Event Information

2026 AJYELN2.0 Applications Now Open!

2026/03/06

Exchange Programme

AJYELN

ASEAN

Japan

Holding period: 2026/03/06～2026/04/15

Got an idea for a plastic-resilient future? Let’s build it together.

Applications for the ASEAN–Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) 2.0 this year are now open!

This year’s theme, “Youth for a Plastic-Resilient Region: Action. Innovation. Transformation.”, invites young people across ASEAN and Japan to go beyond conversations and take real, solution-driven steps to tackle plastic pollution.

We’re looking for young changemakers who don’t just want to raise awareness — but want to build something, test ideas, mobilize their communities, and create a measurable impact.

If you’ve been waiting for the right platform to launch your environmental initiative, this could be it.

What Kind of Projects Are We Looking For?

Your proposal should connect to at least one of the following areas:

Marine plastic waste

Plastic pollution

Waste and wastewater management

Circular economy approaches for plastics

Project Scope

Applicants are encouraged to propose initiatives that includes:

Community engagement

Awareness initiatives

Enhancing capacity through networking and collaboration

Who Can Apply?

We’re looking for:

Self-driven youth aged 18-25 years old

Team of 2-3 members

Citizen of ASEAN member states or Japan

Proficient in conversational English

Individuals passionate about environmental and social action

Whether you’re already active in sustainability or just getting started with a strong idea — we welcome your initiative.

Why Join Us? 

As an AJYELN Fellow, you will:

Receive seed funding to bring your project to life

Join a dynamic network of youth leaders across ASEAN and Japan

Participate in leadership and project management training

Receive guidance throughout your implementation

Strengthen your confidence, teamwork, and project execution skills

Make a real difference in your community

This is not just a program — it’s a space to experiment, collaborate, and grow.

Key Application Dates 

Application Start: 6 March 2026

Application Deadline: 15 April 2026

Shortlisted Announcement: 15 May 2026

Interview (Idea Pitching Presentation) 22 May 2026 (TBC)

Final Selection Announcement: 5 June 2026

Program Timeline

Online Self-Paced Training: June–July 2026

In-Person Leadership & Project Training and launch of the fellows (Jakarta, Indonesia)*: 11–13 August 2026

First Seed Funding Disbursement (50%): 30 August 2026

Project Implementation: September–December 2026

Impact & Financial Reports Due: 31 January 2027

4^th Capstone Symposium in the ASEAN Member State (TBC)*: March 2027

*Note: Selected fellows must be eligible to travel within ASEAN and hold a valid passport (and visa, if required) at the time of selection.

How to Apply & Required Documents

To complete your application, please prepare the following documents:
- Scan of Passport or Citizenship Card (in English) for each member — PDF or image file
- Project Proposal — PDF format (download the official template here )
- 1-minute Pitch Video — Group introduction and pitch your proposed project to address the problem in your community in 1 minute or less. Shoot in MP4 format with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Upload to a public platform (e.g., YouTube) and provide a shareable link.

Complete your application and don’t forget to submit all required documents!  

Big change starts with bold ideas — and young people willing to act on them.

If you’re ready to lead, collaborate, and build real environmental impact, we’d love to see what you create.

Start your AJYELN journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network?

The ASEAN-Japan Young Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) is a network of young regional champions in combating the plastic pollution crisis selected from the 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan. Organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre, the network promotes youth-led solutions to the plastic pollution issue in the region.

To reaffirm our commitment to alleviating the plastic pollution crisis, this year, we open the opportunity to young people aged 18-25 in ASEAN and Japan to turn their ideas to tackle plastic pollution into reality.

Eleven (11) teams from the 10 ASEAN countries and Japan (one from each country) will each receive seed money to implement their innovative projects. The fellows will receive hands-on training in leadership and project management, in addition to opportunities to network with regional peers and professionals.

Through this program, we hope to nurture a generation of changemakers in ASEAN and Japan who will create a world uncontaminated by plastic pollutants.

2. What is the theme of the projects for 2026?

“Youth for a Plastic-Resilient Region: Action. Innovation. Transformation.”

3. Can the seed money be used to fund and implement a research activity relating to the topic?

Unfortunately, NO. This year, we are only focusing on environmental capacity building, community engagement, and awareness initiatives-related projects.

