Call for Papers & Programme Announcement
Theme: Smart Diplomacy and Sustainable Futures: Artificial Intelligence in Asia–Europe Relations
Date: 5–16 August 2026
Venue: Asia-Europe Institute (AEI), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Submission/Registration link: https://forms.gle/Qu2Qe1sWvZMVXuJd8
The AEI–ASEM Summer School 2026, hosted by the Asia–Europe Institute (AEI), Universiti Malaya, invites applications from international undergraduate and postgraduate students for an intensive 12-day academic programme themed “Smart Diplomacy and Sustainable Futures: Artificial Intelligence in Asia–Europe Relations”.
This interdisciplinary summer school explores the intersections of artificial intelligence, diplomacy, and sustainable development, highlighting how technological innovation is transforming governance, international cooperation, and global citizenship between Asia and Europe.
Participants will engage in expert lectures, interactive workshops, cultural excursions and a two-day Student Symposium, where they will present preliminary research papers related to AI governance, digital diplomacy, international cooperation, or the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond the academic sessions, participants will take part in study visits and cultural excursions to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, providing first-hand insights into Malaysia’s strategic role as a bridge between ASEAN and Europe.
The programme provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among emerging scholars, diplomats, policymakers and future leaders.
All successful participants will receive an official Certificate of Completion, and outstanding student papers may be considered for publication in the AEI Insights journal.
Join the AEI–ASEM Summer School 2026 and contribute to critical global conversations on artificial intelligence, diplomacy, and sustainable futures, while connecting with scholars and students from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds across Asia and Europe.
To be accepted for the Summer School, participants must submit an abstract proposal for the Student Symposium.
The Organising Committee invites abstract proposals for the Student Symposium, which forms an integral part of the AEI–ASEM Summer School 2026. The proposals are for oral presentations (up to 15 minutes) and research video/film screenings (up to 40 minutes).
We welcome submissions from undergraduate and postgraduate students conducting original research in fields such as:
Participants are encouraged to submit research that engages with the theme of Artificial Intelligence in Asia–Europe relations and global governance.
Submissions may address one or more of the following topics:
Interdisciplinary and innovative research approaches are strongly encouraged.
Abstract proposals should be 200–300 words and must include:
Additional requirements:
Please include the following information in your submission:
In the submission form, include one (1) name and email in the form.
If needed, please include other presenters'/collaborators' names and emails in the bio notes section.
Applicants must submit the required information via the online submission form:
Submission link: https://forms.gle/Qu2Qe1sWvZMVXuJd8
📅 Deadline for submission: 31 May 2026
📩 Notification of shortlisted applicants: 15 June 2026
Early submissions are encouraged and may be reviewed upon receipt.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to:
All participants will receive Certificates of Participation.
In addition, outstanding student papers will be considered for publication in the institute’s peer-reviewed journal, AEI Insights
.Disclaimer: The program schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Adjustments may be necessary due to factors such as weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. For the most current information, please refer to the latest updates.
Last updated: 6 Feb 2025.
Arrival and check-in at provided accommodation
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0900 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
| 1000 | Registration for AEI-ASEM Summer School 2026 | AEI Main Entrance |
| 1030 |
|
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1200 | Welcoming Lunch @ AEI Introduction to Malaysian Food |
AEI Foyer |
| 1400 |
Participants Writing Workshop & Consultation Scope: International Relations and Area Studies |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1830 |
Dinner @ AEI |
AEI Foyer |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
| 0900 | Module 1: Understanding Smart Policy Title: Digital Transformation in International Relations by Dr. Zaharul Abdullah |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1030 | Coffee Break | AEI Foyer |
| 1100 | Title: AI and Policy-Making in Multilateral Settings by Prof. Dr. Fumitaka Furuoka |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1230 | Lunch @ AEI | AEI Foyer |
| 1500 | Workshop: Mapping ASEAN-EU Cooperation in the AI Era |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1830 | Dinner @ AEI Return to accommodation |
AEI Foyer |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Module 2: AI, Governance and the SDGs Title: AI for Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities by Dr. Kevin Fernandez |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1035 | Coffee Break | AEI Foyer |
| 1100 | Title: Ethics and Equity in AI Governance (Invited Speaker) – tbc Writing Workshop 1: Developing Research Abstracts on AI and Diplomacy |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1300 | Lunch | AEI Foyer |
| 1530 | Kayaking @ UM Varsity Lake | UM Varsity Lake |
| 1800 | Dinner @ AEI Return to accommodation |
AEI Foyer |
FREE DAY – Optional tours, reflection time, or informal peer networking.
