The Government of Republic of Korea (ROK), in support of Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recognize the importance of science, technology and innovation in promoting the economic development and sound security of nations. To this effect, an annual award is established to encourage young scientists and engineers to take on research in science, technology and innovation. The ASEAN-ROK Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation recognizes the academic and professional achievements of promising, early-career scientists and engineers of ASEAN nationality. The Award is open to professionals pursuing careers in any field of natural sciences or engineering.

Eligibility

This year, the award features two distinctions (there is no age restriction, but a duplicate application will become invalid).

1)       Next ASEAN Innovator:  the applicant must

•       be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State; and

•       be a professional with less than 5 years (01 Jan 2020) of working experience after earning a Ph.D.;

•       have no record in the past two years (01 Jan 2023)  of receiving an award organized or supported by ASEAN, in the field of science and engineering

2)       ASEAN-ROK STI Pioneer: the applicant must

•        be a citizen of an ASEAN Member State; and

•        be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Korea; or

•        be a professional whose completion of a doctoral program in Korea is less than 5 years (01 Jan 2020)  ; or

•        be a professional whose completion of a doctoral program is less than 5 years (01 Jan 2020)  and has significant research collaboration experience (e.g. post-doctoral programme, etc.) with Korea;

•        have no record in the past two years (01 Jan 2023) of receiving an award organized or supported by ASEAN, in the field of science and engineering

 * Major field of a Ph.D degree should be in natural sciences (including physics, mathematical sciences, chemistry, nanoscience, biological science, medical science, etc.) or engineering (including mechanical, aerospace, electronics, environmental engineering and computer science, etc.)

Award

The winner of each distinction will be awarded:

            •       Minister award from MSIT

           •      Cash prize of US $12,000

           •      Invitation to attend the ASEAN-ROK STI Training Programme in Korea to present and share their work 
                  (airfare and accommodation provided).

Application Process

Applicant must submit the Application Form, Personal Statement, and Recommendation Letter , complete in every respect with the supporting documents , to STEPI ( aseanrokaward@stepi.re.kr ) the latest by 31 August 2025 (deadline extended).

For Further Information  

Please refer to the following online posts for details, including application guidelines, application form, personal statement form and recommendation letter form.

Should you have any further inquiries regarding the award, please contact STEPI at aseanrokaward@stepi.re.kr