Fulbright Malaysia Program

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Fulbright Malaysia Program

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Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program

  • Award Duration
    3 - 4 months
  • Announcement Of Application
    Open - October 6, 2026 | Close - November 16, 2026

The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program welcomes university faculty, government officials, and professional staff from the private sector, think tanks, and NGOs in ASEAN member states. The Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar Initiative began in 2012 as a way to deepen engagement and strengthen ties with ASEAN member nations. Since 2012, over 170 scholars from ASEAN member states have pursued studies on topics such as public health/pandemic response, jurisdictional issues in South China Sea, engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN economic integration, human trafficking, and food safety.  

Selected Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars will travel to the United States for three to four months during the first half of 2028 and conduct research on priority issues that impact the U.S.-ASEAN relationship, ASEAN priority issues, and/or have clear implications for the entire ASEAN region. The program prioritizes research on U.S.-ASEAN relationship topics with regional significance, distinct from bilateral awards.

Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars may apply to research topics that support broad ASEAN initiatives that further U.S. goals for the region, such as support for regional economic and financial market integration, AI, critical and emerging technology policies, maritime cooperation, legal expertise in maritime law, cybersecurity, energy security, critical minerals, supply chain resilience, countering transnational crime, space cooperation, trade and investment, public health, and other related topics. 

The application deadline is November 16, 2026. 

Note: All of the selected Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholars will travel to the United States during the first half of 2028, starting their grant between January and March 2028.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THIS PROGRAM 

Info Session
Fulbright Malaysia Info Session
Date: October 29, 2026
Time: 2.00 – 3.30 PM
Topic: Beyond Borders: Turning Research into Regional Impact
Are you considering applying for the Fulbright U.S.–ASEAN Visiting Scholar Program but wondering how to develop a meaningful project, identify a suitable U.S. host institution, and make the most of an international research or professional exchange? Join this information session to gain a better understanding of the program, the application process, and how a visiting scholar experience can strengthen your professional expertise, foster international collaboration, and contribute to Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
The team will walk you through the application process and key considerations when preparing your application. Fulbright alumni will also share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned from their visits to the United States, including how they have applied their knowledge and built professional connections beyond the exchange period.
In this session, you’ll learn:
Whether you are exploring the program for the first time or already developing a project idea, this session will help you better understand the opportunity and consider how a U.S. exchange could support your professional goals and contribute to regional collaboration.
Speakers:
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 must demonstrate 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)
  3. Round-trip airfare

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.  IC or Passport copy
  7. Three (3) letters of reference in English
  8. 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: December 2026

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)

1.What is covered in the award benefits?
The program provides funding for international travel, professional, in-transit and settling-in allowances, ASPE insurance, and a monthly stipend.

2. 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.

3. Do I need to have an offer letter from the institution when applying for the 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.

4. 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.

5. What is the main difference between the Malaysian Scholar and the US-ASEAN Visiting Scholar programs?
The Malaysian Scholar Program supports research or lecturing to strengthen Malaysia–U.S. ties, while the U.S.–ASEAN Program focuses on policy-relevant research that advances ASEAN–U.S. collaboration in key regional fields.

6. Can I apply for both programs at the same time?
Yes, you may apply for both programs; however, you will only be shortlisted for one.

Additional Information

Fulbright U.S.-ASEAN Visiting Scholar proposals be for projects that will deepen the applicant’s understanding of one or more aspects of the U.S.-ASEAN relationship.  While the program will focus primarily on research, applicants should expand and develop their network of professional contacts so that professional relationships established during their time in the United States can be sustained after the formal grant period has ended.  In addition, applicants should seek opportunities to provide an ASEAN perspective during their time in the United States through guest lectures, seminars, or participation in academic or professional conferences.  All applicants should establish a likely affiliation with a U.S. institution, including universities, think tanks, and research institutes, in advance of submitting their applications. 

Applicants needs to submit their application by November 16, 2026 and only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. 

Contact Information

For inquiries, please email fulbrightmalaysia@macee.org.my  or contact us at 03-80845521.