional research partnerships, enhance quantitative research capacity, and promote evidence-based policymaking across Southeast Asia. Fellows will mentor junior researchers, collaborate on policy research projects, and contribute to long-term institutional partnerships between CDRI and research organizations throughout ASEAN.

Fellowship Summary

• Host Country: Cambodia
• Host Organization: Cambodia Development Resource Institute (CDRI)
• Programme Type: Research Fellowship
• Duration: 5 Months
• Residency Period: Late August – Late October 2026 (3 months in Cambodia)
• Remote Collaboration: November – December 2026 (2 months)
• Eligible Nationalities: ASEAN Member States (excluding Cambodia)
• Financial Coverage: Funded
• Application Mode: Email
• Application Deadline: 15 August 2026

Selected fellows will receive:

• 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

Fellowship Responsibilities

During the fellowship, scholars will:

• Mentor junior researchers in quantitative research methods.
• Provide training in econometric modelling and statistical analysis.
• Collaborate on policy research projects.
• Co-author research papers and policy briefs.
• Conduct research seminars and technical workshops.
• Advise on strengthening research methodologies.
• Support institutional collaboration between CDRI and their home institution.
• Submit an end-of-fellowship reflection report.

The fellowship is designed for:

• Mid-career researchers
• Senior researchers
• Postdoctoral researchers
• University faculty members
• Policy researchers
• Think tank professionals
• Experienced Master's degree holders with significant research experience

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

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)

Applicants must:

• 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.

Applicants must submit the following documents in English as separate PDF files:

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

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Prepare all required application documents.
2. Save each document as a separate PDF file.
3. Attach all documents to a single email.
4. Submit the application before 15 August 2026.
5. Email the application to [email protected].
6. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic qualifications
• Research expertise
• Publication record
• Policy-relevant research experience
• Mentoring experience
• Proposed collaborative research ideas
• Potential to strengthen institutional partnerships between CDRI and the applicant's home institution

Why Apply for the ASEAN Scholar Fellowship?

This fellowship offers researchers an opportunity to contribute to regional development through collaborative policy research while expanding their professional network across Southeast Asia. Participants will gain valuable experience mentoring researchers, developing evidence-based policy solutions, and building long-term research partnerships with one of Cambodia's leading policy research institutes.