The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 (SISM) will bring together more than 100 young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers, innovators and changemakers from around the world for four days of leadership development, networking and sustainable development discussions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19–22 November 2026.
Organised by the Global Youth Network (GYN), the summit will focus on turning innovative ideas into practical solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Scholarship Opportunity
The organisers are offering 30 scholarship places, divided into:
- 15 fully funded scholarships
- 15 partially funded scholarships
Applicants submit one application to be considered for both scholarship categories.
The scholarship application fee is US$18.50.
What the Fully Funded Scholarship Covers
The 15 fully funded delegates will receive:
- Round-trip airfare support
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Meals and refreshments
- Visa fees
- Visa invitation letter
- Summit participation and access
- GYN toolkit and merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Participation certificate
- Free sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
What the Partial Scholarship Covers
The 15 partially funded delegates will receive:
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Meals and refreshments
- Visa supporting documents
- Visa invitation letter
- Summit participation and access
- GYN toolkit and merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Participation certificate
- Free sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Eligibility Requirements
The opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Candidates should:
- Be aged 17–50
- Be nationals of any country
- Come from any academic or professional field
- Be students, graduates, volunteers, social entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers, activists or changemakers
- Demonstrate an interest in the SDGs
- Show leadership potential and a visionary mindset
- Be available to attend the summit in Kuala Lumpur from 19–22 November 2026
IELTS or TOEFL is not required.
Previous volunteering or leadership experience is preferred but not mandatory.
$1,000 Seed Grant
Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for a US$1,000 Seed Grant to support an innovative project or social-impact initiative.
The grant is intended to help participants transform ideas into practical initiatives addressing sustainable development challenges.
Summit Focus Areas
The programme will concentrate on four SDGs:
SDG 4 – Quality Education: Promoting access to and empowerment through quality education.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Addressing barriers and advancing gender equality.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Promoting innovation and resilient infrastructure.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Encouraging urgent action to address climate change.
What Participants Can Expect
The four-day programme is expected to include:
- Keynote sessions
- Leadership workshops
- Panel discussions
- SDG-focused workshops
- Innovation and entrepreneurship activities
- Policy-impact sessions
- SDG case studies
- Youth-led presentations
- Networking opportunities
- Cultural exchange
- Country showcases
- City sightseeing
- Cultural night activities
Participants will also have opportunities to present their ideas and projects and connect with young leaders and professionals from different countries.
Application Process
Applicants are required to:
- Select the scholarship category.
- Complete the application form.
- Prepare a 250–300-word personal statement explaining their interest in the summit.
- Pay the US$18.50 application fee.
- Submit the completed application.
Applicants who are not selected for a scholarship can alternatively secure participation through the paid delegate categories.
Other Participation Options
The organisers also offer confirmed participation options:
- Forum Access: US$249
- Self-Funded with accommodation: US$449
- Invitation letter: US$49
The self-funded and forum-access categories include various benefits such as summit access, meals or refreshments, networking activities, certificates and other programme features, with accommodation included in the US$449 option.
Important Dates
Event: SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dates: 19–22 November 2026
Participants: 100+
Scholarships: 30
Fully funded places: 15
Partially funded places: 15
Seed Grant: US$1,000
Scholarship application fee: US$18.50
Age range: 17–50
How to Apply
Interested applicants can review the programme information and submit their scholarship application through the official Global Youth Network website.
Apply for the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 Scholarship
View the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 details
Note: The fully funded scholarship is competitive and limited to 15 places. Applicants should carefully review the scholarship terms, costs and coverage before paying the application fee.
