Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit 2025

This annual summit brings together a cohort of young women aged 25-35, two from each of the ten countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as Nepal, for a 5-month leadership development and professional networking program culminating in a week-long gathering in Penang, Malaysia.

The only gathering of its kind in the region, the summit is organized in collaboration with the Center for Research on Women and Gender. For participants, the Summit is a unique opportunity to join forces with other young women in the region, building lasting bonds as collaborators and life-long friends.

We are excited to announce that the sixth Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit will take place from May-September 2025! For the first time, the Summit will take a new hybrid form, expanding the program’s depth and impact over the course of five months.

The 2025 Summit is designed to advance positive change in Southeast Asia by creating a network of women’s leaders who have a deep understanding of the ASEAN region alongside meaningful, lifelong relationships with peers across borders.

Harpswell covers all travel, meals and accommodation for participants during the Summit in Penang, Malaysia.

We welcome applications from women, aged 25 to 35, from ASEAN countries and Nepal, who demonstrate:

A keen interest in social change and women’s leadership

Leadership potential through academic achievement or professional accomplishment

Willingness to share, explore and grow in self-identity, cultural diversity and worldview

A curiosity about the experiences of others in the region

Strong English language skills

Interested applicants are welcome to apply through https://harpswell.org/asean-summit

Application Period: December 20 - February 14, 2025