Future Voices 2026: Empowering Emerging Media Leaders in Southeast Asia (Fully Funded Program in Australia)

Applications are now open for the Future Voices: Empowering Emerging Media Leaders in Southeast Asia 2026, a prestigious leadership and journalism programme delivered by Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development (ABCID) with support from the ASEAN–Australia Centre.

The programme will bring together 33 emerging media professionals from ASEAN member countries to strengthen ethical journalism, enhance climate change reporting, and build a strong regional network of future media leaders. As part of the programme, 11 outstanding participants will be selected for a fully funded two-week leadership programme in Melbourne, Australia, where they will receive professional training, earn a university micro-credential, and engage with Australia’s leading media and climate institutions.

Programme Overview

• Programme: Future Voices: Empowering Emerging Media Leaders in Southeast Asia
• Organizer: Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development (ABCID)
• Supported By: ASEAN–Australia Centre
• Host Country: Australia
• Location: Melbourne
• Programme Duration: August – December 2026
• Australia Visit: 20–30 October 2026
• Participants: 33 Media Professionals
• International Fellowship: 11 Fully Funded Participants
• Application Deadline: 25 July 2026

Programme Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

For All 33 Participants

• Participation in a year-long regional leadership programme
• Online learning sessions
• Professional development in climate journalism
• Cross-cultural collaboration with ASEAN journalists
• Mentorship from experienced media professionals
• Access to a regional alumni network
• Leadership project development support

For 11 Participants Selected for Australia

Participants chosen for the international component will receive:

• Fully funded travel to Melbourne, Australia
• Leadership and Climate Change Micro-Credential at a leading Australian university
• Professional journalism training at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
• Attendance at the All-Energy Australia Conference
• Visits to Australia’s leading climate research and policy institutions
• Networking with Australian journalists, academics, and climate experts
• Individual mentorship to develop a leadership action project

Programme Focus

The 2026 programme focuses on:

• Climate Change Journalism
• Ethical Reporting
• Leadership Development
• Cross-cultural Media Collaboration
• Climate Communication
• Journalism Innovation
• Digital Storytelling
• Regional Media Cooperation
• Public Interest Journalism
• Sustainable Newsroom Practices

Participants will strengthen their ability to produce accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting on climate-related issues affecting Southeast Asia.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed for:

• Early- to mid-career journalists
• News reporters
• Broadcast journalists
• Digital media professionals
• Multimedia storytellers
• Editors
• Producers
• Emerging media leaders

Applicants should be citizens of ASEAN member countries and demonstrate a strong interest in climate reporting, journalism ethics, and leadership.

Programme Timeline

• Applications Close: 25 July 2026
• Programme Begins: August 2026
• Australia Intensive Programme: 20–30 October 2026
• Programme Ends: December 2026

Learning Experience

Participants will engage in:

• Interactive online workshops
• Leadership training
• Climate reporting masterclasses
• Journalism ethics discussions
• Collaborative regional projects
• Mentoring by industry professionals
• Practical newsroom learning
• Leadership action project development

Why Apply?

The Future Voices programme provides a unique opportunity to:

• Strengthen leadership skills in journalism.
• Improve climate change reporting.
• Learn from Australia’s national public broadcaster.
• Earn a recognized micro-credential.
• Build connections with journalists across Southeast Asia.
• Join an international network of future media leaders.
• Contribute to improving journalism standards across the ASEAN region.

The Future Voices 2026 programme is an exceptional opportunity for emerging journalists across Southeast Asia to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their expertise in climate change reporting, and build lasting regional and international networks. With fully funded training in Australia for selected participants, mentorship from experienced media professionals, and hands-on leadership development, the programme equips the next generation of media leaders to produce impactful journalism and drive positive change across the region.