Fulbright Malaysia Program

Fulbright Malaysia Program

Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program

  • Award Duration
    3 - 4 months
  • Announcement Of Application
    Open - August 11, 2025 | Close - October 10, 2025

The Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program was launched in 2012 to deepen people-to-people engagement and strengthen our educational ties around issues important to the ASEAN region.

To date, more than 100 scholars from all 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS) have been awarded scholarships to carry out 3–4-months research at U.S. universities. The program is open to university faculty, foreign ministry and government officials, and professional staff of the private sector, think tanks and other NGOs in AMS whose work focuses on U.S.–ASEAN issues. The application deadline is October 10, 2025.

Eligible subjects include (but are not limited to) education, environmental science, financial market integration, food technology, information sciences, journalism, law, political science, public administration, public/global health, social work, sociology, statistics, trade and investment, trade facilitation, and applied linguistics.

Note: All of the selected Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars are to leave for the United States during the first half of 2027, starting their grant between January and March 2027.

upcoming Info Sessions

MACEE Info Session: Bridging Regions: An Introduction to the U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program

Tuesday, 2 September 2025

The first step to understanding the application process and building a strong proposal.

What’s in it for the applicants?

✅ A full overview of the program.
✅ Clarity on eligibility and proposal requirements.
✅ Timeline breakdown and selection process.
✅ Live Q&A with MACEE and Fulbright alumni.

Whether you’re exploring the idea or ready to apply, this session will guide you forward with confidence. 

Alumni Info Session: Regional Thinking, Global Perspective: Lessons from a U.S.–ASEAN Scholar

 Thursday, September 18, 2025

Be inspired by real stories from Fulbright alumni and learn how this experience shaped their leadership and academic careers.

What’s in it for the applicants?
✅ Insights on cross-regional impact and global collaboration.
✅ Alumni advice on navigating the Fulbright journey.
✅ Networking with like-minded scholars.

Don’t miss this chance to explore how Fulbright can unlock new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact.

Alumni Info Session: From Concept to Fulbright: Writing a Winning Policy-Oriented Research Proposal

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Sharpen proposal-writing skills and align research proposal with key ASEAN-U.S. priorities.

What’s in it for the applicants?
✅ Tips to refine and focus your research idea.
✅ Strategic guidance on policy alignment.
✅ Insights from successful alumni applications
 

Whether refining research ideas or just getting started, this session will equip applicants with the tools to write a compelling, high-impact application. 

Eligibility
  • Must be a Malaysian citizen and residing in Malaysia throughout the nomination and selection process.
  • Must possess a doctoral degree or equivalent professional training or experience at the time of application.
  • Eligible applicants include university faculty, government officials, and professionals from the private sector, think tanks, and other NGOs focusing on U.S.–ASEAN issues.
  • Applicants are expected to have a significant record of scholarly or professional accomplishment
  • Must have a strong research proposal addressing a topic of mutual interest to the United States and ASEAN.
  • Must be proficient in English
  • Must be in good health, certified by submission of medical history and pre-departure medical examination.
  • Must return to Malaysia upon completion of the program in the United States.
  • Preference is given to qualified applicants who have not had recent and substantial experience in the United States.

Ineligible applicants:

  • Currently teaching, studying, or conducting research in the United States.
  • Have received a Fulbright grant within the past five years.
  • Have been to the United States as a J-1 Exchange Visitor in the category of professor or research scholar within the past two years.
Award Benefits
  1. Monthly Stipend
  2. ASPE health coverage (for the Fulbright scholarship recipient only)

One-time payments issued prior to the commencement of grant

  • Settling-In Allowance
  • Professional Allowance
  • Baggage Allowance
  • In Transit Allowance

 

Application Requirement

Required documents for online submission:

  1. Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates for all completed qualifications are required.
  2. Project Statement (from 3-5 pages)
  3. Bibliography
  4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume (not exceeding 4 pages)
  5. Sabbatical leave letter
  6. Passport copy
  7. Three (3) letters of reference in English
  8. Copy of passport or identification card
  9. Including a letter of invitation with your application is strongly encouraged. However, if you are unable to provide one at the time of submission, you may submit it after the application deadline.

Tentative interview date: November 2025

Note on Plagiarism and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

The Fulbright Program upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and ethical conduct. All application materials must reflect the applicant’s own authentic work, voice, and intellectual contributions.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification from the Fulbright Program. This includes both intentional and unintentional misuse of source material. All applications will undergo a comprehensive plagiarism review, including screening through plagiarism detection software.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying the exact wording of a source without quotation marks and proper citation
  • Paraphrasing or altering text from a source without appropriate citation
  • Presenting ideas, concepts, or data from any source (online or offline) as your own
  • Reusing your own previously published work without acknowledgement

It is essential that all sources used in any part of the application including personal statements, essays, and research proposals are properly cited. Candidates are responsible for ensuring their work meets academic standards of originality and attribution. Each year, applicants are disqualified due to copied or improperly cited content.

During recruitment and outreach, applicants will be made aware that any plagiarism, whether minor or extensive, will lead to disqualification. PDS and Fulbright Commission staff must report all cases of plagiarism and are not permitted to assist applicants in revising or resubmitting plagiarized applications.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to write their applications using their own voice. While some U.S. universities and institutions are still developing policies related to GenAI-generated content, many are actively screening for such usage.

The direct use of GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) to generate content that is copied into application materials is strongly discouraged and may negatively affect selection or placement decisions.

However, using GenAI tools in a limited and transparent way such as for grammar checks, shortening text, or improving clarity is acceptable only if the original content was independently drafted by the applicant. If GenAI tools are used, applicants should clearly acknowledge how and where they were used within the application.

Final Reminder

Your application is a reflection of your qualifications, values, and potential. It is expected to demonstrate originality, integrity, and academic honesty. Violations of these expectations whether through plagiarism or misuse of GenAI may result in disqualification at any stage of the selection process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the program?

  • The program typically lasts between three to four months.

Is the program fully funded?

  • Yes, the program provides funding for international travel, professional, in-transit and settling-in allowance, ASPE insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Can I choose my host institution in the U.S.?

  • Yes, you can choose your host institution. However, if you do not have a host university in the U.S., we can assist you in finding a suitable placement.

Do I need to have an offer letter from the institution when applying for the scholar program?

  • It is advisable to include a letter of invitation when submitting your application. However, if you are not able to do so, you can submit it at a later date after the application deadline.

What information is required in the letter of support from my home institution?

  • The letter should indicate your eligibility for a sabbatical leave, the duration of the leave, and whether you are eligible for a paid leave.
Program Benefits
  1. The chance to engage in research activities at a prestigious U.S. university.
  2. The opportunity to establish valuable connections with scholars and professionals from the United States and other countries.
  3. The platform to showcase your research to a broader audience, increasing its impact and visibility.

 

Please submit your application by October 10, 2025 and only shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please email fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my  or contact us at 03-21668878