About the Program
The Emerging Leaders Forum is the Indo-Pacific Studies Center’s premier 10-week online program for early- to mid-career professionals, researchers, and change-makers across the Indo-Pacific. Priced at USD $1,000, this high-impact program offers expert-led sessions, interactive policy simulations, and collaborative leadership development through the IPSC Indo-Pacific Leadership Academy.
Designed for individuals ready to lead, influence, and drive regional transformation, the Forum provides an intensive experience that connects participants with senior practitioners, global thinkers, and a powerful alumni network shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future.
Program Tracks & Benefits
Indo-Pacific Leadership Track
- Weekly live and recorded sessions
- IPSC Certificate of Completion
- 12-month IPSC Academy Membership
- Access to the IPSC Annual Summit
- Free entry to 2025 State of the Indo-Pacific Conference
- Discounts on future IPSC courses
Indo-Pacific Executive Track
- All Leadership Track benefits
- Small group briefings with policymakers
- Exclusive sessions and case studies
- Access to exclusive datasets and resources
- Certificate of Excellence
Weekly Curriculum
Each week combines live learning, interactive discussion, and self-paced study. Participants complete weekly journal reflections, 3 case study assignments, and a final capstone policy project.
- Live Sessions: 1.5 hours/week — talks, panels, case studies, collaboration
- Recorded Access: All sessions recorded and timezone-accessible
- Asynchronous Learning: 3–4 hours/week — readings, briefs, exercises
- Total Live Instruction: 16 hours across 10 weeks
- Capstone: Final policy presentation to expert panel
| Week | Theme | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Leadership in the Indo-Pacific | Regional power dynamics, leadership models, strategic decision-making |
| Week 2 | Geopolitical Strategy & Risk | Crisis leadership, regional conflicts, security partnerships |
| Week 3 | Governance & Policy Development | Public policy frameworks, regional governance, diplomacy |
| Week 4 | Economic Development & Trade | Indo-Pacific trade agreements, sustainable development, global markets |
| Week 5 | Climate Action & Environmental Leadership | Climate diplomacy, resilience strategies, sustainability policies |
| Week 6 | Technology, Innovation & Leadership | AI governance, cybersecurity, digital transformation |
| Week 7 | Negotiation & Collaborative Leadership | Diplomacy, strategic alliances, high-stakes negotiations |
| Week 8 | Personal Leadership & Ethical Decision-Making | Ethical leadership, professional growth, leadership reflection |
| Week 9 | Policy Presentation Workshop | Drafting and refining policy proposals |
| Week 10 | Final Capstone Presentations | Showcase and expert panel review |
Program Leadership
Dr. Hugh Tuckfield
Founder & Executive Director, Indo-Pacific Studies Center
Lead Program Director and Lecturer, Emerging Leaders Forum
Dr. Tuckfield is a political theorist and senior policy expert with decades of experience in government, academia, and international institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation, a Law degree, and a PhD in Government and International Relations. He has held prestigious research fellowships at the University of Oxford and the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. Dr. Tuckfield leads the design and delivery of the Emerging Leaders Forum, guiding participants through the complexities of Indo-Pacific strategy, governance, and cooperation.
Expert Facilitators & Guest Speakers
The Emerging Leaders Forum is guided by experienced facilitators and regional experts who bring diverse perspectives and real-world insight into Indo-Pacific dynamics. Guest contributors are drawn from academia, government, and international organizations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand strategic dynamics shaping the Indo-Pacific
- Develop practical policy proposals on real-world challenges
- Strengthen leadership, negotiation, and collaboration skills
- Join a dynamic alumni network of IPSC Emerging Leaders
Important Dates – Second Cohort (2026)
Program Fees at a Glance
The Indo-Pacific Emerging Leaders Forum is now a premium program designed for high-impact leadership development across the region.
Total Course Fee: USD $1,000
Flexible payment plans available. Limited scholarships offered for eligible candidates.
Premium Course Fee & Scholarship Opportunities
The total program cost is USD $1,000. A limited number of merit-based and region-sensitive scholarships are available.
- This is a high-level, cohort-based leadership program for emerging and established professionals in the Indo-Pacific.
- The fee includes all live sessions, digital resources, IPSC certification, and access to alumni events and networks.
- Scholarship and payment plan requests must be submitted as part of the application process.
Scholarships & Financial Support
We are committed to supporting outstanding individuals and ensuring broad regional access. Two scholarship types are available for applicants to the Emerging Leaders Forum.
Merit-Based Scholarships
- Exceptional professional achievements or leadership potential
- Strong personal statement and reference
- Proposal of a high-impact Indo-Pacific policy idea or leadership goal
- Fee reduction: USD $200–$500 off the full USD $1,000 fee
Region-Sensitive Scholarships
- Applicants from lower-income countries in South Asia, Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, or Africa
- Non-OECD countries where USD $1,000 poses a barrier to access
- Fee reduction: Variable (based on need and geography)
Scholarship requests must be submitted as part of your program application. Early applications are strongly encouraged.