Asia’s Rising Circle (ARC) is a youth development programme run by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) for young leaders already driving change in their communities.
Each edition takes one theme tied to economic opportunity and social mobility. The first (January 2026) covered health; the second (late 2026) covers employability. SIF plans three editions in all.
Benefits & funding
- Online workshops followed by an in-person segment in Singapore with cultural and experiential learning.
- A regional network of changemakers and thought leaders.
- SIF’s pages list no programme fee but do not say which travel or living costs it covers; confirm with SIF before applying.
Eligibility
- Aged 25 to 35.
- From a Southeast Asian country (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam), China or India. The page says “from” and does not say whether this means citizenship or residence.
- Actively driving positive change in your community.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Laos · Malaysia · Myanmar · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam · China
+ 1 more
India
Age requirement
25–35 yrs
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Applications for the second edition have closed. SIF announces future editions on its social media channels; the application route will be on the programme page when it reopens.
Program timeline
Edition 2 online workshops
End-October to mid-November 2026
Edition 2 in-person segment, Singapore
Nov 29, 2026 to Dec 4, 2026
Next edition
dates not yet announced