The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 is a fully funded five-month hybrid leadership program designed for emerging women leaders from Southeast Asia. Through virtual learning and an in-person summit in Phnom Penh, this prestigious initiative equips participants with the skills, networks, and confidence to drive meaningful social change.
Organized by Harpswell Foundation, the summit strengthens regional collaboration while cultivating a new generation of women leaders committed to impact across ASEAN and beyond.
What Is the Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026?
The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 combines:
- Virtual leadership sessions
- Expert-led workshops
- Regional policy discussions
- Collaborative peer learning
- In-person networking in Cambodia
Specifically, the program runs from July to November 2026, blending online learning with an immersive, face-to-face summit in Phnom Penh.
As a result, participants gain both intellectual development and cross-border sisterhood.
Program Structure: Hybrid Leadership Experience
July–October 2026 | Virtual Component
First, participants attend twice-monthly two-hour online sessions. These interactive modules explore:
- Regional development challenges
- Gender equity and women’s empowerment
- Social entrepreneurship
- Public policy and civic leadership
- Personal growth and identity
Additionally, small team meetings take place monthly to deepen collaboration. Therefore, fellows build meaningful relationships long before the in-person summit begins.
October 30 – November 8, 2026 | In-Person Summit in Cambodia
Following the virtual phase, participants gather in Phnom Penh for one week of:
- Leadership intensives
- Site visits
- Strategic dialogue
- Cross-cultural exchange
- Professional networking
Importantly, the summit coincides with IKAT 2026, a regional convening that connects women leaders working across Southeast Asia.
Consequently, fellows expand their networks beyond their immediate cohort.
What Is IKAT 2026?
IKAT is Harpswell’s newest initiative focused on strengthening networks among Southeast Asian women leaders. Hosted bi-annually, it promotes:
- Cross-border collaboration
- Shared learning experiences
- Regional solidarity
- Long-term mentorship and partnerships
Unlike traditional conferences, IKAT emphasizes relationship-building and sustained engagement. Therefore, the Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 provides both structured learning and lasting professional community.
Who Should Apply?
The program welcomes applications from women aged 25–35 from:
- The eleven ASEAN member states
- Nepal
- Papua New Guinea
Strong English proficiency is required.
Ideal candidates demonstrate:
- Commitment to social change
- Leadership potential
- Academic or professional achievement
- Cultural openness and self-awareness
- Willingness to collaborate across differences
Moreover, the Harpswell Foundation prioritizes diversity and inclusion. Therefore, applicants from all racial, ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and identity backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Why This Summit Matters
Across Southeast Asia, women leaders continue to drive transformation in public policy, entrepreneurship, community development, and civic innovation. However, access to structured regional leadership networks remains limited.
The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 addresses this gap by:
- Creating safe spaces for dialogue
- Providing access to regional experts
- Strengthening leadership capacity
- Encouraging collaborative problem-solving
- Building a cross-national professional network
As a result, fellows leave not only with new knowledge, but also with a trusted regional support system.
Key Benefits
Participants receive:
- Full funding for the entire five-month program
- Access to leading experts from academia and industry
- Structured leadership training
- Regional networking opportunities
- Invitation to IKAT 2026
- Lifelong alumni community membership
Therefore, this opportunity extends far beyond a single summit.
Important Dates
- Virtual sessions: July–October 2026
- In-person summit: October 30 – November 5, 2026
- IKAT gathering: November 6–8, 2026
- Application deadline: April 19, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure eligibility.
The Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2026 stands out as one of the region’s most comprehensive fully funded leadership programs for women.
By combining virtual training, in-person collaboration, and regional networking, it equips participants to lead transformative change within their communities and across Southeast Asia.
If you are an emerging woman leader committed to impact, this summit offers not only training but also sisterhood, strategy, and sustained support.
Apply before April 19, 2026 to join a powerful network shaping the future of the region.
