Inaugural ADW Future Design Scholars Forum Planned for Late November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur

Connecting Design Research, Academic Publishing, and Interdisciplinary Innovation

Asia Design Week announces that the inaugural ADW Future Design Scholars Forum is planned for late November 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

As a key academic exchange activity of the ADW Future Design Scholars Program, the Forum will continue the 2026 theme, Design Beyond Boundaries: Convergence, Creativity, and Sustainable Innovation, bringing together scholars, designers, educators, research-oriented practitioners, institutions, and industry partners from design, technology, culture, education, and social innovation.

Through research presentations, thematic panels, paper talks, design showcases, and institutional exchange, the Forum will consider how design can connect different knowledge systems, organize interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance responsible innovation with enduring value.

Planned Program Highlights

· ADW Future Design Scholars research presentations and annual panel: selected 2026 Scholars will introduce their research questions, methodological approaches, and early-stage progress, followed by interdisciplinary discussion of the annual theme.

· AVADA Global Touring Exhibition: selected works will be presented in connection with the 2026–2027 international touring program of the Asian Vanguard Art and Design Award.

· Design and Art Studies annual paper presentations: invited authors will share research questions, methods, and contributions, strengthening exchange between design research and academic publishing.

· Emerging scholars and interdisciplinary exchange: designers, researchers, educators, and research-oriented practitioners will share experiences, methods, and emerging questions.

· Institutional cooperation and research network development: universities, laboratories, academic platforms, cultural institutions, and industry partners will explore opportunities for collaborative research, scholar exchange, publishing, and international programs.

The final date, venue, speaker lineup, participation format, and registration information will be announced through the Asia Design Week and ADW Future Design Scholars Program websites.

About the ADW Future Design Scholars Program

Launched by the Asia Design Week Committee in 2026, the ADW Future Design Scholars Program supports design-led interdisciplinary research, international academic exchange, and the development of a global scholars network.

Its core annual funding initiative, the ADW Future Design Fellowship, provides external research support and academic exchange opportunities for independent research that demonstrates originality, interdisciplinary value, and a future-oriented perspective. Selected recipients become ADW Future Design Scholars.

More Information

Program website: www.adwfellowship.com

2026 Fellowship: www.adwfellowship.com/2026-fellowship

Annual theme and research areas: www.adwfellowship.com/research-areas

Contact: official@asia-design-week.com

About Asia Design Week

Asia Design Week (ADW; Registration No. 76077932) is an international design organization and cultural exchange platform established and operated by the Asia Design Week Committee. Serving design communities across Asia and around the world, ADW advances design innovation, cross-cultural exchange, and sustainable social impact through thematic exhibitions, professional awards, research initiatives, publications, educational programs, and international partnerships.

ADW operates through its offices and regional collaborative networks across Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Seoul, connecting designers, scholars, educational institutions, and industry partners across Asia and beyond.

Asia Design Week website: www.asia-design-week.com