Open Call: 15th ASEF Journalists Seminar (ASEFJS15)
Journalistic Resilience in a Volatile World
Bangkok, Thailand | 14-17 September 2026
ASEF Communications Department is pleased to launch the Open Call for the 15th edition of the ASEF Journalists Seminar (ASEFJS15), which will focus on the theme: Journalistic Resilience in a Volatile World. The Open Call will run from 1 to 31 May 2026.
Since its inception in 1998, the ASEF Journalists Seminar has brought together media representatives from Asia and Europe and involved them in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Process and ASEF’s activities. The Seminar promotes media networks across Asia and Europe, contributes to better understanding of Asia-Europe relations, and strengthens journalists’ reporting and communication capacity.
Organised biennially, the ASEF Journalists Seminar offers an opportunity for young journalists and media professionals from Asia and Europe to come together for informal, closed-door sharing of experiences and discussion on key issues shaping the media landscape today.
Focusing on the theme, “Journalistic Resilience in a Volatile World”, ASEF15 will look at ways to address the growing challenges facing journalists in an increasingly complex media and geopolitical environment. These challenges include declining public trust in the media, misinformation and disinformation, pressure on ethics, physical safety risks and the impact on mental well-being in the profession. At the same time, the seminar will provide a platform for journalists from Asia and Europe to exchange perspectives, share practical experiences and strengthen cross-regional professional networks.
ASEFJS15 supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, particularly Target 16.10, which aims to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
Seminar Outline
Topics will include:
- Overview of ground situation in Asia and Europe
- Geopolitical shifts and their impact on reporting
- Media trust and resilience in current situation
- Combatting news fatigue among journalists and audiences
- Political polarisation of media
- Journalists’ Safety in a Hostile World
- Physical safety and financial safety
- Journalists’ Mental Health and Well-being
- Journalists’ Mental Health and Well-being (Eg avoiding burnout, managing anxiety or PTSD)
- Fact checking and news credibility in the age of AI
Seminar duration
The seminar will be conducted from 14 to 17 September 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Invited countries and eligible applicants
Citizens of the 51 ASEM partner countries are invited to apply.
Application information
Applicants should be:
- Journalists or media professionals with at least two years of relevant experience
- Under 35 years of age
- Proficient in English
- In good health
- Prepared to participate actively in the full seminar programme
Terms of the Seminar
ASEF will bear the following expenses for successful applicants, hereinafter referred to as “participants”:
- Seminar fees, including lecture fees, administrative costs and course materials
- Accommodation for the duration of the seminar
- Return airfare from the participant’s home country to Thailand
Participants are strongly advised to purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance, including adequate medical coverage and emergency evacuation, if needed.
Application procedure
Selection of participants will be based on merit. In the event that the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To apply, please complete the online application form in this link.
Application deadline: 31 May 2026, 23:59 SIngapore time
Contact: For questions regarding the seminar or application process, please contact: com@asef.org
In partnership with:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand
Funded by:
