Fully Funded Political Management Training 2026 in Asia-Pacific (AI and Digitisation Focus)

Overview

The Political Management Training (PMT) program, focusing on AI and Digitisation Governance, is seeking emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific region for its 2026 cohort. This fully funded training is organized by the Regional Competence Center for Social Democracy & Trade Union Cooperation in Asia-Pacific and supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).

About the Political Management Training (PMT)

The Political Management Training (PMT) is an annual leadership development program designed for emerging political decision-makers, policy thinkers, and change-makers committed to advancing social democracy.

Each year, PMT centers on a pressing regional issue. In 2026, the program will explore how AI and digitalisation are reshaping governance, democratic institutions, and political processes across Asia-Pacific.

The program brings together:

• Emerging politicians and aspiring political leaders
• Academics and policy experts
• Media professionals
• Trade union representatives
• Civil society leaders

PMT has built a strong alumni network of over 200 professionals who now serve as politicians, policy advisors, and party workers at local, state, and national levels.

Program Structure and Format

The PMT consists of a ten-day in-person training, divided into two clusters:

Cluster 1: AI & Digitalisation Governance

A master class covering:

• Fundamental pillars of AI governance
• Digital transformation in political systems
• Challenges facing democratic institutions
• Interactive dialogues and practical debates

Cluster 2: Advanced Political Management Skills

Focused on strengthening leadership competencies, including:

• Negotiation tactics
• Empathic communication strategies
• Strategic planning
• Progressive governance approaches to AI

Participants will also engage in:

• Online and face-to-face learning exchanges
• Institutional and cultural visits
• One-on-one dialogues
• Alumni knowledge-sharing sessions

Training locations will be hosted in selected Asia-Pacific cities to encourage dynamic exchange and policy inspiration.

Program Timeline (2026)

• 02 Feb – 15 Mar: Application Period
• 02 – 15 Mar: Initial Screening (Rolling Basis)
• 23 – 27 Mar: Posting of Shortlisted Applicants
• 12 May: PMT Introduction & Administrative Briefing (via Zoom)
• 19 – 23 May: PMT Cluster 1 – Singapore (TBA)
• 12 – 16 Oct: PMT Cluster 2 – Manila (TBA)

Eligibility Criteria

The program will select 20–25 participants from across Asia-Pacific, particularly from countries where FES operates, including: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Applicants from other Asia-Pacific countries may also apply and will be considered subject to availability.

Applicants must:

• Be 23–35 years old
• Have worked or currently work on AI & Digitalisation
• Be proficient in English (oral and written)
• Be an aspiring political decision-maker (elective or career position)
• Be committed to freedom, equality, social justice, and solidarity
• Be willing and able to travel within Asia-Pacific

Applicants from diverse gender, class, and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

All documents must be submitted to: futurehub.pmt@fes.de
Deadline: 15 March 2026 (Sunday), 11:59 PM Manila Time

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Documents

1. Video Application
   • Format: 1080p MP4 (h.264 codec)
   • File name: App_FullName_Country
   • Maximum length: 100 seconds
2. Curriculum Vitae
   • Format: PDF
   • File name: CV_FullName_Country

Video Application Instructions

Applicants must appear on camera and answer the following:

How do you see AI’s application in politics in your country in the next five years?
What are the major challenges for democratic political institutions (political parties, governments, inter-governmental bodies) in this envisioned AI future?
How should institutions respond?

Important Notes:

• Keep the video under 100 seconds
• Ensure high-quality audio and clear visuals
• Avoid heavy editing or animation
• Keep the format simple and focused on content

If generative AI tools were used to brainstorm or refine your response, include a one-sentence disclosure in your email explaining how AI was used and list the prompts utilized.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated as follows:

• 35% – Quality of Content (Video)
• 25% – Clarity of Video & Audio
• 20% – Background in AI & Digitalisation (CV)
• 20% – Background in Politics (CV)

Total: 100%

For more details about the training, please visit Here.

As AI rapidly transforms governance and public life, the need for politically grounded, ethically driven leaders has never been greater. The 2026 Political Management Training offers a rare opportunity to build both the technical and political competencies required to lead in this digital era.

If you are an emerging leader working at the intersection of politics and technology, this could be your next big step.