PROGRESSIVE
MALAYSIA
FELLOWSHIP
ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
The Progressive Malaysia Fellowship aims to support individuals who are shaping public narratives that strengthen democratic norms, counter far-right ideologies, and promote a progressive future for Malaysia. Fellows may be activists, policymakers, journalists, content creators, scholars, or artists - anyone engaged in the production and dissemination of impactful ideas in the public sphere.
Successful applicants will receive:
An unrestricted RM30,000 stipend to support a project over the 12-month duration of the Fellowship, alongside capacity-building workshops, shared resources, and an immersive cohort experience. The Fellowship is designed to be a home and launchpad for narrative builders who dare to imagine a better Malaysia.
As part of the Fellowship, Fellows are required to:
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Attend and participate fully in both Opening and Closing Retreat
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Attend scheduled check-ins with AOD
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Carry out agreed-upon goals
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Provide timely updates on projects’ progress
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Contribute as a speaker or session host at Progres25, a convention for Malaysian progressives
ELIGIBILITY
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Fellows must be Malaysian citizens.
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Fellows to be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old at the start of the Fellowship.
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Fellows should have demonstrated works of public narrative, such as written pieces, social media activity or visual production.
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Fellows can come from political or non-political backgrounds while demonstrating their potential to become a leader of progressive movements and narratives.
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Each cohort shall be considered collectively to account for breadth and diversity of industries, backgrounds, geographies and networks.
EVALUATION
​Prospective Fellows will be evaluated holistically based on their potential for impact as a Fellow, as well as the potential for their project to accelerate their long-term work.
Individual Considerations
Reach of impact - The Fellowship is looking for Fellows who have the potential to influence Malaysian masses or systems at large.
Continued impact - The Fellowship is also an investment towards the individual Fellow. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong potential in contributing to a progressive Malaysia throughout their career and lifetimes.
Project Considerations
Value alignment - Successful applications will demonstrate a strong grounding in progressive values and direction for Malaysia.
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Strategic - Projects should articulate its strategic value and urgency. Essentially, why this project now?
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TIMELINE
Application period: 1 - 31 June 2025
Shortlisting: Within Week 1 - Week 2 of July 2025
Interviews: Within Week 1 - Week 2 of July 2025
Announcement: Within Week 3 - Week 4 of July 2025
Opening Retreat: 12-14 September 2025
Closing Retreat: April/May 2026
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants can complete the application form in either English or Bahasa Melayu. The application consists mainly of two sections:
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What motivates you to be part of Progressive Malaysia Fellowship? [within 300 words]
Briefly outline your objectives that you hope to achieve, systems or space that you would like to influence, areas that you would like to contribute to the other fellows in enriching the overall fellowship experience, what do you hope to gain from the other fellows that would enrich your experience during the fellowship.
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Tell us about the project that you would like to work on should you are selected as a Fellow [within 300 words]
Briefly describe the project, which may include the importance of the project, concept, desired outcome or impact, how it will work, resources needed, and challenges that you might face.
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OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Dr Tricia Yeoh
Associate Professor of Practice
School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham Malaysia
Nazri Kahar
AVP, Editor, News & Current Affairs,
Astro Awani Network
Brenda Danker
Co-Founder, Freedom Film Network
FAQ
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What do you mean by progressive?
Malaysia's diversity is under threat from far-right and authoritarian thought and ideologies. Progressive values such as multiculturalism, democracy, inclusivity, justice and equality need leaders to revitalise its relevance and importance in Malaysian society.
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What if my project changes throughout the duration of the Fellowship?
Yes changes can be made by officially communicating those changes to AOD, and the changes need to be within the narrative projects criteria set by AOD.
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I'm 41 years old or older - can I still apply?
Yes, exceptions can be made for exceptional prospective Fellows with considerations for impact. However, the Fellowship is looking to invest in potential young Fellows.
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What counts as a project?
Anything that seeks to influence change on systems or society at large through narrative. Examples would include the following:
- Public campaigns such as a podcast series or series of public engagements
- Publishing a book or conducting research
- Creating a documentary, film or stage play
- Policy campaigns with briefings and stakeholder engagements
Initiatives that don’t fall under narrative projects or are excluded:
- Starting an organisation. Please see BinaxBangkit for organisational funding.
- Campaigns for public elections.
- Forums or workshops that heavily rely on third party expertise.
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I want to run a project that sits under the umbrella of an organisation. Am I eligible?
It depends. The Fellowship is meant to invest in the Fellow as visible leaders. The project should not be too heavily tied to an organisation.
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What can I use the stipend for?
Fellows are free to use the stipend to accomplish their own goals as Fellows and the goals of their project. For instance, hiring interns or research assistants.
Questions not answered? Email apply@aodmalaysia.org for additional information.