Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program

The Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program (IPYL) is an integral part of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s efforts to cultivate long-term ‘Canada competence’ among the region’s next generation of foreign-policy influencers – with funding support from the Government of Canada – by deepening their relationships, understanding, and connections with Canada. Participants gain firsthand insight into Canada’s approach to the Indo-Pacific, while developing valuable networks with Canadian government officials, industry leaders, and experts.

By engaging early- to mid-career professionals already embedded in government ministries, regional organizations such as ASEAN, think-tanks, media outlets, and universities, the program creates a network of emerging leaders who understand Canada, value continued engagement, and can champion bilateral co-operation throughout their careers.

As part of the program, 15 emerging leaders (aged 25-40) from across the Indo-Pacific region have the opportunity to:

Engage in a one-week familiarization visit to Canada, where they meet with key decision-makers to discuss regional security, innovation, emerging technology, space, energy security, sustainable development, and more.
Participate in APF Canada events held throughout the Indo-Pacific, such as the annual Canada-in-Asia Conference in Singapore.
Attend monthly virtual briefings on topics central to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, ensuring ongoing engagement and continuous learning.

Launched in January 2025, the inaugural cohort of Young Leaders comprises 15 professionals aged 25–40 from eight Indo-Pacific economies whose expertise dovetails with the priorities set out in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). The IPYL is built around three pillars of engagement:

Monthly virtual seminars featuring guest speakers and moderated discussions on Canada’s IPS, evolving foreign-policy debates, and domestic political drivers;

A one-week familiarization tour of Canada that introduces participants to federal and provincial officials, industry leaders, and civil-society partners; and,

Ad-hoc opportunities to contribute written analyses and take part in regional events where Canada has a policy footprint.

Our 2025 cohort includes participants from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Taiwan, all poised to shape the future of Indo-Pacific co-operation and Canada’s role in the region.

Download the cohort's June 2025 Canada program here.

For information on this program please email info@asiapacific.ca.