Applications are open for the Southeast Asia Acumen Fellowship, a leadership development programme for social entrepreneurs and senior decision-makers who are building and scaling solutions to poverty across Southeast Asia. Organised by Acumen Academy, the fellowship supports leaders who have already demonstrated meaningful social impact and are ready to expand their reach, strengthen their organisations, and influence the systems affecting underserved communities.

The eight-month hybrid programme is designed for individuals who are actively leading social impact organisations and want to develop the leadership skills needed to grow their work without losing sight of the communities they serve. Participants will join a cohort of ambitious social innovators, exchange experiences, explore practical approaches to organisational growth, and develop the confidence and judgment needed to navigate complex leadership challenges.

The fellowship curriculum covers polarity management, adaptive leadership, authentic communication, and the concept of a just society. Participants will learn how to manage competing organisational priorities, understand stakeholders, communicate their vision effectively to investors and partners, and make decisions that preserve their organisations’ social missions as they grow.

The programme combines in-person learning, virtual sessions, and independent study. Participants will attend one five-day in-person orientation, two five-day residential learning immersives, and two virtual Learning Labs. They will also complete self-paced learning activities and participate in monthly one-on-one calls with the programme team. Fellows should be prepared to dedicate at least 2.5 hours per week to the programme, in addition to attending the scheduled intensive sessions.

Successful participants will join Acumen’s Foundry, a global community of more than 2,000 social innovators across 71 countries. The network provides opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, access specialised tools and coaching, gain exposure to potential investors and industry leaders, and explore pathways to catalytic capital through separate competitive opportunities. Participation in the fellowship does not guarantee funding or investment.

Benefits

The Southeast Asia Acumen Fellowship is fully funded, with Acumen covering programme costs, including travel and accommodation for the in-person immersives. Fellows will receive leadership development training, practical frameworks for scaling social enterprises, opportunities to exchange knowledge with experienced social entrepreneurs, monthly individual support from the programme team, and access to Acumen’s global Foundry network after completing the fellowship. Participants will also have opportunities to strengthen their organisations’ long-term impact, build relationships with potential partners, and explore additional resources for growth.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be social entrepreneurs, founders, chief executives, or senior decision-makers working full-time in organisations committed to addressing poverty and creating meaningful social impact. Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience and demonstrate a sustained commitment to solving problems affecting underserved communities.

Applicants should have an established initiative, enterprise, or organisation with evidence of meaningful impact and a credible plan to reach more people. The programme prioritises individuals who have demonstrated execution, growth, innovation, influence, and progress towards organisational sustainability. Relevant sectors include quality education, sustainable agriculture, dignified employment, renewable energy, healthcare, financial services, water, housing, and rural development.

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, have reliable internet access, and be available to participate throughout the eight-month programme. Applicants must live in Southeast Asia or demonstrate a substantial connection to the region through their employment or the social impact work they lead. Eligible countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

There are no specific academic qualification requirements. However, applicants who have previously participated in an Acumen Fellowship or graduated from certain comparable Acumen Academy leadership accelerator programmes may be ineligible.

Application Deadline: 6 December 2026.

Programme Start: April 2027.

Selection Conference: 27–28 February 2027. Shortlisted applicants will participate virtually.

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