Luang Prabang, Laos | October 5–11, 2025 

Project Accelerator 2025 gathered Fellows in Luang Prabang to transform early project ideas into fully developed, equity-focused proposals- an important bridge between learning and action in the Fellowship journey. 

Earlier in the year, Fellows reflected on pressing health-equity challenges in their own countries and began forming project teams during Asia Trek in Bali. Each team drafted a concept note outlining a key issue, target community, and strategy for change, which then went through rounds of online peer and staff feedback. Project Accelerator built on that foundation, guiding Fellows to expand their concepts into comprehensive proposals that identify root causes, articulate clear objectives, and design measurable pathways for impact. 

As pictured above: Cohort 2025 Fellows Nyein Chan Oo, Ye Naing Win, and Polwish Subsrisunjai's and their Fishbone Diagram

As Zhang Cheng (2025, China) reflects: “We came to learn, stayed to play, and left with the top 5 gifts no suitcase can hold. Buffaloes were chill, the Mekong was calm, but our flipcharts were on fire... On the first day, we overpacked for rainy skies. On the last day, we under packed for raining faces.” 

Sessions with development expert Duncan Green introduced systems thinking and political-economy analysis, helping Fellows map underlying forces that sustain inequity. Advocacy experts Jojo and Rhodora Fresnedi led the Personal Leadership Journey, prompting reflection on purpose, values, and the kind of leadership required to navigate complexity. Between structured workshops and peer consultations, Fellows refined their proposals for the next stage of review before formal submission in December. 

As pictured above: Jojo Fresnedi demonstrating the leadership exercise to the fellows

The ten projects developed this year span themes of mental health, disability inclusion, reproductive rights, women’s leadership, sustainable food systems, environmental safety, and migrant well-being. Others focus on building the evidence base itself—creating new tools for measuring and communicating health-equity impact. Each initiative demonstrates how cross-country collaboration and lived experience can generate practical, community-driven solutions to systemic problems. 

As pictured above: Cohort 2025 Fellows Phuricha Chaivirach, and Nur Syarif Ramadhan's and their Fishbone Diagram

Fellows also explored the cultural fabric of Luang Prabang: learning traditional weaving in Xang Khong Village with Mae Simone of Simone Handicraft, climbing Phousi Hill at sunset, and witnessing the Fire-Boat Festival that lights up the Mekong each October. These shared experiences underscored the week’s balance of focus and reflection, rigor and renewal.  

As pictured above: Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh sat beside a traditional weaving machine

Fellows also explored the cultural fabric of Luang Prabang: learning traditional weaving in Xang Khong Village with Mae Simone of Simone Handicraft, climbing Phousi Hill at sunset, and witnessing the Fire-Boat Festival that lights up the Mekong each October. These shared experiences underscored the week’s balance of focus and reflection, rigor and renewal. 

As pictured above: Some of Cohort 2025's fellows at the peak of Phousi Hill

Project Accelerator represents a pivotal step in the project development process: from initial reflection and concept creation to building robust, equity-centered proposals ready for review. Ngo Thanh Nam’s (2025, Viet Nam) writes "The Project Accelerator Week has been such a meaningful chapter in my EI journey. The blend of personal reflection, peer collaboration, and expert guidance truly expanded my perspectives. I’m leaving this week feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to bring new energy to my project and community.” 

In the months ahead, Fellows will continue refining their ideas through detailed feedback and external assessment before moving into the implementation stage in early 2026. Each milestone brings them closer to translating their Fellowship learning into tangible action that advances health equity across the region. Stay tuned as these projects take shape. 

As pictured below: Cohort 2025 Fellows side-by-side celebrating the beginning of the Project Accelerator