Emerging Leaders Forum
Master the Strategy of the Indo-Pacific
Eight sessions. Plus Two Policy Writing Masterclasses. One semester. A career-defining perspective.IPSC Foundation Scholarships available — see below
The Indo-Pacific is the global center of gravity for strategic competition, economic innovation, and geopolitical risk. To lead in this environment, you need more than just theory — you need the tools to navigate a multipolar world from the perspectives of the people who live in it.
The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum is an 8-session, cohort-based professional program designed for the next generation of strategic thinkers.
Non-Washington Lens
Regional strategy from within the Indo-Pacific — prioritising the perspectives of ASEAN, India, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Real Policy Outputs
Graduate with a professional 800-word commentary and a published-ready 1,500-word Capstone Policy Brief you can use immediately in your career.
Accessible & Rigorous
No IR background required. Scholarships available. The IPSC Leaders Forum is designed as a growth experience — skills are built through participation, not prerequisites for joining.
Why Choose the Emerging Leaders Forum?
A Unique Strategic Lens
Move beyond Western-centric frameworks. Our curriculum is authored from within the Indo-Pacific, prioritizing the strategic perspectives of ASEAN, India, Australia, and the Pacific Islands — including the voices and realities of smaller states too often absent from elite policy conversations.
Professional Policy Deliverables
You won't just learn; you will produce. Every participant graduates with a professional 800-word commentary and a 1,500-word Capstone Policy Brief — practical outputs you can use immediately in your career, regardless of your sector or starting point.
Skills You Build Here, Not Skills You Need to Bring
IPSC Leaders Forum is designed as a growth experience. The analytical frameworks, policy writing techniques, and regional knowledge covered in the program are developed through your participation — not prerequisites for joining.
Bridging the Professional Gap
IPSC Leaders Forum is the "whitespace" in the market — offering the depth of elite fellowships with the accessibility and practical focus required by modern practitioners, at a price point that reflects our commitment to inclusion.
Collaborative Cohort Learning
Engage in high-level debate with a diverse cohort of peers — from emerging scholars and community practitioners to corporate advisors — all committed to understanding regional deterrence, economic statecraft, and security dynamics through a shared regional lens.
A Credential and a Community
Participants who complete the programme receive the IPSC Certificate in the Emerging Leaders Forum — a recognised signal of analytical capability and regional expertise valued by employers, institutions, and collaborators. Alumni join a growing community of practitioners, analysts, and emerging leaders across the Indo-Pacific whose connections extend well beyond the final session.
The 8-Session Programme + Bonus Masterclass
From macro-geopolitical theory to real-world policy application.
Foundations of Strategic Competition
Explore the core analytical frameworks for understanding great power rivalry and the shift toward a multipolar regional system — no prior knowledge assumed.
Regional Security Architecture
Analyze the interplay between ASEAN centrality and minilateral groupings like the Quad and AUKUS, focusing on maritime security flashpoints and what they mean for the region's people.
Open Forum: Indo-Pacific in Focus
A member-led discussion on current Indo-Pacific events and emerging IPSC research. Participants explore live policy developments, debate their implications, and practise the kind of structured analysis demanded of leaders in the field.
Economic Statecraft & Coercion
Evaluate the intersection of trade and national security, including supply chain vulnerabilities and geoeconomic strategies affecting Indo-Pacific communities.
Emerging Geopolitical Risks
Navigate non-traditional threats — from climate security and demographic shifts to the impact of AI and digital technologies on modern statecraft — with particular attention to their effects on smaller and developing Indo-Pacific states.
Policy Writing Masterclass – Part 1
Learn how effective policy briefs are structured, how to deploy evidence persuasively, and how to write with clarity for non-specialist decision-makers. Participants leave with a framework and a draft outline ready for peer review.
Policy Writing Masterclass – Part 2
Build on Part 1 with advanced drafting techniques, peer critique sessions, and direct faculty feedback. Participants refine their policy brief to a publication-ready standard.
Policy Process & Governance
Deconstruct how foreign policy is actually made and executed, preparing you to navigate institutional environments and engage effectively with diverse regional stakeholders.
Applied Policy Writing & Capstone
Finalize your Capstone Brief through intensive peer and faculty review — building on the Policy Writing Masterclass — and translate your complex analysis into clear, actionable insights for real decision-makers.
Explore the core analytical frameworks for understanding great power rivalry and the shift toward a multipolar regional system — no prior knowledge assumed.
Analyze the interplay between ASEAN centrality and minilateral groupings like the Quad and AUKUS, focusing on maritime security flashpoints and what they mean for the region's people.
A member-led discussion on current Indo-Pacific events and emerging IPSC research. Participants explore live policy developments, debate their implications, and practise the kind of structured analysis demanded of leaders in the field.
