The National University of Singapore (NUS) is set to host the 21st Singapore Graduate Forum on Southeast Asian Studies from 15 to 26 June 2026, bringing together emerging scholars from around the world for a hybrid programme of research presentations, skills workshops, and networking opportunities.
Organised by the Asia Research Institute (ARI) at NUS, the forum has established itself as a key platform for PhD students and recent doctoral graduates working on humanities and social science topics related to Southeast Asia.
Background on the Singapore Graduate Forum Series
The Singapore Graduate Forum on Southeast Asian Studies is an annual flagship event of ARI. It provides a dedicated space for graduate students to present their research, receive feedback from peers and senior scholars, and build professional networks. Past editions have covered a wide range of themes including urbanisation, migration, environmental change, political economy, and cultural studies across the ASEAN region.
Singapore’s strategic location and NUS’s strong research infrastructure make the forum particularly valuable. Participants gain exposure to interdisciplinary approaches and regional perspectives that are often difficult to access in other academic settings.
Details of the 21st Edition
The 2026 programme runs in two phases. The first week, 15–19 June, takes place entirely online via Zoom and focuses on skills-based sessions covering academic writing, presentation techniques, and research methodologies. The second week, 22–26 June, shifts to in-person activities at the NUS campus, featuring themed research panels, guest lectures, and masterclasses.
Applications closed on 5 January 2026, with successful participants notified in the months leading up to the event. The hybrid format allows broader participation while preserving the benefits of face-to-face interaction during the in-person segment.
Role of ARI and NUS in Southeast Asian Studies
ARI serves as one of Asia’s leading centres for interdisciplinary research on the region. Its programmes emphasise empirical research, policy relevance, and engagement with local communities. NUS itself consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and maintains extensive collaborations with institutions across Southeast Asia.
The forum aligns with Singapore’s broader higher education strategy of positioning the city-state as a global knowledge hub. By hosting international graduate students, NUS strengthens its reputation and contributes to capacity building in the social sciences and humanities throughout the region.
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Benefits for PhD Students and Recent Graduates
Participants in the forum receive structured feedback on their dissertation work, often in small-group settings that encourage detailed discussion. Skills workshops address practical challenges such as publishing in peer-reviewed journals, navigating academic job markets, and communicating research to non-specialist audiences.
Networking opportunities extend beyond the formal programme. Informal interactions during the in-person week frequently lead to collaborative projects, co-authored publications, and long-term professional relationships. Many alumni of earlier forums have gone on to secure faculty positions or research roles at universities in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond.
Skills Development Focus
The online component places particular emphasis on transferable skills. Sessions on academic writing help participants refine journal articles and dissertation chapters. Presentation workshops prepare students for conferences and job talks, while methodology masterclasses introduce innovative approaches to data collection and analysis in Southeast Asian contexts.
These elements reflect a growing recognition within higher education that PhD training must extend beyond disciplinary expertise to include communication, project management, and digital literacy.
Implications for Singapore’s Higher Education Landscape
Events like the Graduate Forum reinforce Singapore’s attractiveness as a destination for advanced study. International students who attend often consider NUS or other local institutions for postdoctoral positions or further degrees. The forum also supports the government’s goals of developing a vibrant research ecosystem in the social sciences.
University administrators note that such gatherings enhance institutional visibility and foster partnerships with universities in neighbouring countries. They provide a low-cost yet high-impact way to engage with the next generation of scholars working on issues critical to the region’s development.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Faculty members at NUS highlight the forum’s role in mentoring emerging researchers. Graduate students who have participated in previous years describe it as a turning point in their academic careers, offering clarity on research direction and confidence in presenting their work.
Representatives from ARI emphasise the institute’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that scholars from across Southeast Asia and further afield can access the programme regardless of institutional resources.
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Future Outlook and Regional Impact
As Southeast Asia continues to face complex challenges in governance, sustainability, and social change, the need for rigorous, locally grounded research remains high. The Graduate Forum contributes to this pipeline by supporting early-career scholars who will shape the field in the coming decades.
Looking ahead, organisers anticipate continued growth in applications and further refinement of the hybrid model to maximise accessibility. The forum is expected to remain a cornerstone of ARI’s outreach and capacity-building efforts.
Practical Information for Prospective Participants
Although applications for the 2026 edition have closed, details of future forums are typically announced on the ARI website in late each year. Interested PhD students are encouraged to monitor the site for updates on themes, eligibility, and deadlines.
The event also serves as a model for other universities seeking to create similar graduate-focused gatherings. Its combination of structured skills training and open research exchange offers a template that balances professional development with scholarly exchange.