Preparing the Next Generation for the Asian Century.
Applications welcome until January 12, 2025. Apply Now
Asia matters. In its mission to foster Asia Competence, Asia Society Switzerland is committed to empowering young voices in dialogue with Asia, recognizing youth as a key driver of Switzerland’s future success in the region. Since 2020, we’ve been offering the Gen A – Young Leadership Program to young professionals in and around Switzerland. Gen A (short for: Generation Asia) aims to deepen the participants› knowledge of Asia-related issues, to provide them with the tools to interpret Asia’s development and to identify opportunities for successful collaborations with Asia. This one-year program enables the next generation to engage with Asia at eye-level and build a community of young Asia-oriented people in Switzerland.
Gen A is a learning and leadership development platform for young professionals and advanced students in Switzerland. Open to individuals under 35 with up to three years of work experience, Gen A offers a unique opportunity to connect with leading thinkers in business, policy, trade, arts and culture on Asia. Each year, up to 25 Fellows are selected to participate for free, engaging in expert-led roundtables and hands-on projects while building a network of like-minded peers passionate about Asia’s future.
Program Elements and Requirements
- Five roundtables designed specifically for Gen A Fellows, fostering in-depth discussions with leading experts.
- Two skill-building workshops focused on enhancing professional capabilities.
- Active participation in Asia Society Switzerland events, including a minimum of four public or members-only events/webcasts, with opportunities to engage in Executive Roundtables.
- Graduation project: Deep dive on a topic that aligns with your personal and professional interests, either individually or in pairs. Fellows have the opportunity to present their projects at our flagship conference, STATE OF ASIA. Explore selected projects from previous cohorts here.
Why Become a Gen A Fellow
As a Fellow in this year-long program, you will:
- Gain direct access to high-level experts in business, policy, trade, arts and culture.
- Acquire in-depth insights into current dynamics in Asia, enhancing your understanding of the regions pressing issues.
- Build a strong network of like-minded peers, including access to the exclusive Gen A Alumni Community.
- Develop the analytical skills needed to independently assess future trends and developments in Asia.
- Enjoy complimentary access to Asia Society Switzerland events and exclusive opportunities to engage with thought leaders.
- Receive a certificate recognizing your commitment and engagement in understanding key Asian issues upon graduation.
- Strengthen your leadership, public speaking, research presentation, and other essential skills, while gaining hands-on experience in relevant fields.
Application
The program is tailored for advanced students and young professionals eager to engage with Asia. Whether you’re aiming to pursue business opportunities, study abroad, or simply deepen your understanding of a region shaping the world, this program provides the tools and network to help you succeed. If you are under 35, have no more than three years of relevant work experience, and have a strong passion for Asia, we encourage you to apply. The program is limited to a maximum number of 25 participants.
Applications for the Gen A 2025 Fellowship are welcome until January 12, 2025.
Experts
Doris Son is a curator whose transdisciplinary approach connects contemporary art with art history, science, and socio-cultural issues. In 2017, she founded Body Archive, a platform exploring the theme of the body within political, cultural, and social dimensions. Through her projects, Doris fosters connections between Zurich and Seoul, promoting cultural exchange and collaborations between emerging Swiss artists and the global art community.
Lira Low is the founder The Mencius Advisory, a leadership advisory firm. With a background in career diplomacy at Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and private diplomacy, she specialized in international conflict mediation with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). Additionally, Lira has expertise in trauma and mental health support through private counselling, having pioneered trauma-informed mediation at HD.
Dr. Manali Kumar is a Postdoctoral Associate and Lecturer at the University of St Gallen. Her research focuses on India’s national identity and interests as a rising power, as well as the value of prudence for making decisions under uncertainty. She is the Editor-in-Chief of 9DASHLINE, an independent blog focusing on developments across the Indo-Pacific, and has a PhD in Political Science from the National University of Singapore.
Dr. Philippe Lionnet, Swiss Envoy for Sustainable Finance and Co-Head of the Policy Issues & International Relations Unit at the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF), previously served at the Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). He holds a PhD in Economic History from the University of Bern and wrote Finding a Path for China’s Rise. The Socialist State and the World Economy, 1970-1978.
Schedule for Gen A 2025
| January 12 (EOD) | Application Deadline |
| January 31 | Announcement of Gen A Fellows |
| February 3, 18:30-20:00 | Launch Event |
| February 10, 18:30-19:30 | Roundtable #1 with Philippe Lionnet |
| March 10, 18:30-19:30 | Roundtable #2 Doris Son |
| April 7, 12:00-13:00 | Roundtable #3 |
| May 10, 09:00-18:00 | Workshop #1 followed by Gen A Day |
| June 16, 18:30-19:30 | Roundtable #4 with Manali Kumar |
| September 8, 18:30-20:30 | Workshop #2 |
| October 6, 12:00-13:00 | Roundtable #5 with Lira Low |
| November 7 09:00-18:00 | STATE OF ASIA Conference |
| November 30, 15:00-21:00 | Graduation Event |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Gen A – Young Leadership Program cost?
We offer the Gen A – Young Leadership Program free of charge. We are convinced that fostering Asia Competence early on in the careers of future leaders is crucial for a flourishing society – in Switzerland and on a global scale.
How much time should I set aside for the program?
The program elements and dates that you are expected to attend are listed above. Whenever possible you should attend in person in order to graduate. We advise you to also allocate some time in the second half of the year to invest in your graduation project, especially if you would like to present it at our flagship conference.
Do I have to attend the Gen A Events in person?
Part of what makes Gen A so valuable is its community. Therefore, we expect our Fellows to do their best to attend in person whenever possible. It is also in your own interest as you will be able to forge stronger bonds. We try to make programs available online if you cannot make it to Zurich for certain reasons, but cannot guarantee online participation for all program elements.
I live outside of Switzerland but come to Zurich on a regular basis. Can I still apply?
Under certain conditions, yes. As stated above, we expect our Fellows to make an effort to join us in person whenever possible. If you can attend our program in person most of the time, then we highly encourage you to apply.
I plan to study abroad a/o already know that I will spend some months outside of Switzerland. Can I still apply?
Under certain conditions, yes. The Gen A network consists of an international group of people highly engaged with Asia and we encourage you to gather experience in Asia/an international context first-hand. However, please be aware that not all program elements will be available online.
What happens after the Fellowship has ended?
After you successfully complete your fellowship and graduate from the Gen A – Young Leadership Program, you will become part of the Gen A Alumni Community and gain access to exclusive events, an extensive network of peers around the world, and much more. And of course, we highly encourage you to stay part of Asia Society Switzerland’s community and become a member.
Contact
Serena Jung (sjung@asiasociety.org)
Programs and Communications Director