The Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows program, launched by Asia Society in 2006, is one of the most respected leadership initiatives in the Asia Pacific region. It is dedicated to identifying and supporting exceptional young leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Each year, a carefully selected group of around 30 leaders is chosen from across Asia and the world, representing diverse fields such as journalism, public policy, technology, education, business, and the arts. More than just a fellowship, Asia 21 is a platform for collaboration, leadership development, and collective action, with participants gaining access to a global network of more than 1,000 Fellows from over 40 countries.
This year, the Asia Society announced the Class of 2025 Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows, a group of 30 outstanding changemakers representing 27 different countries and regions. They will meet in Manila, Philippines, from December 5 to 7, 2025, for the Asia 21 Summit under the theme “The Journey to Courageous Leadership.”
The 2025 cohort includes a diverse array of leaders such as Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante from the Philippines, Phillip An from the United States, Nilupuli Andrahennadi from Sri Lanka, Jeongyun Bae from South Korea, Syeda Shehr Bano from Pakistan, Vibhaas Basukala from Nepal, Capucine Cogné from France, Jie Ding from China, Natalia Fareti from New Zealand, Yi-ting Lien from Taiwan, Yui Mukoyama from Japan, Dong Anh Nguyen from Vietnam, Komron Rajabiyon from Tajikistan, Ainura Sagyn from Kyrgyzstan, Omid Scheybani from Iran, Aakanksha Tangri from Canada, Yinghui Tng from Singapore, Hayley Winchcombe from Australia, Ema Ryan Yamazaki from Japan, Raymond Yang from Hong Kong, Michael Yip from the United Kingdom, Safaath Ahmed Zahir from the Maldives, Qazi Zaid from India, and Tlek Zeinullayev from Kazakhstan, along with others whose work spans innovation, governance, sustainability, and social change. Collectively, they represent the spirit of Asia 21 leadership with impact, grounded in a commitment to serve the greater good.
Among this inspiring group is Sri Lanka’s own Kalani Kumarasinghe, Editor of Newswire at Wire Digital (Pvt) Ltd., who has been recognized for her courageous journalism and leadership. With over a decade of experience, Kalani has reported on some of Sri Lanka’s most turbulent moments, from terrorist attacks and political upheaval to the country’s recent economic crisis. During the 2022 crisis, she covered events on the ground for months, often working alone and facing repeated exposure to tear gas. She is a strong advocate for ethical journalism, press freedom, and inclusive storytelling, and has also mentored young journalists to foster trust between the media and communities.
Kalani was Sri Lanka’s 2019 Asia Journalism Fellow, where she researched youth policy and social cohesion, and she continues to be an important voice in regional media forums on responsible digital innovation. Her vision goes beyond reporting: she is deeply invested in transforming newsrooms through technology while creating media ecosystems that are ethical, empathetic, and future ready. Her philosophy, “journalism that doesn’t just inform, but actively empowers,” reflects both her personal mission and the values of the Asia 21 fellowship.
As part of the Class of 2025, Kalani Kumarasinghe joins a global network of leaders who share her passion for meaningful change. Her inclusion is not only a recognition of her professional excellence but also of her resilience, compassion, and collaborative spirit. Representing Sri Lanka on this international platform, she hopes to continue showing how journalism, practiced with integrity and care, can contribute to stronger and more inclusive societies.