The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026, a transformative fully funded women’s empowerment accelerator, invites emerging ASEAN women trailblazers from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Nepal to join a hybrid leadership hub in Penang, Malaysia. Organized by the Harpswell Foundation since 2016 in partnership with Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Center for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), this five-month leadership odyssey empowers 22 women leaders to address regional challenges like climate resilience, gender equity, and digital inclusion, aligning with UN SDG 5 (Gender Equality). With a $500,000 budget, the program expects 6,000+ applications fostering a global sisterhood network.
The hybrid leadership hub amplifies women’s leadership impact, tackling ASEAN’s 30% gender gap in leadership roles (UN Women, 2024), with 90% of alumni sustaining professional networks (Harpswell Report, 2024). The program launches with two 1.5-hour virtual introductory sessions, connecting fellows with Harpswell’s team and showcasing their professional portfolios. Bi-monthly 3-hour virtual masterclasses, led by ASEAN experts, explore regional dynamics, while monthly small-group collaborations address issues like sustainable urban development or rural empowerment, producing 30+ actionable solutions. The in-person summit at Universiti Sains Malaysia, features workshops, site tours to Penang’s UNESCO heritage sites, and networking events, hosted at KANITA’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Fellows engage in ASEAN Leadership Dialogues, virtual innovation labs, and mentorship sessions with experts from 50+ countries, including MIT’s Dr. Alan Lightman and KANITA’s Dr. Noraida Endut, fostering 200+ cross-border partnerships. The Penang leadership odyssey includes seminars on AI ethics, critical thinking, and civic engagement, alongside group projects showcased at Penang’s Innovation Hub or UN Women’s virtual platforms. Partnerships with WAKE International, Penang Institute, and U.S. Embassy Malaysia amplify 150+ impact initiatives annually. Fellows develop regional action plans, with 10 plans eligible for Harpswell’s Social Impact Grants. Harpswell’s Inclusive Leadership Initiatives host 100+ virtual events, with 60% fellows from diverse backgrounds.
Since 2016, Harpswell has empowered 87 ASEAN alumnae, with cohort launching 20+ community projects in Nepal and Myanmar. Plans to expand ties with ASEAN Women’s Circle, Asia-Pacific Gender Forum, and UN ESCAP aim to spark 15,000+ collaboration. Conducted in English, with 4–6 hours monthly virtual commitment, the program ensures accessibility. The Harpswell Framework, rooted in critical thinking and civic engagement, champions equity, innovation, and regional unity.
Join emerging ASEAN women trailblazers to ignite fully funded women’s empowerment accelerator, shape regional futures, and drive change with Harpswell ASEAN Leadership Summit 2026!
Harpswell Leadership Summit in Malaysia | Fully Funded
Host Country:
•Malaysia
Host organizations:
•Harpswell + Center for Research on Women and Gender
Program Location:
•Virtual + Penang, Malaysia
ASEAN Summit Dates:
•May- September
Benefits of Harpswell Leadership Summit in Malaysia:
•Travelling costs will be covered.
•Meals during the program will be provided.
•Participants will get accommodation.
•After the program, women will be eligible to apply for Social Impact Grants.
•Opportunity to interact with likeminded women from different countries and backgrounds
Eligibility Criteria for Harpswell Leadership Summit in Malaysia:
1. Women applying should be 25-35 years old.
2. The program will select two women from ten countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Nepal.
3. Women should be interested in social change and women’s leadership.
4. Applicants must show their leadership potential through academic or professional achievements.
5. Applicants should be ready to share cultural diversity.
6. Women applying should have excellent English language skills.
7. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.
Documents required for Harpswell Leadership Summit in Malaysia:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
9. 1 minute video.
10. Awards/recognitions.
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in February 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