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Module 3: Culture, Communication and Human Futures Title: Digital Culture and Soft Power in International Relations by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sameer Kumar |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1000 | Coffee Break | AEI Foyer |
|
1100 |
Title: Language, Misinformation and Social Media by Prof. Dr. Maya Khemlani David Group Discussion: Intercultural Communication in the Age of AI |
AEI Resource Centre |
| 1300 | Lunch | AEI Foyer |
|
1400 |
Selayang Pandang: Universiti Malaya Campus Tour
|
UM Campus |
| 1800 | Dinner @ AEI Return to accommodation |
AEI Foyer |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Student Symposium Session 1 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1030 |
Coffee Break @ AEI | AEI Foyer |
|
1100 |
Student Symposium Session 2 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1300 |
Lunch @ AEI | AEI Foyer |
|
1400 |
Student Symposium Session 3 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1800 |
Dinner @ AEI Return to accommodation |
AEI Foyer |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Student Symposium Session 4 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1030 |
Coffee Break @ AEI | AEI Foyer |
|
1100 |
Student Symposium Plenary 1 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1300 |
Lunch @ AEI | AEI Foyer |
|
1400 |
Student Symposium Plenary 2 Topic: tbc |
AEI Resource Centre |
|
1800 |
Dinner @ AEI Return to accommodation |
AEI Foyer |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
SDeparture to Putrajaya, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (tbc) | AEI Foyer |
|
1000 |
A Session with YBhg. Datin Noorazah binti Omar (tbc) Division Secretary International Relations Division Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia |
MOHE |
|
1230 |
Lunch @ Indus Café Putrajaya (Buffet) | Indus Café Putrajaya by Bora Ombak |
|
1400 |
LA Guided Excursion in Putrajaya - Putrajaya Mosque - Perdana Putra (Prime Minister’s Office) - Cruise Sightseeing @ Putrajaya Lake - Chocolate Souq Putrajaya |
Putrajaya Square |
|
1800 |
Return to accommodation Dinner |
Accommodation |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0800 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Departure to Carcosa Seri Negara | Carcosa Seri Negara |
|
1200 |
Lunch @ Serai House | Serai House, Carcosa Seri Negara |
|
1330 |
Friday Prayer – National Mosque | National Mosque |
|
|
KL Garden Walkthrough: ● National Monument ● Islamic Art Museum Malaysia |
Kuala Lumpur |
|
1800 |
Return to accommodation Dinner |
Accommodation |
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 0730 | Arrival at AEI and breakfast | AEI Foyer |
|
0830 |
Departure to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur | AEI Foyer |
|
0900 |
Explore Batu Caves | Batu Caves |
|
1045 |
East Coast Batik (Local Product) | Gombak |
|
1130 |
King’s Palace (Photo Stop) The official residence of the King of Malaysia |
King’s Palace |
|
1230 |
Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka) ● Sultan Abd Samad Building ● The River of Life (The Confluence of Rivers) |
Merdeka Square |
|
1230 |
Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka) ● Sultan Abd Samad Building ● The River of Life (The Confluence of Rivers) |
Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) |
|
1300 |
Central Market (Pasar Seni) Enjoy and shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional goods |
Central Market (Pasar Seni) |
|
1300 |
Lunch @ GinGer Restaurant, Central Market | Central Market (Pasar Seni) |
|
1400 |
Departure from Central Market to UM | Kuala Lumpur |
|
1800 |
Departure to Farewell Dinner - tbc | -tbc |
|
2200 |
Departure from Farewell Dinner to UM | -tbc |
Check-Out and Return Travel
Disclaimer: The program schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Adjustments may be necessary due to factors such as weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. For the most current information, please refer to the latest updates.
Last updated: 6 Feb 2025.
The programme fee covers all local costs associated with the AEI–ASEM Summer School 2026, including:
The following costs are not included:
USD 990 per participant
The registration fee must be paid no later than 15 July 2026 to confirm participation in the programme.
Submission/Registration link: https://forms.gle/Qu2Qe1sWvZMVXuJd8
For further information or enquiries regarding the programme, please contact:
Mdm. Noradiana Ab. Aziz
Asia–Europe Institute (AEI)
Universiti Malaya
📞 Telephone: +603 7967 6911
📧 Email: ndiana@um.edu.my
Last Update: 07/04/2026