APLP IN BRIEF
(Please also see further detail throughout this website or contact program staff)
APLP Vision
To create a network of action, focused on building a peaceful, prosperous and just Asia Pacific community.
Participant Outcomes
On completing the program, participants understand key trends which will affect the region in the future, what types of leadership these trends require, and how they fit within these shifting contexts as individuals and community leaders.
Who participates?
The 40 participants selected each year have strong leadership experience or exhibit high leadership potential. All participants have at least a Bachelor’s degree and most have a Master’s degree. APLP participants have come from 48 countries and have tremendous range of backgrounds (as examples: science, business, development, politics, government, civil society, medicine, religious orders, art, finance, academia or research). The age of participants ranges from mid 20s to mid 40s with an average of over 30. Most have at least five years of professional experience.
What is the time commitment?
The APLP is a nine-month program (early-August to early-May) with a minimum five-month residency requirement. During the first five months all participants are based at the East-West Center in Honolulu and live on campus.
What does the program involve?
The first five months (August through December) involves intensive coursework and living and working within a diverse community. First semester program content focuses on three areas: interpreting emerging issues facing the Asia Pacific; developing leadership capacity; and professional development. Activities include workshops, discussion seminars, outdoor challenges, lectures, simulations, field experience, independent work and online activities.
After the core experience, participants engage in a range of flexible, customized activities for an additional four months (January to May). These activities include: working in internships; coursework at the University of Hawaii; developing applied leadership projects; carrying out extended field studies; or returning to employment. In all cases there is a continuation of the program through online and/or face-to-face meetings. There is a May graduation/re-union and conference in Honolulu.
Who are the program staff?
There are six core program staff. This allows for a responsive and personalized approach to the program. Joining the program each year are over 50 world-class guests who deliver specific areas of program content and provide mentorship. Peer learning between participants is also a centerpiece of program design.
What does the APLP fellowship cover?
Upon entry, all participants receive an APLP fellowship valued at approximately $15,000. This covers the majority of program tuition, materials, electronic and print resources, transportation to most off-site locations, excursions, specialized workshops, and health insurance.
What are the program and living costs?
Living expenses on campus are approximately $1,000/month. Transportation to and from Hawai‘i is at the participant’s expense and each participant contributes $3,500 towards program fees and $750 towards field expenses.
What supplemental funding is available?
The APLP is fortunate to have developed a wide range of supplemental scholarship opportunities for participants. Please see the Summary of Financial Considerations for details.
Outcomes
In seven years the APLP has become a signature program of the East-West Center. Its alumni, who come from 48 countries, now occupy key positions within the United States and Asia. Alumni stay in very close contact with the program with over 65% reuniting last year with program staff.
The APLP provides the time, tools, contacts and knowledge needed to successfully navigate personal and regional change.
We judge our success on how participants come to envision trends in the Asia Pacific region and their place within these trends; how participants develop leadership capacity, plan for future success and carry out actions needed to achieve this success.
