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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

.

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: 30/07/2026