The program is a Temasek Foundation initiative that has been hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore since 2017. Since 2009, the AJF has hosted 173 Asian journalists in Singapore. The event was previously held in the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University. Check (http://www.ajf.sg/) for more details.
Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation is a charitable organization based in Singapore that funds several programs of various kinds. Temasek Foundation's programs are supported by Temasek's philanthropic endowments and gifts and other contributions from other donors.
These programs aim to impact communities and individuals positively and for future generations. Temasek Foundation's programs work to improve social resilience, enhance international transfer and regional skills, advance science, and safeguard the environment as a whole.
Institute of Policy studies
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was established in 1988 as an independent research institute in Singapore to analyze and create public policy ideas. In 2008, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore established it as an independent research institution.
The IPS researches public policy connects thinking leaders and disseminates its results to a broad audience. Its researchers look into several subjects of vital national interest and conduct public perception surveys to learn more about Singaporeans' beliefs and ambitions. The Society and Culture department of the Institute researches the evolving media landscape and its consequences for public policy. For more detailed information, visit (www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.)
The Asia Journalism Fellowship
The AJF brings together experienced journalists from various backgrounds to work, learn, and collaborate. AJF has been bringing reporters to Singapore for three months every year since 2009. They shared lodgings and met in Singapore, dubbed "the Little Red Dot." This program, organized for Asian journalists and held in Asia, has enriched individuals and created lasting friendships across the continent's borders.
There has never been a Monday through Friday classroom program here. Instead, the program usually has a mix of events that everyone is required to attend and optional others. While some aspects of the AJF program have remained consistent year after year, others have changed based on the mix of Fellows, their demonstrated areas of interest, and global events. The program will aim for a vibrant blend of training, seminars, discussions, and shared observations on a range of relevant issues, as it has in previous years.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
-
Have at least five years of experience as a professional journalist. Undergraduate/student journalism is not included in this.
-
Be working as a journalist in Asia at the moment. If journalism is the applicant's primary source of income, they are qualified.
-
Be fluent in English, which is the program's working language. The program accepts journalists who work in non-English media; however, applicants may be required to establish their English competence via a phone interview.
-
Obtain written confirmation from the applicant's employer that they will be in Singapore for the three-month Fellowship period. (This applies to applicants who are currently employed.)
The Fellowship is exceedingly competitive, and the committee should, regrettably, reject many candidates each year. However, the program has no faith in such a thing as a "model" applicant, and AJF strives for diversity in the professional profiles of the participants.
The applicants can be representatives of any news media: TV, radio, newspaper, digital, magazine. They can present their skills in photos, videos, or words.
How to apply?
Applicants must have the following documents other than their completed application form ready for submission; otherwise, the committee will reject their applications and proposals.
-
A letter from the applicant's employer stating that the applicant is allowed and prepared to be absent for the coming three months of the program. (Note that the letter is not a requirement in the case of freelancers)
-
Attach three letters of recommendation to the applicatons pack. Applicants should consider choosing their referees carefully. The referees should be people well-familiar with the applicant's work and ready to write about their professional skills independently.
-
Three to five examples of previous work
-
Relevant education certification
-
Completed Personal Data Protection Act Form
Note that nearly all the documents mentioned above are provided with their templates on the official site of the Asian Journalism Fellowship. (http://www.ajf.sg/applying/)
Final Thoughts
The Asia Journalism Fellowship is highly competitive to get into. However, there is a reason for that: its highly educational environment. It provides Fellows with an outstanding and diverse experience to collaborate, communicate and learn from one another. Different representatives of various news organizations and medium fields share their insight on the local and essential issues and learn from each other. In case of matching eligibility and a potential proposal idea, be sure to send applications to the AJF and not miss out on the great opportunity.
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below