2027–2028 Equity Initiative Fellowship | Fully Funded Health Equity Leadership Program ·2028 Equity Initiative Fellowship | Fully Funded Health Equity Leadership Program

Fully Funded Fellowship Seeks Emerging Leaders Committed to Advancing Health Equity

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Equity Initiative (EI) Fellowship Program, a fully funded leadership programme designed to develop outstanding professionals working to advance health equity across Southeast Asia and China.

The fellowship, a flagship programme of the CMB Foundation, brings together exceptional leaders from diverse sectors who are committed to addressing the social, economic, political, and structural factors that contribute to health inequities in their communities and across the region.

The 2027–2028 cohort will mark the 11th intake of the fellowship, with approximately 20 Fellows expected to be selected.

About the Equity Initiative Fellowship

Also known as the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in Southeast Asia (AFHESEA), the Equity Initiative Fellowship is part of the prestigious Atlantic Fellows global network, connecting leaders dedicated to promoting equity, justice, and social change worldwide.

The programme offers an immersive learning experience that combines six weeks of in-person learning with ongoing online engagement throughout the induction year.

Participants gain the knowledge, leadership skills, and collaborative networks needed to tackle complex health equity challenges while working alongside professionals from different countries, disciplines, and sectors.

A Leadership Journey Focused on Health Equity

The fellowship is built around the belief that health equity extends beyond healthcare alone. It recognizes that factors such as education, employment, housing, food security, governance, environmental conditions, and social justice all influence health outcomes.

Throughout the programme, Fellows explore the structural and systemic drivers of health inequities while developing practical approaches to creating lasting change.

The learning journey begins with regional engagement, expands to include global perspectives, and concludes with a renewed focus on applying knowledge within Southeast Asia and China.

The “Know, Do, Be” Leadership Framework

The Equity Initiative Fellowship curriculum is guided by the “Know, Do, Be” framework, which supports both personal and professional leadership development.

Participants will:

• Know: Build a strong understanding of health equity concepts, systems thinking, and the social determinants of health.
• Do: Apply knowledge through practical exercises, leadership laboratories, experiential learning, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Be: Develop values-based leadership through reflection, communication training, and exposure to inspiring public leadership models.

This framework is designed to prepare Fellows to become transformational leaders capable of driving systems-level change.

What Fellows Will Experience

Successful applicants will participate in a comprehensive leadership programme that includes:

• Six weeks of fully funded in-person learning events.
• Regular online learning sessions throughout the induction year.
• Leadership development workshops.
• Systems thinking and policy discussions.
• Cross-sector collaboration with regional and international experts.
• Peer learning with professionals from across Southeast Asia and China.
• Opportunities to engage with renowned scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders.

Fellows will also work together to conceptualize and co-design collaborative projects aimed at improving health equity within their own communities.

Learning Objectives

During the induction year, Fellows will:

• Deepen their understanding of social and structural determinants of health.
• Develop advanced leadership and systems-change skills.
• Explore innovative approaches to reducing health inequities.
• Strengthen collaboration across sectors and disciplines.
• Build regional partnerships focused on social justice.
• Learn from diverse perspectives and lived experiences across Southeast Asia and China.

The programme encourages participants to translate knowledge into practical action that supports more equitable health systems.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to experienced professionals who demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership and social justice.

Applicants must:

• Have a proven record of leadership and commitment to equity.
• Possess at least six years of professional work experience in fields such as:
  • Health.
  • Social development.
  • Governance and law.
  • Environmental justice.
  • Other relevant sectors.
• Be a resident citizen of a Southeast Asian country or China.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.

Selection Process

Fellows are selected based on:

• Leadership potential.
• Commitment to health equity.
• Professional achievements.
• Capacity to contribute to regional learning and collaboration.

The final selection is conducted by the Regional Selection Committee (RSC), comprising distinguished leaders from across the region.

The committee aims to build a diverse cohort representing different:

• Countries.
• Professional sectors.
• Disciplines.
• Age groups.
• Gender identities.
• Underrepresented communities.

This diversity is intended to enrich peer learning and strengthen collaboration throughout the fellowship.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants receive a fully funded leadership development experience and, upon completing the induction year, become members of the global Atlantic Fellows Network.

Benefits include:

• Fully funded participation.
• International leadership training.
• Regional and global networking opportunities.
• Access to experienced mentors and policy experts.
• Lifelong membership in the Atlantic Fellows community.
• Opportunities for continued collaboration beyond the fellowship.

The programme also encourages Fellows to continue working together on initiatives that promote health equity across the region.

Application Information

Applications for the 2027–2028 Equity Initiative Fellowship opened on 15 June.

Interested professionals are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare their applications before the programme’s closing date as announced by the organizers.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Equity Initiative Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to strengthen their leadership capabilities while addressing some of the region’s most pressing health and social challenges.

By combining leadership development, systems thinking, cross-sector collaboration, and global networking, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to influence policies, strengthen institutions, and improve health outcomes for underserved communities across Southeast Asia and China.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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