The Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) of Taiwan and the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), a leading international think tank, have officially announced the launch of the 3rd Maritime Governance Innovation and Education Network Initiative (3rd Maritime GENIE Cohort).
For the first time, the program’s flagship in-person workshop will be held in Taiwan. Starting today, the program is open to global recruitment of 12 emerging leaders in maritime governance, who will participate in a series of online and in-person training activities. The application deadline is March 1.
Minister of the Ocean Affairs Council, Kuan Bi-ling, stated that the program plays a critical role in strengthening a Taiwan-centered maritime narrative on the international stage. She emphasized that Taiwan occupies a strategic position at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, with extensive experience and strong capacity in maritime governance and law enforcement.
Through strategic collaboration with YCAPS, Taiwan is not only able to share its valuable governance experience with the world, but also to enable future international leaders to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwan early in their careers. These participants are expected to become key “Taiwan-literate” stakeholders who recognize Taiwan’s role in maintaining regional peace, combating maritime crime, and advancing sustainable development.
Open to All Nationalities: Attracting Global Talent
Distinct from previous cohorts, the 3rd Maritime GENIE Program adopts a global recruitment strategy (Applicants of all nationalities). Professionals from all countries—including Taiwan—with at least three years of relevant work experience are eligible to apply.
The Ocean Affairs Council particularly encourages applicants to integrate Taiwan-related issues into their proposals and to present practical and actionable policy innovations addressing national, regional, or global maritime governance challenges.
Participation in Major Maritime Events in Taiwan: A High-Standard Capacity-Building Program
The selected 12 fellows will participate in a series of online seminars and mentorship sessions led by internationally renowned experts from April to October. In addition, fellows will travel to Taiwan to take part in flagship activities, including a three-day intensive workshop and field visits.All travel expenses, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, and meals, will be fully covered by the program.
Policy Outputs with Global Impact
Under the guidance of assigned mentors, fellows are required to produce a high-quality policy brief and a short video. These outputs will be published through YCAPS and its international partner networks, providing valuable policy insights for governments, think tanks, academia, and industry worldwide—putting the concept of “think tank diplomacy” into practice.
Sources: Ocean Affairs Council
