The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 will bring young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, researchers and changemakers from around the world to Kuala Lumpur.

The four-day international summit will take place from:

19–22 November 2026

A total of 100 participants are expected to join the program.

More importantly, the organizers are offering 30 competitive scholarships. The top 15 applicants will receive fully funded places, while another 15 will receive partially funded places.

The fully funded package includes airfare support, accommodation, meals, visa fees and summit access.

Participants will explore innovative solutions connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They can also compete for a US$1,000 Seed Grant to support a social-impact idea or project.

Applicants from all countries can apply.

The deadline is:

10 October 2026

Interested applicants should review the official SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia page before submitting their application.

SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia Overview

Details	Information
Program	SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia
Short Name	SISM
Location	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Dates	19–22 November 2026
Venue	Teedo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Organizer	Global Youth Network
Participants	100
Scholarships	30
Fully Funded	15
Partially Funded	15
Age	17–50
Nationality	All nationalities
IELTS/TOEFL	Not required
Seed Grant	US$1,000
Scholarship Application Fee	US$18.50
Scholarship Results	15 October 2026
Deadline	10 October 2026

What Is the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia?

The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia is an international youth program focused on sustainable development, leadership and innovation.

It brings together people from different countries and professional backgrounds to exchange ideas and develop solutions connected with global challenges.

The central theme is:

Innovative Ideas for Social Impact

Participants will take part in activities such as:

Keynote sessions
Panel discussions
Leadership workshops
Innovation activities
SDG workshops
Youth presentations
Networking
Cultural exchange
Entrepreneurship activities
Institutional visits

The program aims to move beyond general discussions about sustainability.

Participants are encouraged to consider how ideas can become practical projects with measurable social impact.

Who Organizes the Summit?

The summit is organized by the Global Youth Network (GYN).

GYN describes itself as an international organization focused on connecting and empowering young people through leadership development, international conferences and collaboration.

The organization works around themes connected with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

For the latest program information, applicants should use the official Global Yo u th Network website.

United Nations University Involvement

The official summit page currently states that the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) in Kuala Lumpur is involved in hosting the SDG Innovation Summit.

Participants are expected to engage with UNU-IIGH representatives and young leaders during the program.

UNU-IIGH is a United Nations University research institute based in Kuala Lumpur that works particularly around global health, health equity and sustainable development.

Applicants should distinguish this institutional involvement from the scholarship itself. The scholarship application and participant selection are handled through the summit organizer.

Asia Pacific University Visit

Delegates will also participate in an institutional visit to:

Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia

The visit is designed to expose participants to an international academic and innovation environment.

Delegates can explore the campus and connect with other participants during the visit.

This activity is included in both the fully funded and partially funded scholarship packages.

Who Can Apply?

The eligibility criteria are broad.

Applicants must:

Be 17–50 years old
Come from any country
Be available in Kuala Lumpur from 19–22 November 2026
Show genuine interest in leadership, innovation or sustainable development

Applicants from all educational and professional fields are welcome.

Eligible participants can include:

Students
Graduates
Volunteers
Young leaders
Professionals
Researchers
Entrepreneurs
Social entrepreneurs
Changemakers

You do not need to study environmental science or sustainable development exclusively.

Are All Nationalities Eligible?

Yes.

The summit accepts:

Applicants from all countries.

There is no general nationality restriction listed for the program.

However, travel and Malaysian visa requirements can vary according to nationality.

International applicants should therefore check their immigration requirements separately.

Age Requirement

Applicants should be:

17 to 50 years old.

This makes the summit accessible to both university students and established professionals.

There is no requirement that every participant be a current student.

Do You Need IELTS or TOEFL?

No.

The organizer specifically states that:

IELTS and TOEFL are not required.

Applicants therefore do not need to submit an English-language test score as part of the standard scholarship application.

However, the summit is an international program involving workshops, presentations and networking.

Participants should have enough English ability to communicate and take part effectively.

30 Scholarships Available

The summit offers:

30 scholarships.

These are divided into two groups:

15 Fully Funded Scholarships

and

15 Partially Funded Scholarships

Applicants do not need to submit two separate scholarship applications.

A single scholarship application can be considered for both categories.

The strongest 15 candidates receive the fully funded awards, while the next 15 selected candidates receive partial funding.

Fully Funded Scholarship Benefits

The 15 fully funded participants receive a broad support package.

According to the organizer, it includes:

Round-trip airfare support
Twin-sharing accommodation
Meals and refreshments
Visa fees
Visa invitation letter
Summit fee
Full summit access
GYN toolkit and merchandise
Speaking opportunity
Participation certificate
Free sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Asia Pacific University campus tour

This makes the fully funded category significantly different from the other participation routes.

However, applicants should wait for their official award letter before making assumptions about booking arrangements or reimbursement procedures.

Is Airfare Covered?

The official scholarship package currently lists:

Round-trip airfare support

for the 15 fully funded places.

Applicants selected for full funding should follow the organizer’s instructions regarding:

Ticket booking
Reimbursement
Approved travel dates
Economy-class requirements
Documentation

Do not purchase a non-refundable flight based solely on your application.

