Intern (Regional Social & Cultural Studies)

[What the role is] The ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is a leading research centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment.

Applications are invited for the following position: Intern, Regional Social and Cultural Studies (RSCS) Programme [What you will be working on] During this internship, you will be attached to the RSCS programme, which studies and examines the history, sociology, and anthropology of national and transnational processes in Southeast Asia.

Specifically, RSCS is concerned with ethnographic practices and theory-building in the areas of contemporary histories, nation-building, ethnicity, religion, class and popular culture in the region.

Key research areas include nation-building, civil society and religion, cultural globalisation and identity-making, contemporary politics, and democratisation and multiculturalism in Southeast Asia.

• Assist in liaising with research collaborators on one of the following projects: Trendsetters of Islam in Southeast Asia, Chinese soft power on Southeast Asia, Youth and Civic Engagement, and Social Inequality and Urban Poor • Assist RSCS Coordinator in managing publication and book projects • Assist in conducting literature review, data visualisation and analysis • Assist in event management and other administrative and editorial tasks • Conduct outreach activities (drafting presentations, drafting/editing speeches, media engagement, reports, infographics and policy briefs) [What we are looking for] Requirements • Strong research and communication skills • Meticulous, organized and good editing skills • Strong interest in at least in of the following countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam • Familiarity with data analytics tools (Excel, Tableau, or GIS) is advantageous • Familiarity with Office 365 applications such as SharePoint, Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages Internship Period: Nov 2026 – Jan 2027 Application All applicants must submit the following materials: (1) cover letter indicating your availability period (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a copy of latest academic transcript.