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Call for Papers & Programme Announcement

AEI-ASEM Summer School 2026

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

Programme Synopsis and Call for Applications

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 Us

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.

Student Symposium - Call for Papers

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:

  • Asian Studies
  • European Studies
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy and Governance
  • Digital Governance and Technology Policy
  • Sustainable Development Studies
  • Mobility, Migration and Tourism
  • Cultural Diplomacy
  • Heritage Studies
  • Related interdisciplinary fields

Participants are encouraged to submit research that engages with the theme of Artificial Intelligence in Asia–Europe relations and global governance.

Suggested Sub-Themes

Submissions may address one or more of the following topics:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Digital Diplomacy
  • AI Governance, Ethics, and Global Regulatory Frameworks
  • Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development (SDGs)
  • Environmental Sustainability and Clean Energy Technologies
  • Human Capital Development and Future Skills in the Digital Economy
  • AI, Labour Transformation, and Social Equity
  • Global Peace, Security, and Emerging Technologies
  • The Future of Democracy and Digital Governance
  • New Media, Social Media, and Algorithmic Influence
  • Culture, Heritage, and the Arts in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
  • ASEAN–EU Relations and Asia–Europe Technological Cooperation

Interdisciplinary and innovative research approaches are strongly encouraged.

Presentation Formats

  • Oral presentations
  • Research video/film screenings (up to 40 minutes)

Submission Guidelines

Abstract proposals should be 200–300 words and must include:

  • Title of the presentation or research video/film screening
  • Research question or objective
  • Methodology
  • Key findings or arguments
  • Five (5) keywords

Additional requirements:

  • Each oral presentation may have a maximum of three (3) co-presenters.
  • Each research video/film screening  may have a maximum of five (5) producers/collaborators.

Please include the following information in your submission:

  • Name(s) of presenter(s)
  • Academic affiliation
  • Contact information

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.

Submission Deadline

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.

Opportunities for Participants

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Attend expert lectures and academic workshops
  • Present their research at the Student Symposium
  • Engage in scholarly discussions with peers, academics, and practitioners from Asia and Europe
  • Expand academic and professional networks in an international and interdisciplinary environment

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

.

Tentative Programme

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.

WEDNESDAY, 5 August 2026 (DAY 1)

Arrival and check-in at provided accommodation

THURSDAY, 6 August 2026 (DAY 2)

TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION
0900 Arrival at AEI and breakfast AEI Foyer
1000 Registration for AEI-ASEM Summer School 2026 AEI Main Entrance
1030
  • Welcoming by Dr. Adil Johan, Deputy Executive Director (Academic and Student Affairs), Asia-Europe Institute (AEI), Universiti Malaya
  • Officiating Opening Ceremony by Distinguished Professor Dato’ Rajah Rasiah, Executive Director, Asia-Europe Institute (AEI), Universiti Malaya
  • Special Remarks by Representative of ASEM Education Secretariat
  • Keynote Speech by YBhg. Datin Noorazah Omar, Division Secretary, International Relations Division, Ministry of Education
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
Return to accommodation

AEI Foyer

FRIDAY, 7 August 2026 (DAY 3)

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

SATURDAY, 8 August 2026 (DAY 4)

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

SUNDAY, 9 August 2026 (DAY 5)

FREE DAY – Optional tours, reflection time, or informal peer networking.

MONDAY, August 10th (DAY 6)

  
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
  • Visit to Main Library
  • Visit to Museum of Asian Arts
  • Group Photo at Dewan Tunku Canselor
  • Visit to Halaman UM
UM Campus
1800 Dinner @ AEI
Return to accommodation
AEI Foyer

TUESDAY, 11 August 2026 (DAY 7)

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

WEDNESDAY, 12 August 2026 (DAY 8)

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

THURSDAY, 13 August 2026 (DAY 9)

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

FRIDAY, 14 August 2026 (DAY 10)

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


1345
1430

KL Garden Walkthrough:
● National Monument
● Islamic Art Museum Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur

1800

Return to accommodation
Dinner
Accommodation

SATURDAY, 15 August 2026 (DAY 11)

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

SUNDAY, 16 August 2026 (DAY 12)

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.

Fees and Registration

The programme fee covers all local costs associated with the AEI–ASEM Summer School 2026, including:

  • Accommodation (twin-sharing) for 12 days
  • Daily meals (except for Arrival, Free Day and Departure Day)
  • Local transportation
  • Academic programme activities
  • Cultural excursions
  • Student Symposium registration

The following costs are not included:

  • International return airfare
  • Visa application fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal expenses

Registration Fee

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

Contact Information

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