The “Scholars Programme on EU-ASEAN Relations (SPEAR)” is a series of discussions for academics in the ASEAN region, including Timor-Leste.
The programme offers university lecturers, scholars, and researchers with demonstrated interest in ASEAN-related issues to deepen their understanding of EU-ASEAN relations. The programme is designed to introduce participants to the “nuts and bolts” of EU-ASEAN relations, to expose participants to EU-ASEAN cooperation and to inform them of the latest developments in EU-ASEAN affairs.
SPEAR is a programme funded by the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN. The programme is implemented by Perfect10 PR, serving as the organiser, and is responsible for coordinating all logistical, administrative and programme-related arrangements.
Requirements
- Full-time or part-time scholars whose research and teaching focus on international relations, ASEAN studies, EU foreign policy or related fields
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent
- Citizens and residents of one of the 10 ASEAN countries or Timor-Leste
- Fluent in English
- Demonstrated interest in EU-ASEAN related issues by providing a clear rationale on how the SPEAR programme could support their long-term career goals and chosen career route
- Fully committed to attending and actively participating in all the programme sessions
- Previous participants of the SPEAR programme may be considered, depending on factors such as:
- The level of engagement and contribution in their earlier edition
- The relevance of their current research of teaching
- The added value of their participation in this edition
Benefits
- Participants will engage in in-depth discussions with prominent figures in EU-ASEAN relations
- Participants will gain opportunities to participate in/ contribute to other activities organised by the EU Delegation
- Participants will have the opportunity to continue to network with fellow participants and the EU and ASEAN representatives to support and advance each other’s work
- All participants will receive a certificate recognising their participation in the programme from the EU Ambassador to ASEAN
How to Apply
- Applicant must submit:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education and professional background, career achievements, written publications, etc.
- A “Statement of Purpose” (maximum 500 words). Please also explain how the SPEAR programme could support your long-term career goals and chosen career route.
- Supporting documents: copy of ID, university master’s degree and a reference letter
- All the requirements must be submitted together with the completed registration form before 3 October 2025 at 12.00 noon (Jakarta Time, GMT+7) via www.eu-spear.org
- This application is free, no registration or participation fee
A maximum of 20 applicants will be selected to participate in the programme. Selected participants will receive support with travel arrangements for the duration of the programme. Details of the required administrative procedures are provided in these guidelines.
Potential Topics
- The EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership
- People-to-people Connectivity between the EU and ASEAN
- The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
- The Role of the EU and ASEAN on Current Geopolitical Issues and Tensions
- The EU-ASEAN Trade and Investment
- The EU-ASEAN Collaboration on the Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development
- The EU-Global Gateway: an Instrument to Strengthen EU-ASEAN Partnership
Timeline
| Programme Launch/Call for Applicants | 2 September 2025 |
| Submission of Applicants | 2 September – 3 October 2025 |
| Announcement of Selected Participants | 20 October 2025 |
| Participants Travel Arrangement | 21 – 30 October 2025 |
| Participants Arrival in Jakarta | 10 November 2025 |
| Programme Sessions | 11 – 12 November 2025 |
| Indicative Dates of the Sessions | – Day 1: 11 November 2025 – Day 2: 12 November 2025 – Visit to the ASEAN Secretariat: 11 November 2025 – Visit to the EU Delegation: 12 November 2025 |
| Participants Return | 13 November 2025 |
Download the Guidelines here