The RAYS ASEAN Access Fund is designed to ensure that passionate, committed young people across the ASEAN region can participate in RAYS 2026 regardless of financial barriers. In 2026, we are supporting youth delegates through flight and accommodation offsets, prioritising equitable access based on World Bank country income classifications.
RAYS believes that meaningful participation should not be limited by geography, background, or economic circumstances. The Access Fund supports delegates who demonstrate strong motivation, leadership potential, and alignment with the summit’s values.
Deadline: 30 March 2026
The ASEAN Access Fund provides flight and accommodation offsets to youth from ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Viet Nam) based on the income level of their country of citizenship to attend the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2026, taking place from 24 to 26 June 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
The Access Fund provides monetary reimbursement, which will be disbursed on-site during the summit, to help delegates cover their travel expenses, including flights, ground transportation, and accommodation. Delegates are responsible for booking their own flights and accommodation.
Eligibility Criteria — RAYS ASEAN Access Fund:
You may apply for the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund if you:
1. Are a citizen of an ASEAN member country
(Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Viet Nam)
2. Are aged 18–30 at the time of the summit (applicants above 30 may be considered if they demonstrate significant leadership, strong initiative, and/or genuine engagement and interest)
3. Require financial assistance to support your travel and accommodation
4. Have purchased or intend to purchase a RAYS 2026 summit ticket
5. Are able to attend the full summit in person (24–26 June 2026)
6. Demonstrate a genuine commitment to climate justice, biodiversity protection, and cultural continuity
7. Are not attending the summit as part of:
- a RAYS sponsorship or partnership delegation, or
- the RAYS volunteer team
The Access Fund process takes place in three stages.
Deadline: 30 March 2026
1. Submit your Access Fund application via the RAYS website
2. All applications will be reviewed by the RAYS team
3. Decisions will be communicated via email.
IMPORTANT: Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission, as earlier applications may receive faster decisions. RAYS does not wait until the closing date to begin approvals.
Stage 2
1. Successful applicants will receive an email notification.
2. To secure your funding, you must purchase your summit ticket within 14 days of your approval date
3. Once your summit ticket is purchased, you will receive a confirmation email.
4. Access Fund reimbursements will only be processed on-site during the summit only.
IMPORTANT: Failure to purchase your summit ticket within the 14-day window may result in your approval being withdrawn and the funds reallocated.
Stage 3
Reimbursements will be completed in person during the summit.
Reimbursement method
1. Malaysian delegates and Malaysian bank account holders:
Reimbursement via local Malaysian bank accounts or WISE accounts only
2. Non-Malaysian delegates without a Malaysian bank account:
Reimbursement via WISE accounts only
3. Exception — Myanmar delegates:
Reimbursement will be made in cash (MYR only) due to current limitations on international digital transfers.
IMPORTANT:
- Delegates must attend RAYS 2026 in full (24-26 June 2026) to be eligible for reimbursement
- All reimbursements are made only in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) only
- The RAYS ASEAN Access Fund is non-transferable
- Reimbursement amounts are fixed based on ASEAN country income classification
- Failure to meet any of the above conditions may result in forfeiture of the Access Fund reimbursement
Deadline: 30 March 2026
We respectfully acknowledge that this summit takes place on the ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples of Sarawak, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Malay communities. We honour their enduring connection to this land, their cultures, and their traditions, and recognise their continued contributions to the richness of Sarawak's heritage.
