Have you ever wondered what you could create together with friends from ASEAN and Japan?
The ASEAN-Japan Centre is pleased to launch the AJYBB Youth Co-Creation Lab 2026, a new initiative under the ASEAN-Japan Young Bridge Builders Network (AJYBB).
Got an idea for connecting ASEAN and Japan? This is your chance to make it happen. Instead of participating in a one-time exchange event, team up with young changemakers, co-create a project, and turn your idea from a concept into reality.
This programme brings together young people from Japan and ASEAN countries living in Japan to meet, exchange ideas, and develop projects that promote mutual understanding and friendship across borders.
Based on the proposals developed during the Lab, two selected projects will receive support from the ASEAN-Japan Centre, including mentoring, logistical assistance, and a small project budget, and the selected projects will be implemented by the end of FY2026.
What You Will Do
Working in mixed-nationality teams, participants will:
- Meet and connect with youth from ASEAN and Japan
- Share experiences, interests, and perspectives
- Identify common challenges and opportunities
- Develop ideas for youth-led exchange activities
- Present proposals in a final pitch session
- Potentially implement selected projects with support from the ASEAN-Japan Centre
Programme Schedule
Session 1
29 August 2026 (Saturday)
- Ice-breaking and networking
- Team formation
- Idea generation
- Proposal development
Session 2
5 September 2026 (Saturday)
- Proposal refinement
- Final presentations and pitching
- Selection of projects for implementation
Venue: The ASEAN-Japan Centre in Tokyo （Both dates）
Who Can Apply?
We welcome:
- Japanese high school, undergraduate, and graduate students and ASEAN students currently studying in high school, undergraduate, and graduate in Japan who are interested in intercultural exchange, collaboration, and community-building.
- They must be able to join both dates and eager to connect and communicate despite the language barrier.
- No previous ASEAN-related experience is required.
- The main working language of the programme will be English. However, participants are encouraged to communicate creatively and support one another using translation apps and other tools when necessary.
Participation Conditions
- Participation is free of charge.
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation expenses.
- Participation in both sessions is required.
Number of Participants
Around 100 people
We particularly encourage applications from ASEAN students representing all ASEAN Member States and Japanese students from diverse backgrounds.
Why Join?
Participants will gain:
- New friendships and professional networks
- Practical experience in teamwork and project development
- Greater understanding of ASEAN and Japan
- Opportunities to become future ASEAN-Japan bridge-builders
- A chance to see their ideas supported and implemented
Application will be accepted until 26 July 2026
Due to venue capacity limitations, participation is not guaranteed upon application. If the number of applications exceeds the available places, participants will be selected to ensure diversity and meaningful interaction among participants.
Successful applicants will be notified by email within two weeks after the deadline.
Inquiry
ASEAN-Japan Centre, AJYBB
toiawase_ga@asean.or.jp
