Context:

Union Education Minister virtually addressed the students from ASEAN member states who have been selected for the prestigious ASEAN Ph.D. Fellowship Programme (APFP).

ASEAN Ph.D. Fellowship Programme (APFP):

• It was announced on 25th January 2018, the eve of India’s Republic Day, by the Prime Minister of India in the presence of leaders of all the ten ASEAN member states. 
• Under the APFP, 1000 fellowships will be provided exclusively to the ASEAN citizens in IITs. 
• APFP is the largest capacity development program undertaken by the Government of India for foreign beneficiaries.
• The ASEAN Ph.D. fellows will be recognized as the alumni of the respective IITs from where they will be completing their PhDs.  
• It is funded by the Government of India.

Significance:

• The academic and research ties among India and ASEAN member states will be mutually beneficial for both the regions. 
• It will strengthen India’s ties with ASEAN members in culture, commerce, and connectivity. 
• APFP will open many doors to synergies in the field of technology and research for the academicians, researchers, and scientists from India and ASEAN. 
• The researches and inventions by them will be used for the betterment of humankind across the globe.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

• It is a regional organization that was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states.
• Motto: “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
• 8th August is observed as ASEAN Day.
• ASEAN Secretariat: Indonesia, Jakarta.
• Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• It, now, also includes Vietnam, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Laos, totaling to 10 members.
• ASEAN’s six FTA partners are India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.