Evaluate the intersection of trade and national security, including supply chain vulnerabilities and geoeconomic strategies affecting Indo-Pacific communities.
Navigate non-traditional threats — from climate security and demographic shifts to the impact of AI and digital technologies on modern statecraft — with particular attention to their effects on smaller and developing Indo-Pacific states.
Learn how effective policy briefs are structured, how to deploy evidence persuasively, and how to write with clarity for non-specialist decision-makers. Participants leave with a framework and a draft outline ready for peer review.
Build on Part 1 with advanced drafting techniques, peer critique sessions, and direct faculty feedback. Participants refine their policy brief to a publication-ready standard.
Deconstruct how foreign policy is actually made and executed, preparing you to navigate institutional environments and engage effectively with diverse regional stakeholders.
Finalize your Capstone Brief through intensive peer and faculty review — building on the Policy Writing Masterclass — and translate your complex analysis into clear, actionable insights for real decision-makers.
Who Is the Forum For?
The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum is for anyone ready to engage seriously with the Indo-Pacific — we especially encourage applications from those whose voices are underrepresented in strategic policy spaces.
Undergraduates & Recent Graduates
Students in International Relations, Law, Business, Economics, or any discipline who want a practical professional portfolio and a rigorous introduction to regional policy — regardless of whether your university has a dedicated IR program.
Early-to-Mid Career Professionals
Practitioners in government, corporate risk, the non-profit sector, community organisations, or development agencies who need to translate geopolitical trends into actionable strategy relevant to their work.
Regional Practitioners & Emerging Voices
Those working on the ground across the Indo-Pacific — including in Pacific Island nations, Southeast Asia, and South Asia — whose lived regional experience is a core asset to the cohort, not a substitute for formal credentials.
Strategic Changemakers
Anyone dedicated to fostering a deeper, more inclusive understanding of regional dynamics — through local lenses, community knowledge, and a commitment to policy that reflects the diversity of the Indo-Pacific itself.
"Not sure if IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum is right for you? We encourage you to apply. Past cohorts have included first-generation graduates, practitioners without formal IR training, and participants from across the Indo-Pacific who went on to careers in government, think tanks, and international organisations."
Faculty & Program Leaders
IPSC Emerging Leaders sessions are led by practitioners and researchers with deep regional expertise — professionals who have worked at the intersection of policy, strategy, and the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
[Faculty Member Name]
A short 2–3 sentence biography highlighting regional expertise, policy experience, and research focus relevant to the Indo-Pacific.
What Our Alumni Say
The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum offered a valuable opportunity to explore the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific alongside an impressive group of international experts and participants. The programme provided important insights into regional dynamics, particularly India's growing role in global affairs. I am grateful to Dr Hugh Tuckfield and the IPSC team for creating such a thoughtful and engaging forum for dialogue.
Earning the Certificate of Completion from the IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum was a milestone I value greatly. The programme provided an excellent platform to exchange ideas and contribute both practical and academic perspectives on maritime security and strategic affairs. I am grateful for the support and leadership of Dr Hugh Tuckfield and the IPSC team throughout the programme.
Completing the IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum was a highly rewarding experience. The programme provided an excellent opportunity to engage deeply with the major issues shaping the Indo-Pacific while connecting with a diverse group of emerging leaders and experts. I am grateful to Dr Hugh Tuckfield and the IPSC team for delivering such a valuable professional development programme.
It was a privilege to join the inaugural Emerging Leaders Forum of the Indo-Pacific Studies Center. The weekly sessions offered thoughtful discussions on geopolitics, regional security, governance, and leadership. The programme was expertly guided by Dr Hugh Tuckfield and the IPSC team, creating an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment. I look forward to seeing IPSC continue to expand its important work across the Indo-Pacific.
Participating in the IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum was an exceptional experience. The programme brought together emerging leaders from 29 countries, creating a dynamic space for dialogue on the major strategic challenges shaping the Indo-Pacific. The discussions, mentorship, and collaboration throughout the programme provided valuable insights into leadership, governance, and regional affairs. I am grateful to Dr Hugh Tuckfield and the IPSC team for the opportunity to be part of such an impactful initiative.
The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum provided a valuable platform for engaging with professionals and scholars from across the Indo-Pacific on the strategic developments shaping the region. The programme's focus on leadership, regional cooperation, and geopolitical analysis made it particularly relevant for those working on policy and international affairs. I appreciated the opportunity to exchange perspectives with participants from diverse backgrounds and to engage with experts contributing to the programme.
The IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum provided an exceptional platform to engage with emerging professionals and scholars from across the Indo-Pacific. The programme offered thoughtful discussion on regional security, governance, and economic strategy, while encouraging participants to critically examine the evolving dynamics shaping the region. Under the leadership of Dr Hugh Tuckfield, IPSC has created a valuable forum for informed dialogue and leadership development in the Indo-Pacific.
Participating in the IPSC Emerging Leaders Forum was a highly enriching experience. The programme brought together a diverse group of emerging leaders to examine the strategic, economic, and security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific. The discussions were rigorous and forward-looking, and the opportunity to engage with experts and peers from across the region made the programme particularly valuable.
Programme Fees & Enrolment
The IPSC Leaders Forum is a professional leadership programme designed to support emerging practitioners, analysts, and scholars working on Indo-Pacific policy, strategy, and governance. Your participation fee is confirmed with your offer — applying is free and takes less than 10 minutes.
How Enrolment Works
From application to confirmed place — clear, fast, and straightforward.
Submit your application via the online form. Select your fee tier and indicate if you wish to request merit-based scholarship support. No prior IR background required — we assess curiosity, commitment, and regional perspective.
Free to applySuccessful applicants receive a formal offer within 24 hours confirming their place and participation fee. Scholarship decisions are communicated with your offer — no separate process required.
Fee confirmed hereSecure your place with your deposit within 24 hours of your offer — $150 for standard, student, and corporate enrolments, $100 for SAARC applicants. Your deposit is credited in full toward your participation fee. Seats not confirmed within 24 hours are released to the waitlist.
Seat securedYour remaining balance is paid in two equal instalments — 21 days and 7 days before the Leaders Forum commences. Or pay in full upfront and save. Payment links sent directly. Corporate enrolments invoiced on the same schedule.
Programme beginsParticipation Fees
Places in the IPSC Leaders Forum start from $400 for eligible applicants — secure your place with a deposit from $100. Pay in full upfront and save. Your fee is confirmed with your offer.
For professionals, government officials, researchers, and all applicants not eligible for concession pricing. Reflects the full value of the Leaders Forum including live expert sessions and IPSC network access.
Deposit $150 to secure your place Instalment: $150 deposit · then 2 × $475 Pay in full: $1,050 Save $50Available to currently enrolled students and professionals who graduated within the past two years. Outstanding students may request merit-based IPSC Foundation scholarship support on their application — decisions within 24 hours.
Deposit $150 to secure your place No scholarship: $150 deposit · then 2 × $225 Pay in full: $570 Save $30With scholarship: $150 deposit · then 2 × $160 Pay in full: $445 Save $25
Available to residents of SAARC member nations — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Scholarship support considered automatically as part of your application.
Deposit $100 to secure your place No scholarship: $100 deposit · then 2 × $225 Pay in full: $520 Save $30With scholarship: $100 deposit · then 2 × $150 Pay in full: $380 Save $20
Available to organisations enrolling 3 or more participants from the same team or institution. Ideal for government agencies, corporate strategy teams, consulting firms, NGOs, and development organisations. Direct invoicing available.
Deposit $150/head to secure your places Instalment: $150/head deposit · then 2 × $350/head Pay in full: $800/head Save $50/head Enquire About Group Enrolment →Tax Deductibility. Investing in your leadership development may also be an investment your tax return rewards. IPSC Emerging Leaders fees are potentially deductible as a self-education or professional development expense in your country — speak with your tax adviser to find out what you can claim.
Programme Details
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Cohort 1 — Start Date 15 April 2026 — Applications open 16 March. Places are limited and may close prior to this date. Apply early to avoid disappointment.
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Format 8 Intensive Live Online Sessions (Fortnightly) — accessible across Indo-Pacific time zones.
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Duration 8 fortnightly sessions across one semester.
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Cohort Model Small, curated cohort with access to the IPSC network of scholars and practitioners across the Indo-Pacific.
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Deliverables Professional 800-word commentary + 1,500-word Capstone Policy Brief — career-ready outputs regardless of sector.
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Certification IPSC Certificate in the Leaders Forum awarded upon successful completion of the programme.
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Deposit & Payment Deposit secures your seat and is credited toward your fee — $150 (standard, student, corporate) or $100 (SAARC). Balance paid in two equal instalments, or pay in full upfront and save. Seat released if deposit not received within 24 hours of offer.
IPSC Foundation Merit Scholarships
Merit-based scholarship support is available to outstanding student and SAARC applicants. Simply indicate your scholarship request on your application — no separate process, no additional paperwork. All scholarship decisions are communicated within 24 hours alongside your offer.
Scholarships are competitive, limited each cohort, and awarded at the sole discretion of the IPSC Foundation. Applying early maximises your chances of scholarship consideration.