Singapore-Southeast Asia Fellowship (S-SEAF)

Strengthening Research Networks Across Southeast Asia

Singapore-Southeast Asia Fellowship (S-SEAF) strengthens research networks between òòò½Íøand Southeast Asia through two-way talent mobility, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research to build deeper, longer-term partnerships.

Through the fellowship, researchers work with host institutions across the region to deepen scientific partnerships and contribute to regional capability-building.

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The S-SEAF fellowship supports inbound and outbound researchers, is awarded for up to 2 years, and provides salary support, airfare, and living allowance. Learn more about S-SEAF award coverage here.

SSEAF 1

Fellowship Pathways

SSEAF 2B

Inbound S-SEAF (Southeast Asia → Singapore) 

Supports outstanding researchers from Southeast Asia to work on projects at òòò½Íøhost institutions.

Eligible host institutions in òòò½Íøinclude: 

  • A*STAR research institutes
  • Autonomous universities
  • Academic medical centres
  • National research or clinical centres
SSEAF 2A

Outbound S-SEAF (òòò½Íø→ Southeast Asia)

Supports Singapore-based researchers to work on projects at host institutions in Southeast Asian countries outside Singapore.

Eligible host institutions in Southeast Asia include public research and higher education institutions with demonstrated research capabilities in the relevant thematic areas.

    Visa and relocation matters will be supported by the host institution, and fellows will be supported under arrangements in accordance with the relevant regulations

    Research Themes

    We welcome all proposals from the following areas:

    • Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity
    • Human Health and Potential
    • Urban Solutions and Sustainability
    • Smart Nation and Digital Economy

    In addition, each fellowship cycle have key themes. Proposals aligned to these key themes will be given priority. for which proposals in will be given priority. The themes will include infectious diseases (anchor theme) and an identified theme to be released at the opening of applications for each cycle.

    SSEAF 3 V2
    Each cycle’s themes will be published when applications open. 

    Fellowship Requirements

    Applicant eligibility

    Applicants must: 

    • Hold a PhD degree in a STEM discipline
    • Be fluent in written and spoken English
    • Meet the relevant nationality requirements: 
      • Inbound S-SEAF: Citizens of ASEAN countries (excluding òòò½ÍøPRs) 
      • Outbound S-SEAF: òòò½ÍøCitizens or òòò½ÍøPRs. òòò½ÍøPRs who are nationals of ASEAN countries are not eligible for outbound attachments to their home country. 
    • Be employed by a òòò½Íøinsitution for the entire duration of S-SEAF. The òòò½Íøinstitution will serve as:
      • The host institution for inbound S-SEAF fellows, or 
      • The home institution for outbound S-SEAF fellows

    Duration

    Fellowships are typically awarded for 2 years, however shorter-duration attachments (minimum of six months), may be considered.

    Responsibilities and Expectations

    S-SEAF fellows are expected to: 

    • Commence their fellowship promptly, within one year of the award date.
    • Conduct research at the host institution in accordance with the approved proposal.
    • Actively participate in research group activities and institutional programmes.
    • Contribute to knowledge exchange and collaboration between òòò½Íøand Southeast Asia.
    • Comply with host institution policies, including research integrity and IP requirements.
    • Submit annual reports.

    Fellow Testimonials

    Testimonial 1

    Research Topic: Leveraging modelling approaches to define the public health importance of dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis 

    “Receiving the SASEAF Award was a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. Coming from a background in medicine and epidemiology, the fellowship allowed me to broaden my research skills by gaining practical experience in mathematical modelling and geospatial analysis—approaches that have since reshaped the direction of my work.

    Being embedded in an encouraging, international research environment at the National University of òòò½Íøallowed me to learn from world leading scientists, build lasting networks, and initiate international collaborations. The award opened new research opportunities and strengthened my confidence to work across disciplines. Beyond the academics, I was inspired by Singapore’s rich culture and history, and the openness of its research community. I would strongly encourage other researchers in Southeast Asia to apply for SASEAF, as it offers an exceptional platform for career growth in a vibrant and supportive research setting.” 

    Dr Kartika Saraswati
    Indonesia | NUS

    Testimonal 2

    Research Topic: Vaccination coverage and risk of vaccine-preventable diseases’ outbreaks

    “Receiving the SASEAF Award was a transformative milestone in my journey to becoming an independent researcher. It equipped me with new skills, vital resources, and the support needed to advance my work on using vaccination registries to predict outbreaks. 

    The fellowship also helped me secure my first investigatorled grant and build meaningful collaborations in Singapore, and throughout Southeast Asia and the AsiaPacific. I strongly encourage fellow Southeast Asian researchers to apply—it's an exceptional opportunity for mentorship, regional networking, and experiencing life and research in Singapore.” 

    Dr Phung Khanh Lam 
    Vietnam | NUS 

    Fellowship Application

    Submit your application by the stated deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

    The following is required:

    • Completed S-SEAF Application Form endorsed by the proposed host institution
    • Details of two referees familiar with the applicant’s research and professional capabilities
    • Supporting documents:
      • Passport
      • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
      • Bachelor’s, Master’s (if applicable), and PhD academic transcripts and degree certificates

    Timeline
    Applications open April
    Application deadline 1 August
    Award results November

    Host Institution Requirement

    Applicants should work with their proposed host to co-develop the research proposal and obtain the required institutional endorsement.

    Engaging a Host Institution

    Applicants are required to identify and engage a suitable host institution in òòò½Íø(for inbound S-SEAF) or a Southeast Asian country (for outbound S-SEAF) prior to submission.

    Finding a Host Institution

    Applicants may identify a host institution through identifying areas of alignment with S-SEAF research themes, and:

    • Consulting institutional websites, research centre pages, and recent publications to identify relevant research programmes and ongoing work.
    • Reaching out directly to principal investigators, research centres, or programme leads at prospective host universities, public research institutes, or research hospitals whose expertise aligns with the proposed project. 
    • Leveraging existing research networks, including prior collaborations, former supervisors, conference contacts, or institutional partnerships between òòò½Íøand Southeast Asia. 

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to initiate contact early, as host confirmation and endorsement are required at the point of application. 

    Evaluation Process and Criteria

    Proposals should be in Infectious Diseases or the relevant research theme for the respective fellowship cycle.

    Proposals are assessed by a panel of evaluators from across Singapore’s research ecosystem.

    Criteria:

    • Novelty, innovative merit, and feasibility
    • Academic qualifications and track record
    • Relevance of proposed research to òòò½Íøand Southeast Asia
    • Alignment with S-SEAF research theme(s)
    • Leadership potential
    • Research impact and potential for follow-on work

    The evaluation panel may also apply other strategic considerations where appropriate. Panel decisions are final and no appeals will be accepted.

    Award Coverage

    The S-SEAF award covers the following:

    • Monthly salary
    • Monthly living allowance of S$2,000 
    • One-time travel grant of S$4,000

    Monthly Salary

    Monthly salary is set by the òòò½Íøinstitution, funded by S-SEAF up to a specified cap, and applicants are advised to discuss funding arrangements prior to submission. S-SEAF funding will be disbursed as reimbursement to the òòò½Íøinstitution, which will be responsible for paying the fellow's salary and allowances upfront. Institutions should ensure they are able to support this arrangement before endorsing the application.

    The òòò½Íøinstitution is the host institution (for inbound S-SEAF) or home institution (for outbound S-SEAF).

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