Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 (SISM) is a premier international youth leadership summit bringing together 100 young leaders, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world. Organized by the Global Youth Network (GYN) and co-hosted by the United Nations University – International Institute for Global Health, Malaysia (UNU Global Health), the summit takes place from 19–22 November 2026 at Teedo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
The summit focuses on four Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Participants engage in keynote addresses, panel discussions, leadership workshops, innovation labs, and an exclusive institutional visit to Asia Pacific University (APU).
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Scholarship Categories
There are 30 scholarships available through a competitive selection process:
- Fully Funded Scholarship (15 seats): Covers round-trip airfare support, twin-sharing accommodation, all meals and refreshments, visa fees, invitation letter, summit fee and access, GYN toolkit and merchandise, speaking opportunity, participation certificate, free sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, and APU campus tour.
- Partially Funded Scholarship (15 seats): Covers twin-sharing accommodation, meals and refreshments, visa supporting documents, invitation letter, summit fee and access, GYN toolkit and merchandise, speaking opportunity, participation certificate, free sightseeing, and APU campus tour. Airfare is not included.
Applicants submit one application and are considered for both categories. The top 15 applicants receive fully funded slots; the next 15 receive partially funded slots.
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Eligibility Requirements
The summit welcomes diverse applicants from all backgrounds:
- Open to applicants worldwide, including Zimbabwe and SADC region
- Age: 17–50 years old
- All educational and professional fields accepted
- Students, volunteers, graduates, change-makers, social entrepreneurs, and professionals at any career stage
- English language proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) not required
- Must be available to attend in Kuala Lumpur from 19–22 November 2026
Preferred but not mandatory: volunteering or leadership experience, and a visionary mindset aligned with sustainable development.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Strong personal statement of 250–300 words explaining interest in joining the summit
- Application fee of $18.50 (for scholarship categories)
- Passport copy, or National Identity Card/student ID if passport unavailable at time of application
The selection panel is independent and international, ensuring transparent evaluation of all submissions.
Alternative Participation Options
Applicants not selected for scholarships—or seeking guaranteed participation—may choose:
- Forum Access ($199 early bird): Confirmed seat, early invitation letter, welcome dinner, summit fee covered, meals, coffee breaks, cultural night, APU tour, speaking opportunity, and certificate.
- Self-Funded with Accommodation ($399 early bird): Includes twin-sharing accommodation, all Forum Access benefits, plus visa invitation letter.
- Invitation Letter Only ($49): Summit invitation letter with visa support documentation, delivered within 48 hours.
Group discounts are available for multiple enrollments—contact summit@gyn.org for details.
Summit Experience and Benefits
Participants gain:
- International certification from THEGYN
- Expert-led workshops on SDGs, leadership, AI, and policymaking
- Platform to present projects and ideas to a global audience
- Cultural immersion through Malaysian food, performances, and city exploration
- Networking with educators, innovators, and renowned speakers
- Competition for a $1,000 Seed Grant for innovative social impact projects
- Enhanced profile for future scholarship applications
The tentative schedule includes delegate registration, SDG workshops, social venture training, policy impact sessions, youth-led presentations, entrepreneurship activities, cultural night, and certification ceremony.
Visa and Travel Support
GYN provides official invitation letters, proof of accommodation, and program location details to support visa applications. While guidance is offered throughout the process, final visa approval rests with Malaysian embassies and cannot be guaranteed by the organizers.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 10 October 2026
- Results announcement: 15 October 2026
- Summit dates: 19–22 November 2026
About the Organizers
The Global Youth Network (GYN) is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to empowering young people and creating opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and lead meaningful change. UNU Global Health operates as a global research think tank in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on health equity and sustainable development.
Tips for African Applicants
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region:
- Begin passport application early if you do not have one; use your National ID for initial application
- Research Malaysian visa requirements for your specific country well in advance
- Highlight any community development, climate action, or education initiatives in your personal statement
- Demonstrate concrete plans for applying summit learning in your local context
- Consider the partially funded option if securing airfare independently is feasible
Official scholarship page: https://thegyn.org/sism-2026/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