4. Who can apply to become the fellow of AJYELN?

Passionate and innovative teams (max. of 3 members) aged 18-25 years who meet the following criteria:

A team of 2-3 members aged between 18-25 years

Hold a citizenship of and currently residing in ASEAN Member States or Japan

Proficient in conversational English

Exhibit a strong interest or background in environmental and social engagement work

5. Is this program only eligible for university students or should have an active university student status to apply for this program?

No, you do not need to be a university student or have an active student status to apply.

If you are between 18 to 25 years old, we welcome youth from all backgrounds—whether you’re a student, graduated, part of an organization, or pursuing a different path. Applicants from all sectors in ASEAN Member States and Japan are encouraged to join.

6. What are the benefits of becoming a fellow of AJYELN?

Selected teams will be awarded seed money (maximum of 100,000JPY) to implement environmental projects addressing the plastic pollution issue in their respective communities. They will also have the opportunity to connect with young leaders in the region and receive training in leadership and project management. Throughout the program, you’ll receive guidance to effectively implement your environmental projects.

7. What are the application requirements?

Applicants are requested to submit the following in English through the online

application form (https://bit.ly/join_AJYELN2026):

Group Information (fill out the form)
Scan of Passport or Citizenship Card (in English) for each member — PDF or image file
Team profile – highlighting commitment, past environment-related activities (Part 1 of AJYELN 2026 Application form)
Project Proposal (download the official template here)
1-minute Pitch Video — Group introduction and pitch your proposed project to address the problem in your community in 1 minute or less. Shoot in MP4 format with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Upload to a public platform (e.g., YouTube) and provide a shareable link.

The proposed project should be centered on community-driven efforts and incorporate at least one of the following aspects:

Community Impact: Your project should actively contribute to improving the well-being of both people and the environment.
Awareness Campaigns: Contribute to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
Enhancing capacity through networking and collaboration: Foster community capacity building to drive action on environmental concerns.

8. What are the selection criteria?

One team from each ASEAN country and Japan will be selected based on the following criteria (100 points in total):

Motivation and experience – 20%
Project feasibility – 30%
Creating a significant impact – 30%
Creativity and innovation – 20%

9. What is the timeline of the program?

6 March 2026: Application start
Information Sessions
- 27 March 2026: Information session (English | TBC)
- 4 April 2026: Information session (English | TBC)
- 8 April 2026: Information session (English | TBC)
15 April 2026: Application deadline
15 May 2026: Announcement of shortlisted candidates for interview
22 May 2026: Interview (Idea pitching presentation)
5 June 2026: Announcement of final selection
June – July 2026: Online training (self-paced)
11-13 August 2026: In-person leadership and project management training and launch of the fellows (in Jakarta, Indonesia)
30 August 2026: Disbursement of seed money (50%)
August-December 2026: Implementation of the projects
31 January 2027: Completion and submission of financial report, impact reports, 2-minute project completion video
March 2027: Participation in the 4^th AJYELN Symposium in the ASEAN Member States (TBC)

10. If selected, is it necessary to commit to the program requirements and activities?

Yes, all selected applicants will be expected to complete the program requirements and commit to the timeline of the program.

11. Is it possible to change team members after being selected as an AJYELN Fellow?

Fellows are required to confirm their acceptance of the fellowship offer within the designated confirmation period. During this time, the team composition must be finalized.

Once the fellowship offer has been formally accepted and confirmed, changes to team members are not permitted. We therefore strongly advise applicants to carefully confirm team availability and commitment before finalizing their acceptance.

12. Is it possible to withdraw from the AJYELN Fellowship after being selected?

Yes, withdrawal is possible. However, as AJYELN is a fully supported program with allocated funding, certain financial responsibilities will apply. Fellows who choose to withdraw after receiving the seed funding must return the full amount of used and or unused seed money to the Centre.

In addition, if travel, accommodation, and training arrangements have already been secured for activities such as the Jakarta training or the symposium, the fellow will be required to reimburse the full amount of costs incurred on their behalf. These expenses typically amount to approximately JPY 300,000/person, depending on the arrangements made.

We strongly encourage applicants to carefully consider their availability and commitment before accepting the fellowship offer.