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.