Applications have opened to join the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, which provides professional development and leadership opportunities to young professionals.

The network is made up of young professionals with an interest in Asia and a desire to take an active role in strengthening New Zealand's relations with Asia.

"They're lawyers, doctors, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists and they're very ambitious, Executive Director Simon Draper says of the network.

"They're the best and the brightest and the Leadership Network is a great way for them to give their careers a significant boost."

The aim of the network is to nurture the professional and leadership development of its members. It also aims to equip members with the knowledge, skills and connections to further relations between New Zealand and Asia. It began in 2007 and now has 385 members.

The application process closes on 10 April and the Foundation says it is very competitive with only a limited number of places available in 2017. There is one intake per year.

"We're looking for smart young people, who are natural leaders and have career aspirations in Asia," Mr Draper says. "If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you."

Further information and how to apply can be found here.