Wait until the scholarship has been formally confirmed and you understand the travel procedure.

Are Visa Fees Covered?

For fully funded scholarship recipients, the organizer currently lists:

Visa fees

among the covered benefits.

The organizer also provides an invitation letter and supporting documentation.

However, visa funding and visa approval are different matters.

The Malaysian authorities or relevant diplomatic mission make the final immigration decision.

GYN cannot guarantee that a visa will be approved.

Accommodation and Meals

Fully funded recipients receive:

Twin-sharing accommodation

along with:

Meals and refreshments.

This means participants should expect to share accommodation with another delegate rather than receive a private hotel room.

Follow the organizer’s accommodation instructions after selection.

Partially Funded Scholarship Benefits

The next 15 selected applicants receive partially funded places.

The current partial package includes:

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
Asia Pacific University campus tour

One important difference is that the partial package does not list round-trip airfare or visa fees as covered benefits.

Applicants should budget accordingly.

Scholarship Application Fee

The scholarship application fee is:

US$18.50

One application covers consideration for both:

Fully funded
Partially funded

The application fee supports the review and selection process.

Paying it:

Does not guarantee selection.

Applicants should use only the official application route.

US$1,000 Seed Grant

One of the more interesting features of the summit is its:

US$1,000 Seed Grant Award

Participants can compete for funding to support an innovative project or social-impact initiative.

The project does not necessarily need to be a finished organization.

The summit welcomes ideas at different stages, including:

Concept stage
Pilot stage
Existing project
Project under implementation
More developed initiative

Selected participants can present their innovation during the summit.

This gives the program a practical entrepreneurship and social-impact component in addition to workshops and networking.

Four Main SDG Focus Areas

The summit highlights four Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG 4 — Quality Education

Participants explore ideas that can improve access to meaningful and effective education.

SDG 5 — Gender Equality

Discussion focuses on reducing barriers and creating more equitable opportunities.

SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

This area considers innovation, entrepreneurship and resilient infrastructure.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

Participants examine ideas and actions connected with climate challenges and sustainability.

Applicants can strengthen their scholarship application by connecting their experience or future goals with one or more of these themes.

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Funding is competitive.

Applicants need a:

250–300 word personal statement

explaining why they want to join the SDG Innovation Summit.

The organizer also looks for candidates with:

Leadership potential
Interest in the SDGs
Visionary thinking
Motivation
Interest in positive social impact

Previous volunteering or leadership experience is:

Preferred but not mandatory.

Therefore, applicants without formal leadership titles can still compete.

How to Write the Personal Statement

Your personal statement is important because the scholarship selection is competitive.

Avoid writing a generic introduction about how important the SDGs are.

Instead, explain:

What issue interests you
Why it matters to you
What you have already done
What you want to learn
How the summit can help
What you could contribute
How you will use the experience afterward

Concrete examples make an application stronger.

For instance, if you have worked on education, climate action, gender equality or entrepreneurship, explain the actual work rather than simply listing it.

Is Leadership Experience Mandatory?

No.

The organizer says volunteering or leadership experience is preferred but:

Not compulsory.

Leadership can also appear in less formal ways.

Examples include:

Organizing a student project
Volunteering
Running a community activity
Leading a team
Starting a small initiative
Mentoring students
Developing a social-impact idea
Solving a local problem

Focus on what you actually contributed.

Forum Access Category

Applicants who do not want to compete for a scholarship, or who want a confirmed place, can choose the:

Forum Access category.

The current discounted fee is:

US$199

The official page previously lists US$249 as the regular amount.

Forum Access includes benefits such as:

Early invitation letter
Welcome dinner
Summit access
GYN toolkit and merchandise
Speaking opportunity
Participation certificate
Cultural night
Lunch and coffee breaks
APU campus tour

However:

Accommodation is not included in Forum Access.

Applicants using this route need to arrange their own accommodation.

Self-Funded Category

A self-funded package is also available.

The current discounted price is:

US$399

The page lists US$449 as the regular price.

Unlike Forum Access, the self-funded package includes:

Twin-sharing accommodation.

It also includes:

Invitation letter
Welcome dinner
Summit access
GYN merchandise
Speaking opportunity
Certificate
Cultural night
Meals and refreshments
APU campus tour

This provides a guaranteed participation route for applicants who can finance their attendance.

Visa Invitation Letter

Applicants who require documentation for a Malaysian visa can receive an invitation letter through the available participation routes.

GYN states that it can provide:

Official invitation letter
Proof of accommodation where applicable
Program location
Visa guidance

However:

Visa approval is never guaranteed.

The final decision rests with the relevant immigration or diplomatic authority.

Can You Apply Without a Passport?

Yes.

The organizer says applicants who do not yet have a passport can still submit a scholarship application.

They may initially provide:

National Identity Card information, or
Student ID information

in place of passport details.

However, successful international participants will still need the appropriate valid travel documents before traveling to Malaysia.

Summit Schedule

The published schedule is tentative and can change.

