THE Laguna, Philippines-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has 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 incorporates both online and in-person (Singapore) sessions, is designed to strengthen leadership and innovation capacities among professionals operating within the rapidly changing agrifood landscape of the region.
Tailored for leaders working in government agencies, private agrifood enterprises, academia, civil society, and development organizations, LAAD's curriculum offers comprehensive modules on contemporary agrifood system issues as well as strategic leadership, innovation, and institutional transformation.
LAAD continues to deliver significant value that was lauded by participants for being transformative and relevant to Southeast Asia's agricultural realities.
Maria Christina Campita, Chief of the Research Division at the Department of Agriculture in Region 5 (Bicol), said the program is "truly empowering" and that the sessions are "expertly designed and delivered by outstanding mentors."
Campita credits her experience with enhancing her work in managing a research organization through new insights in leadership and agrifood innovation.
In Timor-Leste, Agustinho Da Costa Ximenes, Agriculture Program Manager at Catholic Relief Services, emphasized how the program fulfilled his aspiration to connect with regional experts.
Strongly recommending LAAD to Timorese and Southeast Asian professionals, and highlighting its role in advancing food security in the region, Ximenes said, "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."
LAAD culminates in a "futuring project," a final initiative that empowers participants to drive change within their organizations, whether through innovation, technology adoption, or organizational strategy development.
The program also fosters high-level networking among Southeast Asia's leading professionals shaping agrifood systems, research, programs, and policies.
Director Gijs Jozef Matthieu Herpers of Strategic Growth at Qarbotech Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, praised the diversity within LAAD's participant group, which includes policymakers and private sector leaders from across Southeast Asia, as enriching the program experience.
"It is a rare opportunity to connect in person, share real-world experiences, and learn about innovative initiatives taking place across our countries," Herpers said.
Applications are open until January 15, 2026. The program starts in February 2026. For more information, visit bit.ly/laad2026.