LOS BAÑOS, Philippines —The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of the Executive Program for Leaders in Asian Agriculture and Development (LAAD): Focus on Southeast Asia.
The program, which combines online and in-person learning, aims to strengthen the leadership and innovation capacities of professionals navigating the rapidly evolving agrifood landscape in the region.
Designed for leaders working in government agencies, private agrifood enterprises, academia, civil society, and development organizations, the program will equip participants with a deeper understanding of contemporary agrifood challenges and the strategies needed to address them. Its hybrid structure includes online modules on agrifood system issues and in-person sessions on strategic leadership, innovation, and institutional transformation.
Beyond its curriculum, LAAD has earned strong praise from past participants who describe it as transformative, collaborative, and deeply relevant to Southeast Asia's agricultural realities.
From the Philippines, Dr. Maria Christina Campita, Chief of the Research Division at the Department of Agriculture in Region 5, described the program as "truly empowering," highlighting how the sessions were "expertly designed and delivered by outstanding mentors." She noted that the insights she gained on leadership, innovation, and agrifood system transformation now guide her work managing a research organization.
For Mr. Agustinho Da Costa Ximenes, Agriculture Program Manager at Catholic Relief Services in Timor-Leste, LAAD fulfilled a long-held dream of connecting with regional experts.
"It was more than a learning opportunity as it ignited in me a stronger sense of leadership and purpose to help move Asian agriculture forward, one resilient crop at a time," he shared.
Calling the program highly recommended for Timorese and ASEAN professionals alike, Ximenes said LAAD provides "meaningful steps toward building a more food-secure future for our nations."
As the final program output, LAAD participants will develop a "futuring project" for a change-oriented initiative for their respective institutions, which may cover an innovation project, the adoption of a new technology, or the reshaping of organizational strategies. Participants will also get the chance to network with a diverse cohort of professionals in the region who are shaping agrifood system research, programs, and policies.
For Mr. Gijs Jozef Matthieu Herpers, Director of Strategic Growth at Qarbotech Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, LAAD stood out for the diversity of participants, from policymakers to private-sector leaders, which enriched the learning experience. He added that it is a "rare opportunity to connect in person, share real-world experiences, and learn about the innovative initiatives taking place across our countries."
SEARCA is offering limited and competitive grants for eligible applicants from government or public agencies who are Southeast Asian citizens. Grant applicants must submit by 20 December 2025, while fee-paying applicants may apply until 15 January 2026. Interested applicants may visit the LAAD webpage: bit.ly/laad2026