Singapore-Southeast Asia Fellowship (S-SEAF)

Singapore-Southeast Asia Fellowship (S-SEAF) strengthens research networks between Singapore and Southeast Asia through talent mobility, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research. Researchers work with host institutions across the region to deepen scientific partnerships and contribute to regional capability-building.

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The fellowship supports inbound and outbound researchers on research stints of up to 2 years. Coverage includes salary support, airfare, and living allowance. Learn more about S-SEAF award coverage here.

SSEAF

Fellowship Pathways

SSEAF 2B

Inbound S-SEAF (Southeast Asia → Singapore) 

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

SSEAF 2A

Outbound S-SEAF (Singapore → Southeast Asia)

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

Fellowship Details

Award Coverage

Item Details
Monthly Salary Set by the host (for inbound fellows) or home (for outbound fellows) institution, funded by S-SEAF up to a specific cap
Monthly Living Allowance S$2,000
Airfare One return economy-class ticket between the fellow's country of residence and the host institution's country

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 Singapore PRs) 
    • Outbound S-SEAF: Singapore Citizens or Singapore PRs. Singapore PRs who are nationals of ASEAN countries are not eligible for outbound attachments to their home country. 
  • Be employed by a Singapore institution for the entire duration of S-SEAF. The Singapore institution will serve as:
    • The host institution for inbound S-SEAF fellows, or 
    • The home institution for outbound S-SEAF fellows

For inbound S-SEAF, the fellowship duration shall be two years. Shorter-duration attachments, with a minimum of six months, may be considered for proposals in Infectious Diseases.

For outbound S-SEAF, the fellowship duration can be between 6 months to two years.

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 Singapore and Southeast Asia.
  • Comply with host institution policies, including research integrity and IP requirements.
  • Submit annual reports.

Research Themes

Each fellowship cycle has key themes. Proposals aligned to these key themes will be given priority. The themes will include:

  • Infectious Diseases (anchor theme); and 
  • an identified theme to be published when applications open.

In addition, we also welcome proposals across all four Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) domains under RIE2030: 

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

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.

Eligible host institutions in Singapore include: 

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

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

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

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 Singapore and Southeast Asia. 

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

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

Evaluation Process and Criteria

Proposals will be assessed primarily for:

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