Fellowship Overview
The Equity Initiative Fellowship is a fully funded, immersive learning experience designed to cultivate leadership for health equity across Southeast Asia and China. As part of the Equity Initiative, a program of the CMB Foundation, the Fellowship supports outstanding professionals who are committed to addressing the social, economic, political, and structural drivers of health inequity in their communities, countries, and across the region.
Fellows participate in six weeks of in-person learning events, combined with blended online engagement throughout the induction year. Through this carefully paced learning journey, Fellows build a shared foundation in health equity leadership while expanding their regional and global perspectives on the systems and conditions that shape health and well-being. The curriculum explores why these determinants matter for policy, financing, service delivery, community voice, and broader systems change.
The Fellowship journey begins in the region, expands to a global vantage point, and then returns to the region to consolidate learning and application. This intentional arc strengthens peer relationships, creates varied opportunities for experiential and cross-context learning, and keeps Fellows’ attention firmly grounded in the inequities affecting health and well-being across Southeast Asia and China.
Guided by the “Know, Do, Be” framework, the EI Fellowship curriculum provides essential knowledge, builds core competencies, and inspires a lasting commitment to health equity. Fellows develop a rigorous understanding of equity concepts and systems thinking (Know); practice and apply these concepts through tools, labs, experiential learning, and problem-solving exercises (Do); and internalize a purpose-driven leadership stance through reflection, leadership communication, and exposure to models of public leadership (Be).
The Equity Initiative Fellowship, also known as the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity in Southeast Asia (AFHESEA), is part of the global Atlantic Fellows network. After completing the induction year, EI Fellows join the global Atlantic Fellows community, becoming part of a lifelong network of leaders working across regions, disciplines, and sectors to advance equity, justice, and social change.
Applications for the 2027-2028 Fellowship open June 15
Why Equity and Leadership?
Health equity goes beyond health and the health sector. Social determinants of health like equitable jobs, education, housing, food and diet, and transnational forces are all important drivers of equity in health. Equity in health is a major challenge all over the world, but especially so in economically dynamic Southeast Asia and China.
We care about inequities in health as a moral and ethical challenge, rather than a technical challenge. Southeast Asia and China confronts many health equity challenges which includes issues outside of healthcare such as structural and political determinants, environmental degradation, and armed conflict. Health equity challenges also include issues such as ensuring universal access to primary health care, developing pro-equity health financing policies, training workers who will serve the poor and disadvantaged, tackling the pressing health issues of women and children, migrants and refugees, ethnic minorities, the poor and disadvantaged, and those ravaged by humanitarian crises.
We believe that leaders in society can either perpetuate or worsen inequities, or effect change for the better. Leadership and a community of practitioners are critically important to not only bring regional attention to health equity but also to motivate, innovate, and craft solutions.
The Equity Initiative's goal is that the Fellows will become transformational leaders who can guide, direct, and influence others to bring about fundamental changes for health equity.
Induction Year
Fellows in the Equity Initiative Fellowship participate in a fully funded, immersive learning experience that combines six weeks of in-person learning events with blended online engagement. The program is designed to cultivate leadership for health equity across Southeast Asia and China. Through a carefully paced blend of in-person and online learning, Fellows build a shared foundation in health equity leadership while expanding their regional and global perspectives on the social, economic, political, and structural determinants of health. The program also explores why these determinants matter for policy, financing, service delivery, community voice, and systems change.
The learning journey begins in the region, expands to a global vantage point, and then returns to the region to consolidate learning and application. This intentional arc strengthens peer relationships, creates varied opportunities for experiential learning, and keeps Fellows' attention firmly grounded in the inequities shaping health and well-being across the region.
Guided by the "Know, Do, Be" framework, the EI Fellowship curriculum provides essential knowledge, builds core competencies, and inspires a lasting commitment to health equity. Fellows develop a rigorous understanding of equity concepts and systems thinking (Know); practice and apply these concepts through tools, labs, experiential learning, and problem-solving exercises (Do); and internalize a purpose-driven leadership stance through reflection, leadership communication, and exposure to models of public leadership (Be).
The fellowship induction year is grounded in the following learning objectives:
- Fellows will deepen their understanding of the social determinants of health and the structural barriers that contribute to health inequities.
- Fellows will develop advanced leadership skills that are essential for driving positive systems change.
- Fellows will engage in critical discussions with renowned experts, thought leaders, and fellow change-makers to foster cross-sector collaboration and exchange of ideas.
- Fellows will explore innovative actions aimed at promoting health equity, dismantling systemic barriers, and enhancing access to quality services for underserved populations.
- Fellows will have the opportunity to build a regional network of transformative leaders who are committed to advancing social justice in health.
- Fellows will benefit from a rich learning community that offers peer support, cross-cultural insights, and shared experiences grounded in the diverse realities of Southeast Asia.
Throughout the Induction Year, Fellows can expect a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that nurtures meaningful connections within a diverse cohort, provides exposure to pressing health equity challenges, and creates opportunities to engage with leading thinkers and practitioners. Fellows are expected to participate in all required in-person Fellowship learning events, totaling approximately six weeks over the course of the Induction Year, as well as regular online learning activities, estimated at approximately one hour per week.
