Indo-Pacific

Future Leaders

Programme

Please note this programme is only available to young people residing in Western Australia.

What is the Indo-Pacific Future Leaders Programme (IPFLP)?

The Indo-Pacific Future Leaders Programme (IPFLP) is a foundational leadership programme designed to provide the next generation of policy thinkers living in Perth the skills, knowledge and networks to enhance peace, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific. 

Western Australia sits at the gateway of Australia’s strategic and economic engagement with the Indian Ocean, and is home to world-renowned sectors in research, education and resource. The State is playing an important role in shaping stronger relationships across the dynamic Indo-Pacific region. 

The IPFLP will focus on building understanding of the roles of the US, Australia, and ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific, and developing skills through practical application. The programme will empower young people to take an active role in shaping the future of the region, including opportunities for increasing people-to-people linkages and cooperation in science, technology and the arts.

Programme Details

The IPFLP will encompass a tailored online masterclass series and will culminate in a 2 day in-person retreat. With a range of discussion topics, the online programme will expose participants to the latest thinking from US, Australian and ASEAN policy thinkers, academics, and practitioners. 

The in-person retreat will translate the knowledge gained into practice, including a policy proposal pitch to develop research, policy and public speaking skills, and a simulation activity to practice diplomacy and negotiation. 

You will be invited to take part in a series of eight masterclasses curated to build foundational knowledge of Australia-US-ASEAN engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including shared values and mutual priorities. The masterclass series will feature esteemed policy thinkers, academics and practitioners and cover a range of discussion topics, including sessions on public diplomacy, skills development and social activities.

During the online programme, delegates will be required to write one (1) Op Ed on current trends, challenges and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in their area of interest and create one (1) infographic on this area or another topic of interest aimed at raising awareness about the US, Australia, ASEAN and/or Indo-Pacific.  These mini projects will: 
  • Serve to encourage delegates to demonstrate their commitment and engagement throughout the duration of the Programme.
  • Be shared on the aasyp.org website and via social media to elevate the influence of the young leaders and to multiply the impacts of the Programme. There is also potential for select submissions to be displayed on the US Consulate’s social media.
  • Ensure that you arrive at the retreat with pre-formed areas of interest that can be explored during the group policy proposal. 

During the online programme, delegates will be required to write one (1) Op Ed on current trends, challenges and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific in their area of interest and create one (1) infographic on this area or another topic of interest aimed at raising awareness about the US, Australia, ASEAN and/or Indo-Pacific. 

These mini projects will: 

  • Serve to encourage delegates to demonstrate their commitment and engagement throughout the duration of the Programme.
  • Be shared on the aasyp.org website and via social media to elevate the influence of the young leaders and to multiply the impacts of the Programme. There is also potential for select submissions to be displayed on the US Consulate’s social media.
    Ensure that you arrive at the retreat with pre-formed areas of interest that can be explored during the group policy proposal. 

During the retreat, participants will work in groups of 4 on a team policy proposal according to one of the areas of interest. The proposal will be developed throughout multiple break out sessions on Day 1. A maximum 2 page written copy of the policy proposal must be submitted by 9pm on Day 1. Groups will then pitch their proposals in teams during the morning sessions of Day 2 to judges from AASYP, the Perth US Consulate and external stakeholders. 

Policy proposal pitching will be followed by a simulation exercise to put into practise the diplomacy and negotiation skills acquired during masterclasses during a simulated crisis with participants role playing countries and actors.

Day 2 will culminate in the IPFLP Reception attended by partners and stakeholders including representatives from the US and ASEAN Consulates in Perth and will include the awards to delegates for the most outstanding policy pitches.

Delegates will rank their areas of interest out of:

  • Art, Media and Culture
  • Energy and Environmental Sustainability
  • Global Markets and the Economy
  • Governance and Geopolitics
  • Science and Technology
  • Social Policy and Justice

Policy proposals, infographics and Op Eds will be compiled into a project outcomes report circulated to stakeholders and decision makers. Our Future Leaders Programme participants will be encouraged to share the outcomes report via social media to increase the reach and impact of your ideas and learnings.

