From 1-4 December 2019, the 4th ASEAN Science Leadership Programme (SLP) was held in Hanoi, Viet Nam. The SLP was jointly hosted by the ASEAN Young Scientists Network, Center for Youth Development and International Cooperation (CYDECO), Ministry of Science and Technology Viet Nam, Phenikaa University, the Global Young Academy (GYA), Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia, and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Thailand. This 2019 ASEAN SLP was organised in conjunction with the “1st ASEAN Conference for Young Scientists”.
Thirty-four fellows from eight ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam) participated in the programme. There was abundant energy and passion throughout the workshop. Four key initiatives were discussed and will be carried out throughout 2020. These include
1) an ASEAN SLP Impact Assessment Project that is aimed at capturing the (in) tangible benefits of the programme as well identifying opportunities to further enhance the programme in the future;
2) promoting Responsible Conduct of Research at national and regional levels;
3) improving the inclusivity agenda of ASEAN Emerging Researchers Conference, and;
4) enhancing the reach and robustness of the ASEAN Online Collaborative Platform of the ASEAN Young Scientists Network.
We thank Tran Quang Huy (Viet Nam) for his key role in realizing this event in Hanoi. The ASEAN SLP is a fantastic platform for young researchers in the region to be equipped with leadership skills and to work together to achieve a collective vision of shared prosperity in the region. Two ASEAN Countries (Indonesia and Viet Nam) have expressed their interest to host the 5th ASEAN SLP. Please stay tuned!