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.
You may apply for the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund if you:
- Are a citizen of an ASEAN member country (Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Viet Nam)
- Are aged between 18 to 30 at the time of the summit
- Reside outside Kuching, Sarawak, and travel from within ASEAN to attend the summit
- Require financial assistance to support your travel and accommodation
- Have purchased or intend to purchase a RAYS 2026 summit ticket
- Are able to attend the full summit in person (24 - 26 June 2026)
- Demonstrate passion and commitment to driving climate justice, biodiversity protection, and cultural continuity, and
- Are not registered to attend the summit as part of any RAYS sponsorship or partnership delegation, or joining as a summit volunteer
The Access Fund process takes place in three stages.
Application period: 1 February to 30 March 2026
1. Submit your Access Fund application via the RAYS website
2. RAYS reviews all applications and releases decisions
IMPORTANT: Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission, as earlier applications may receive faster decisions. RAYS will not wait until the closing date to begin approvals.
Stage 2
1. Once your Access Fund is approved, RAYS will send an email notification of your Access Fund approval
2. To secure your Access Fund, you must purchase your summit ticket within 14 days from your approval date
3. Once summit ticket is purchased, you will receive a confirmation email on your Access Fund support
4. You will be required to submit your flight and accommodation booking confirmation as soon as your flight and accommodation have been booked — this will allow us to verify your travel details ahead of the summit
5. Reimbursements will only be processed on-site during the summit.
Stage 3
During RAYS 2026 (on-site):
1. Reimbursements are completed in person during the summit
2. For Malaysian delegates and Malaysian bank account holders, reimbursement will be made to your local Malaysian bank accounts or WISE accounts only
3. For non-Malaysian delegates without a Malaysian bank account, reimbursement via WISE accounts only
4. Exception: Delegates from Myanmar will receive full cash reimbursement (in MYR) only, as international digital transfers are currently limited
IMPORTANT:
- Delegates must attend the summit in full to receive the reimbursement
- Reimbursement will be made only in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR)
- The RAYS ASEAN Access Fund is non-transferable
- Reimbursement amounts are fixed based on ASEAN country income classification
Deadline: 30 March 2026
What is the correct order of the application process?
You first apply and get approved. Then you buy your summit ticket and book your travel. At the summit, you will receive the reimbursement amount based on your country.
What does the Access Fund cover/offset?
Delegates’ flight tickets, ground transport and accommodation during the summit.
Do I receive money before or after I travel?
The Access Fund does not pay for your flight or hotel before you come. You pay first, and then you are reimbursed at the summit.
Will the fund cover my full travel cost?
The amount you receive is fixed based on your country category.
Example: if your travel costs RM 1,500 but your category provides RM 500, you will receive RM 500.
Does the reimbursement match the exact amount spent in receipts?
To keep the process simple and fair, we don’t calculate small differences in cost. If your travel expenses are close to your allocated fund amount, you will receive the full amount for your country category.
What happens if I don’t buy my summit ticket in time?
If you do not purchase your summit ticket within 14 days of being approved, your Access Fund offer will be cancelled.
What if I already bought my summit ticket before applying?
If you already bought a summit ticket before applying and your Access Fund application are later approved, you will still receive reimbursement at the summit.
What proof do I need to provide?
After booking your travel, you must upload your flight and accommodation booking confirmation. This helps us verify your travel ahead of the summit.
What if my situation is different or I’m unsure?
We aim to be as comprehensive as possible with the eligibility criteria and application process. However, if you are uncertain, you are still welcome to apply. If selected, we will guide you through the next steps.
What currency will the Access Fund be reimbursed in?
All reimbursements will be made in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) only.
Why are cash reimbursements the only option for delegates from Myanmar?
Delegates from Myanmar will receive their reimbursement in cash (MYR) at the summit because digital transfers are currently limited.