Day 1 — November 19

The first day includes:

Hotel check-in
Delegate registration
Welcome-kit collection
Meet and greet
Free time in Kuala Lumpur

Day 2 — November 20

Activities include:

Breakfast
Opening session
Delegate introductions
Country showcase
SDG workshop
Social-ventures workshop
Panel discussion
Entrepreneurship activity
Kuala Lumpur city tour

Day 3 — November 21

The third day includes:

Workshops
Policy-impact discussions
SDG case studies
Youth-led presentations
Entrepreneurship activities
Cultural night
Dinner

Day 4 — November 22

The summit concludes with:

Certification ceremony
Group photograph
Check-out

Participants should treat this as a provisional schedule until the organizer issues final program details.

How to Apply

The application is online.

Step 1: Visit the Official Summit Page

Start with the official SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia website.

Step 2: Choose Your Participation Route

Available categories include:

Fully funded / partially funded scholarship
Forum Access
Self-funded

Applicants seeking scholarships use the general scholarship application.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information

Provide accurate details about your:

Name
Nationality
Age
Contact information
Education or profession

Step 4: Prepare Your Personal Statement

Write a strong 250–300 word statement explaining why you want to participate.

Connect your interests with the SDGs and your future goals.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Scholarship applicants pay:

US$18.50.

Remember that this is an application fee, not a guarantee of selection.

Step 6: Review Everything

Check:

Spelling
Contact details
Personal statement
Supporting information

before submission.

Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications close:

10 October 2026

Do not wait until the final hours.

When Will Scholarship Results Be Announced?

The organizer currently plans to announce scholarship results on:

15 October 2026.

Applicants will receive results by email.

GYN also says it plans to publish the final list of selected delegates through its social-media channels.

Since the summit begins on November 19, selected international participants should act quickly on:

Visa requirements
Travel documents
Flight arrangements

after receiving official confirmation.

How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

Start by connecting your story with one of the summit’s focus areas.

A good application might explain your involvement with:

Education
Gender equality
Innovation
Entrepreneurship
Infrastructure
Climate action
Community development

Then explain what you want to accomplish.

Avoid simply writing:

“I want to network with international people.”

Instead, explain what kind of knowledge, partnership or skills you need and how you plan to use them afterward.

SDG Innovation Summit vs Other International Youth Programs

Applicants interested in international youth leadership can also explore the Young Political Economy Forum Hong Kong, which focuses more strongly on politics, philosophy, economics and global policy discussions.

The Korea Youth Summit offers another international youth-leadership experience with funded and self-funded participation routes.

Meanwhile, the Hansen Leadership Institute focuses on leadership development and international cooperation.

These programs have different themes, funding structures and selection requirements.

Compare them based on your goals rather than applying simply because funding is available.

Common Application Mistakes

Avoid:

Calling all 30 scholarships fully funded
Assuming every participant receives free airfare
Confusing partial funding with full funding
Writing a generic personal statement
Ignoring the 250–300 word requirement
Paying through unofficial websites
Assuming the application fee guarantees selection
Waiting until the deadline
Assuming an invitation letter guarantees a visa
Booking flights before funding is confirmed
Providing inaccurate information
Ignoring costs not covered by your participation category

The biggest distinction is simple:

15 scholarships are fully funded and 15 are partially funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many scholarships are available?

There are 30 scholarships: 15 fully funded and 15 partially funded.

Is airfare covered?

Round-trip airfare support is listed for the 15 fully funded recipients.

Are visa fees covered?

Visa fees are included in the fully funded package. Partial recipients receive visa supporting documents rather than a listed visa-fee benefit.

Is accommodation included?

Yes for fully funded, partially funded and self-funded participants. Forum Access does not list accommodation.

Do I need IELTS?

No. IELTS and TOEFL are not required.

Can applicants from any country apply?

Yes. The opportunity is open worldwide.

What is the age limit?

Applicants should be between 17 and 50 years old.

Is previous leadership experience compulsory?

No. It is preferred but not mandatory.

Can I apply without a passport?

Yes. The organizer currently permits an NIC or student ID at the application stage if a passport is not yet available.

Is there an application fee?

Yes. Scholarship applicants pay US$18.50.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is 10 October 2026.

Final Thoughts

The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 offers an international platform for young leaders, students, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers interested in sustainable development.

The summit takes place in Kuala Lumpur from:

19–22 November 2026.

Applicants aged 17–50 from all countries and academic backgrounds can apply.

A total of 30 scholarships are available. The top 15 selected applicants receive fully funded places covering round-trip airfare support, accommodation, meals, visa fees and summit participation. Another 15 receive partially funded places with accommodation, meals and several program benefits.

Participants can also compete for a:

US$1,000 Seed Grant

to support an innovative social-impact project.

IELTS and TOEFL are not required.

Applications close on:

10 October 2026

Scholarship results are currently scheduled for 15 October 2026.

Review the official SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia information carefully before applying.

Last verified: September 2026

Pathfinderly provides opportunity information for educational purposes. Funding, fees, schedules, speakers, venues and program conditions can change. Always verify the latest information with the official organizer before paying a fee or making travel arrangements.