Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS), in collaboration with the Taiwan Ocean Affairs Council (TOAC), is pleased to announce the 3rd cohort of the Maritime Governance Empowered Network for Innovation and Education (Maritime GENIE). This leadership and policy innovation program supports emerging professionals working to strengthen maritime governance governance at the national, regional, and global levels, with a particular focus on Taiwan’s maritime policies, sustainability efforts, and regional contributions.
Participants will engage with international and Taiwanese experts, senior practitioners, and policy specialists through a series of tailored webinars that cover advanced maritime governance topics. These sessions will provide both conceptual grounding and guided mentorship as participants refine their governance innovation proposals, which are expected to be policy-oriented, problem-driven, and designed to offer practical, implementable recommendations. Proposed innovations may address national, regional, or global maritime governance challenges.
The program combines online expert-led learning with in-person engagement in Taiwan, including participation in the Taiwan International Ocean Forum and a practical policy workshop.
Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in related fields.
- Demonstrated interest in maritime issues and are seeking advanced training in maritime governance.
- Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply.
A total of twelve (12) participants will be selected through a competitive process.
Program Participation Requirements
Selected participants are expected to:
- Participate in a series of online pre-workshop webinars from April to October focused on advanced maritime governance topics and mentorship
- Attend the two-day Taiwan International Ocean Forum in Taipei (July 2026)
- Take part in a three-day, in-person workshop in Taiwan, including site visits and expert discussions (July 2026)
- Develop a policy innovation proposal, a 1,000-1,500-word policy brief, and a short video presentation. The policy innovation proposal is expected to meet high professional standards and be suitable for publication on an international policy platform.
- All participants are expected to remain actively engaged throughout the program and as part of the Maritime GENIE alumni network.
Program outputs will be disseminated through YCAPS and partner networks to government, academic, civil society, and private-sector stakeholders, and published through an international platform.
*Accommodation and travel will be supported by the program
Applicants should submit:
- A statement of interest (250-500 words) outlining:
- Research or policy interest
- What they hope to gain from the program
- A brief description of their policy innovation proposal (250-500 words). Proposal topics that include Taiwan will be viewed favourably.
- A current CV
Applications are due by 1 March 2026, via this form.
FAQ:
- Question: Can you tell me more about the previous Maritime GENIE cohort?
Answer: The 1st cohort (June 2024-March 2025) included workshops in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Sydney, Australia, while the 2nd cohort (September 2024-June 2025) included workshops in Tokyo Bay, Japan. Please refer to the respective hyperlinks for more information.
-Question: Will there be support for travel/accommodation for the in-person workshops?
Answer: Yes, the program will fund travel to the workshops in Taiwan.
-Question: I’d like to apply for the programme, but I cannot join the workshop because of scheduling conflicts. Can I apply?
Answer: Please note this in your application. Priority will be given to those who can travel, but exceptionally qualified candidates may be invited to join the webinars only if space is available.
-Question: Does the Maritime GENIE primarily cater to government officials, or are professionals from other sectors welcome?
Answer: The programme is open to professionals from all sectors who are interested in improving regional maritime governance.
-Question: How is maritime governance different from maritime security?
Answer: As a general definition, “maritime governance” refers to the capacity to enforce the framework of laws, regulations, policies, and institutions generated both within the legal jurisdictions of states and the international community that seek to establish “good order at sea.” Maritime security is the desired condition that relates to good order at sea.
Need more information? Please address questions to Ivy Ganadillo at ivy.ganadillo@ycaps.org