Perdana Fellowship Programme Set to Return in June 2026, Aiming to Shape 63 Future Youth Leaders
PUTRAJAYA — The Perdana Fellowship Programme under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) will officially resume in June 2026 after being temporarily suspended for two years, with the government aiming to select 63 participants for the upcoming intake.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the programme is designed to cultivate leadership potential among young Malaysians by providing them with hands-on exposure to government administration and policymaking.
Successful candidates will undergo a four-month placement within the offices of senior government leaders, including ministers, deputy ministers and top civil service officials.
According to Taufiq, the initiative serves as an important platform for nurturing future leaders while allowing participants to understand how national decisions are made.
“The programme provides a valuable opportunity for young Malaysians to gain first-hand experience in governance and public policy development,” he said during a press conference announcing the programme’s return in Putrajaya.
Programme Revived Following Comprehensive Evaluation
The Perdana Fellowship Programme had been placed on hold in 2024 and 2025 to allow authorities to conduct a thorough evaluation of its effectiveness.
The assessment was carried out by the Malaysian Institute for Youth Development Research, which studied the experiences and career outcomes of 185 former participants involved in the Perdana Fellowship and Corporate Fellowship programmes between 2020 and 2023.
Insights gathered from the evaluation were used to improve the structure, management and overall implementation of the programme for the 2026 intake.
Taufiq noted that the ministry introduced several improvements to ensure that the programme continues to remain relevant and impactful in developing youth leadership talent.
Improved Selection and Placement Process
Among the key enhancements introduced this year is a stricter verification process for application documents to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.
A centralised assessment centre will also be implemented to evaluate candidates more systematically.
This new system will assess applicants’ leadership potential, analytical abilities and suitability for placement within government institutions.
In addition, the placement structure has been strengthened to ensure that participants receive proper guidance and supervision throughout the programme.
Selected fellows will be assigned to ministries or government offices under the mentorship of ministers, deputy ministers and the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN).
This structured mentorship aims to give participants deeper exposure to the workings of government institutions and policymaking processes.
Opportunities for Policy Exposure and Leadership Development
Participants will be placed across 31 ministries or at the office of the Chief Secretary to the Government for the duration of the four-month programme.
During this period, fellows will participate in a range of activities designed to strengthen their understanding of governance and public administration.
These include attending policy discussions, observing decision-making processes and assisting with research related to national policies.
They will also engage in mentor-mentee sessions with senior government leaders, allowing them to gain insights into leadership, policy formulation and strategic decision-making.
Townhall sessions and special assignments related to youth issues and national development will also form part of the programme’s learning activities.
At the end of the fellowship, participants will be required to produce policy papers focusing on youth-related challenges and development strategies.
These papers will be presented during the Perdana Fellowship Symposium and Appreciation Ceremony.
The symposium provides a platform for fellows to share policy recommendations that may contribute to future government initiatives.
Allowance and Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognised higher education institution, whether obtained locally or overseas.
Graduates from both public and private universities are eligible to apply for the programme.
Participants selected for the fellowship will receive a monthly allowance equivalent to the MySTEP Grade 9 officer rate.
The allowance will be fully funded by the ministries or government offices hosting the participants.
Applications Now Open for Young Malaysians
Applications for the Perdana Fellowship Programme 2026 are open starting today and will close on April 24.
Interested candidates aged between 18 and below 30 years old can submit their applications through the official portal at myfelo.kbs.gov.my.
Taufiq encouraged young Malaysians who are passionate about leadership, governance and public service to apply.
Appointment Ceremony Scheduled for June
Successful applicants will officially begin their placements following the appointment ceremony scheduled for June 24.
During the ceremony, appointment letters will be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The ceremony will mark the beginning of the fellows’ involvement in government institutions and their journey in gaining practical exposure to national leadership and policymaking.
The revival of the Perdana Fellowship Programme reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering young Malaysians and preparing them to play a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future.
-wilayah.com.my