Programme Schedule

SESSION

DATE

TIME

Introductory Session

Sunday 26 July 2020

5pm AWST

Masterclass #1
Introduction to the US-Australia Alliance

Thursday 6 August 2020

2pm AWST

Masterclass #2
Australian Strategic and Defence Policy in the Indo-Pacific

Tuesday 18 August 2020

2pm AWST

Masterclass #3
Diplomacy Essentials

Thursday 3 September  2020

6pm AWST

Masterclass #4
The Future is ASEAN

Tuesday 15 September 2020

3pm AWST

Masterclass  #5
Diversity in Diplomacy

Thursday 1 October 2020

2pm AWST

Masterclass #6
Soft Power Initiatives in the Indo-Pacific

Thursday 15 October 2020

9am AWST

Masterclass #7
Evidence Based Policy and Diplomacy

Tuesday 27 October 2020

5pm AWST

Masterclass #8
Young People in Public Policy

Tuesday 17 November 2020

5:30pm, AWST

Retreat

Saturday 21 November
& Sunday 22 November
(restrictions permitting)

2-day intensive workshop

Session dates and times are subject to change.

Why should you apply?

  • Build knowledge and gain firsthand insights from leading diplomats, academics and policy practitioners
  • Influence decision making and become an advocate for enhanced cooperation between the US, ASEAN and Australia in the Indo-Pacific through publishing an Op-Ed
  • Become part of a community of high-potential young Western Australians with deepened knowledge and skills to engage in the Indo-Pacific in the future through policy or practice across a wide range of disciplines
  • Get access to AASYP’s exclusive alumni network

Core skills you will develop:

  • Diplomacy and Negotiation
  • Research and Policy
  • Public Speaking and Pitching

Who can apply?

Applications are open to Australian, ASEAN or US nationals aged 18-29 years, who are currently residing in Perth and will be available to attend the in-person retreat on 21 & 22 November 2020.

We are looking for a diverse field of applicants who are interested in increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Indo-Pacific, and who want to play an active role in shaping the future of our region.

We’re looking for people who are:

  • Driven
  • Motivated
  • Curious
  • Global citizens
  • Outgoing
  • Enthusiastic
  • Socially active
  • Critical thinkers
  • Fresh perspectives

The selection criteria will assess your motivation, leadership potential and willingness to commit to the programme. Membership of AASYP will be looked upon favourably as it demonstrates a commitment to participate in activities across the ASEAN-Australia relationship beyond the programme.

You can sign up as an member at aasyp.org/sign-up
 

Apply Now!

The programme will be exclusive to 40 young leaders with high potential of becoming future decision makers living in Perth, Western Australia. The programme will aim for 50/50 split among genders, and will aim to balance candidates from diverse backgrounds. As the applications will be open to Australian, ASEAN or US nationals currently residing in Perth aged 18-29 years, the programme team will attempt to encourage applications from each of these groups.

Applicants will submit an online written application. Applications will be assessed against criteria including: leadership potential, motivation and interest in the Indo-Pacific.

Applications will close 11:59pm AWST, 5 July 2020.
Application outcomes will be advised in mid-July.

Please note that successful applicants will be required to sign up as members of AASYP at aasyp.org/sign-up. Members are able to access our programmes, exclusive events and opportunities.

Partners

US Consulate General Perth

The U.S. Consulate General Perth helps grow partnerships between WA and the United States across business, defense, security, technology, education, and arts sectors.

Our alliance with Australia dates back more than 100 years, and the Consulate is focused on working with Western Australians to improve the future – not just for our own citizens, but for the world.

UWA Public Policy Institute Logo

The UWA Public Policy Institute (UWAPPI) is a bridge between academic research and government, public and business needs, delivering real-world policy impact. UWAPPI provides solutions to local and global challenges, while also identifying and providing advice on unforeseen future policy issues.

Their work covers state and national issues, and draws on UWA’s distinct geographical advantage as Australia’s Indian Ocean capital city to collaborate with neighbouring countries and their institutions to deliver policy solutions for the Indian Ocean Rim and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Get Email Reminders!

We’ll send you an email a few days before the deadline so you don’t miss out:

Join the Perth Hub Facebook Group!

Contact Us

Don’t hesitate to contact us at perth@aasyp.org for further details or queries.

The Perth Hub of the ASEAN-Australian Strategic Youth Partnership is at the forefront of inspiring understanding of the ASEAN region amongst Western Australian young people. WA is strategically and geographically well-positioned to constructively engage with our region, and the Perth Hub are advocates for placing youth at the forefront of this engagement.