During the Induction Year, Fellows will also have the opportunity to conceptualize and co-design a group project aimed at advancing health equity in their own communities. This process lays the foundation for applying fellowship learning in practice and for sustaining impact beyond the Induction Year.
Regional Selection Committee
The final stage of the Fellowship selection process is led by the Regional Selection Committee (RSC), which is responsible for scoring, ranking, and selecting incoming Fellows. The RSC seeks to curate a diverse and dynamic cohort that maximizes meaningful peer learning by selecting candidates from a broad range of countries, genders, age groups, sectors, disciplines, and fields of expertise, with special consideration given to individuals from underrepresented communities.
The RSC comprises distinguished leaders from across the region with demonstrated commitments to advancing health equity. Members are appointed on a rolling basis to maintain balanced expertise and perspectives. Biographies of the RSC members for the 2026–2028 cycle appear below.
Fellowship Application
Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to health equity and leadership potential. The 2027–2028 fellowship year will mark the program’s 11th cohort, with an anticipated intake of 20 Fellows.
Application for the 2027-2028 Fellowship open June 15.
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Have a track record of demonstrated leadership and commitment to equity and social justice.
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Have at least 6 years of professional working experience and accomplishment related to health, social development, governance and law, environmental justice, or other relevant fields.
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Be a resident citizen of one of the Southeast Asian countries or China.
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Be proficient in spoken and written English.
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A strong leadership potential to make a meaningful impact in their field.
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A clear, long-term vision for driving systems change to advance health equity.
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A diverse mix of Fellows from a wide range of professional expertise.
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Achieve a balanced cohort of Fellows for optimal multi-national and multi-sectoral peer learning.
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Capacity to participate fully in the fellowship activities on specific dates with the support of current employer or home institution if applicable.
The timeline is from a previous Induction Year cycle and is shared to give an idea of the process. Dates for the 2027 applications will be announced soon.
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15 June 2026 |
Applications open |
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1 August 2026 |
Step 1 applications close |
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31 August 2026 |
2027-2028 application close |
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September 2026 |
Application screening and shortlisting |
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October 2026 |
National Committee meetings and interviews |
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November 2026 |
Regional Selection Committee meeting for final selections |
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December 2026 |
Finalists Notified |
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January 2027 |
11th Cohort of Fellows Announced |
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March 2027 |
First 2027-2028 Fellowship Event Commences |
What benefits/privileges should the Fellows anticipate?
During the one-year fellowship term, Fellows will engage in fully funded, in-person learning experiences, guided by world-class faculty and leading voices in health equity and development—both regionally and globally. Fellows will deepen their knowledge of health equity and strengthen their leadership competencies through experiential learning, interactive sessions, mentorship, and peer learning. They will also have the opportunity to design and implement a group equity-focused project, supported by seed funding.
What are the Fellow's obligations?
The fellowship is designed for working professionals to accompany full-time work. Fellows are required to attend all Fellowship learning events as well as participate in online learning. It is expected that fellows will network with their peers and wider swaths of multidisciplinary professionals and will become members of a global community with shared interests and goals for social justice in health.
I am not a health expert or working in the health sector, am I eligilble to apply?
Yes, the Equity Initiative is looking for cross sector leadership. What makes the Equity Initiative unique is our commitment to building out a network across professional fields and interests.
What commitments do Fellows have after the Fellowship Induction Year?
Upon graduation, Fellows will start their second year project. Fellows also begin to join the global network of Atlantic Fellows.
If I applied but wasn't selected to the program, can I reapply?
Yes, the applicants are encouraged to reapply when the next call for application is opened.
If I am accepted, can I defer until next year?
No, deferrals will not be accepted. Please apply for the year you wish to participate.
Can I apply if I am not a national of Souteast Asia or China, but have experience working in the region?
No, only citizens or resident nationals of one of Southeast Asian countries or China are eligible to apply.
What is a 'resident national'?
That is, the person is allowed to reside indefinitely within a country of which he or she is not a citizen.
Am I able to apply if I am currently living, working, or studying outside of my home country?
Yes. Applicants currently living outside of their home country who hold citizenship or resident nationality from Southeast Asian countries or China are still eligible to apply.
Who should write my reference letters?
The Equity Initiative program requires two (2) letters of recommendation from each applicant. Reference should comment on your professional abilities, current work and interests regarding social justice or in health development, and leadership qualities either within your field or your larger community.
When are my references' deadlines?
The references’ deadline is the same as the Application Deadline; however, we understand that it may take an extra few days for all references to respond.
How will my application be confirmed?
A confirmation email will be sent to your email address once your application is received.
Can I update my application after submission?
Once submitted, updates to an application are NOT possible. You may work on your application online and save drafts until you are ready to submit. Please only submit your application when it is complete.
Are late applications accepted?
No, we do not accept late applications. We encourage applicants to submit applications as early as possible.
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Other Questions?
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