Asian Youth
Learners DialogueExplore · Create · Showcase
A two‑day gathering where 500 university students from across Asia come together to protect, promote and innovate our living heritage.
About AYLD 2026
Youth and Culture:
Asia's Living Heritage.
AYLD is where the next generation of cultural stewards meets. Through dialogue, competition and on‑the‑ground heritage journeys, delegates leave with new friendships, sharper ideas and a deeper commitment to the stories that shape Asia.
University students across Asia
Days of dialogue, discovery & celebration
Mission: protect, promote & innovate heritage
AYLD 2026 Competition
Explore · Create · Showcase
Open to all registered AYLD 2026 delegates. Enter as an individual or in a team of up to 5 members.
Track A
Track BSubmission Deadline
31 July 2026
11:59 PM MYT
Submit registration form, abstract, and final digital work.*Final digital work for Track B only.
Presentation Duration
- 15 minutes presentation
- 5 minutes Q&A
Content
Share your ideas on cultural heritage through creative, innovative and impactful work.
Judging Criteria
Each section worth 20 points · Total = 100 points
Heritage Relevance & Depth
Innovation & Creativity
AI & Technology Application
Communication & Impact
Relevance & Social Impact
Awards
Heritage Preservation
Gold
Heritage Preservation
Silver
Heritage Promotion
Gold
Heritage Promotion
Silver
People's Choice
Award
Best Digital Innovation
Award
Programme
Two days, one journey.
Conference Day
Sarawak Science Centre · Kuching, Sarawak
Morning Programme
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 a.m. | Registration & Welcome Refreshments | Delegate registration, collection of handbooks and lanyards. UTS technology and innovation booth open · Science Centre exhibit previews. |
| 09:00 a.m. | Opening of the Morning Programme | Professor Wallace Wong, Chair of AYLD 2026 |
| 09:10 a.m. | Keynote Address 1 | Professor Dr Nestor Castro, Professor of Anthropology, University of the Philippines Diliman |
| 09:30 a.m. | Keynote Address 2 | Ar. Dominic Chuo Kong Uh, Founder and Principal of Arkitek DChuo and Managing Director of Azam Bumi Sdn Bhd |
| 09:50 a.m. | Introduction of the Finalists | Introduction of the finalist teams, evaluators and presentation procedures |
| 10:00 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 1 | China, Zhejiang Yuexiu University — The Subtle Moon: Bridging the Lyrical Souls of Asian Heritage. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 10:20 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 2 | Indonesia, Universitas Ciputra — Artacaraki: Traditional Herbal Heritage. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 10:40 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 3 | Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines — Beyond the Blackboard: The Enduring Legacy of the Gabaldon Schools. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 11:00 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 4 | China, Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College — Wooden Movable Type Printing. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 11:20 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 5 | Indonesia, Universitas Ciputra — Wayang.Me. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 11:40 a.m. | Finalist Presentation 6 | Malaysia, SMKJ Kuching High & SMK Green Road — Diabolo: Chinese Traditional Folk Art. 15-minute presentation followed by judges' Q&A. |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | International Food Festival for invited guests, participants, teachers, students and committee members. Delegates are welcome to explore the Science Centre's interactive STEM galleries during the break. |
Afternoon Programme
| Time | Programme | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 01:30 p.m. | Arrival of the Invited Guests | Delegates to be seated for the official opening ceremony |
| 02:00 p.m. | Arrival of the Guest of Honour | YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government |
| 02:05 p.m. | National and State Anthems | Negaraku and Ibu Pertiwiku |
| 02:10 p.m. | Cultural Performances | Cultural performances by invited groups |
| 02:15 p.m. | Welcome and Opening Address | Address by Professor Ir Ts Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman, Vice-Chancellor, University of Technology Sarawak |
| 02:30 p.m. | Official Opening Address | Address by the Guest of Honour, YB Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian |
| 03:00 p.m. | Presentation of Awards | Presentation of awards to the AYLD 2026 finalists and winning teams |
| 03:15 p.m. | Presentation of Tokens of Appreciation | Tokens of appreciation to the Guest of Honour and the Keynote Speakers, followed by an official group photograph |
| 03:30 p.m. | Afternoon Refreshments and Networking | Informal networking among guests, participants, educators and organisers; open access to selected SSCiEX galleries and Maker Spaces |
| 04:00 p.m. | End of Day 1 Programme | Departure of participants and return transportation |
Heritage Journey
A day of museums, riverside heritage, courthouses and night‑market flavours across Kuching.
10:00 – 12:00
Borneo Cultures Museum
Guided tour & exploration of indigenous cultural heritage
13:30 – 15:30
Brooke Dockyard
Waterfront industrial heritage exploration
16:00 – 18:00
Kuching Old Courthouse & Heritage Walk
Explore historical landmarks & colonial architecture
18:30 – 20:30
Kuching Food Festival
Local food experience & night market exploration
Register Now
Claim your seat at AYLD 2026.
Join 500 university students from across Asia for two days of dialogue, competition and heritage discovery in Kuching, Sarawak.
Dates
12 – 13 August 2026
Venue
Kuching, Sarawak
Sarawak Science Centre · Malaysia
Submission deadline
31 July 2026 · 11:59 PM MYT