SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026

The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 (SISM) is an international youth summit organised by the Global Youth Network (GYN). It will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 19–22 November 2026.

The summit is designed to bring together students, graduates, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, volunteers, social entrepreneurs and changemakers from different countries to explore leadership, innovation and sustainable development.

The programme theme is “Innovative Ideas for Social Impact” and focuses particularly on four Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 13 – Climate Action

Activities currently advertised include keynote sessions, panel discussions, leadership workshops, innovation activities, entrepreneurship sessions, youth-led presentations, networking, cultural exchange and sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur. The programme schedule is described as tentative and may therefore change before the summit.

The scholarship competition provides 30 funded places. The top 15 selected applicants receive fully funded places, while the next 15 receive partially funded places. Applicants submit one scholarship application and may be considered for either category.

• Open to applicants from all nationalities.
• Applicants must be 17–50 years old.
• Students, graduates, volunteers, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs and changemakers may apply.
• Applicants from all educational and professional fields are accepted.
• Applicants must be available to attend the summit physically in Kuala Lumpur from 19–22 November 2026.
• Applicants should demonstrate an interest in leadership, sustainability, innovation or the Sustainable Development Goals.
• A 250–300 word Statement of Purpose is required.
• Applicants should demonstrate leadership qualities, passion for the SDGs and a forward-looking or visionary mindset.
• Previous volunteering or leadership experience is preferred but not compulsory.
• IELTS and TOEFL scores are not required for the scholarship application.

Fully Funded Scholarship – 15 Seats

Selected fully funded delegates are advertised to receive:

• Round-trip airfare support.
• Twin-sharing accommodation.
• Meals and refreshments.
• Visa fee coverage.
• Invitation letter for visa purposes.
• Summit fee and full programme access.
• GYN toolkit and merchandise.
• Speaking opportunity.
• Participation certificate.
• Kuala Lumpur sightseeing activities.

Partially Funded Scholarship – 15 Seats

Selected partially funded delegates are advertised to receive:

• Twin-sharing accommodation.
• Meals and refreshments.
• Visa-supporting documents.
• Invitation letter for visa purposes.
• Summit fee and programme access.
• GYN toolkit and merchandise.
• Speaking opportunity.
• Participation certificate.
• Kuala Lumpur sightseeing activities.

Airfare and visa-fee payment are not listed as partially funded benefits.

Additional Programme Opportunities

• International networking with participants from different countries.
• Leadership and SDG-focused workshops.
• Youth-led presentation opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship and innovation activities.
• Cross-cultural exchange.
• Participation certificate.
• A USD $1,000 Seed Grant opportunity is currently advertised for innovative projects and social-impact initiatives.

The current scholarship application form requests:

• Full name.
• Email address.
• WhatsApp number with country code.
• Date of birth.
• Nationality.
• Current country of residence.
• City of departure.
• Information on whether a Malaysian visa is required.
• Gender.
• Highest level of education completed.
• Field of study or profession.
• One credible social or professional profile link, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, portfolio, project website or similar.
• 250–300 word Statement of Purpose.
• Scholarship application category.
• Application-fee payment details.
• Payment receipt.

The programme FAQ states that applicants who do not yet have a passport may initially use a National Identity Card or student ID instead.

The current application information does not list the following as compulsory:

• IELTS certificate.
• TOEFL certificate.
• Academic transcripts.
• Recommendation letters.
• GRE scores.
• CV/résumé.

The official programme indicates that scholarship selection considers:

• Quality of the 250–300 word personal statement.
• Leadership skills and potential.
• Demonstrated passion for the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Visionary or forward-looking mindset.
• Motivation to create positive social impact.
• Relevant volunteering or leadership experience where available.
• Overall quality and completeness of the application.

GYN states that applications are reviewed by an independent international selection panel and that the scholarship categories are competitive and merit-based.

• Build leadership and communication skills in an international environment.
• Explore practical approaches to sustainable development and social innovation.
• Present ideas and engage in youth-led activities.
• Meet students, professionals, entrepreneurs and changemakers from different countries.
• Develop international professional and peer networks.
• Gain exposure to SDG-focused workshops and discussions.
• Experience cultural exchange in Kuala Lumpur.
• Explore opportunities to transform social-impact ideas into practical initiatives.