BINUS CONNECT Challenge 2026: Empowering Youth to Shape ASEAN’s Future
As ASEAN continues to strengthen regional cooperation and integration, the region faces evolving challenges in technological change, environmental pressures, economic uncertainty, workforce demands, and social inequalities. Young people have an important role in addressing these challenges by exchanging perspectives, learning across borders, and contributing innovative ideas for the region’s future.
BINUS University responds to this need through the BINUS CONNECT Challenge 2026, a two-week international virtual student mobility (iVSM) program designed to foster global collaboration and intercultural learning. Under the theme “Youth Shaping ASEAN’s Future Together,” participants will explore regional challenges and co-create innovative solutions for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN.
Held virtually from 18–31 August 2026, the program brings the spirit of CONNECT—Collaborative Opportunities for Next-generation Networking, Engagement, Creativity, and Transformation—to life by connecting participants with academics, professionals, and experts from around the world.
Within this international learning environment, participants will work in multicultural teams and take part in expert-led discussions, collaborative problem-solving, independent research, and milestone review sessions before presenting their final recommendations. Throughout the program, students will enhance their intercultural competence, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and teamwork while building meaningful connections with peers across borders.
The program concludes with the BINUS CONNECT Challenge Summit, where teams present their recommendations to a panel of academics and professionals. By the end of the program, participants will have gained deeper insights into ASEAN’s opportunities and challenges, greater confidence in global collaboration, and an expanded international network.
Session 1 | CONNECT Kick-Off Tuesday, 18 August 2026 13:00-15:00 WIB (UTC+7)
The journey begins with the CONNECT Kick-off, bringing participants together to explore ASEAN’s future, understand the challenge, and form multicultural teams. Through international networking and shared discussion, they will begin developing global awareness, communication, and networking skills.
Session 2 | Progress Review Friday, 21 August 2026 13:00-15:00 WIB (UTC+7)
This progress review session offers teams a chance to reflect on their work, present their developing ideas, and gather valuable input from academics and professionals. Through feedback, discussion, and expert insights, participants will identify opportunities to improve their team’s solutions and plan the next steps.
CONNECT Challenge Sprint 19-26 August 2026
This is the stage where team’s ideas begin to take shape. Throughout the sprint, participants will research a regional challenge, combine perspectives, and build a solution that is relevant, practical, and achievable. Teams will then bring their concept to life through a startup-style pitch video and a concise executive summary, strengthening their creativity, collaboration, intercultural competence, professionalism, and ability to manage time and responsibilities.
Ready to Submit Your Project?
Deadline: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Bring your team’s idea together in two final outputs:
- Startup Pitch Video — Maximum 3 Minutes
Make every second count. Your pitch should clearly communicate the challenge, why it matters, your proposed solution, its expected impact, and what makes it both innovative and feasible. - Executive Summary — Maximum 1 Page
Summarize your solution, including: Challenge statement, proposed solution, expected impact, and key implementation considerations.
Who Will Advance?
Finalists announced Friday, 28 August 2026
Teams selected as finalists will move forward to compete for:
- Champion — BINUS CONNECT Challenge 2026
- 1st Runner-up
- 2nd Runner-up
Session 3 | BINUS CONNECT Challenge Summit Monday, 31 August 2026 13:00-15:00 WIB (UTC+7)
The journey reaches its final stage at the BINUS CONNECT Challenge Summit, where finalist teams bring together everything they have developed throughout the program. Through final presentations and panel discussions, participants will communicate their ideas with confidence, demonstrate leadership, and reflect on their learning before celebrating the winning teams.
For more information, kindly reach out to our team: Romario Special Program Officer Email: romario@binus.edu