i-SEA Fellowship Program 2026 in Singapore: Fully Funded 1-Month Hybrid Media Fellowship
As artificial intelligence transforms digital media and online communication, cultivating responsible storytelling and journalistic integrity has become vital. The i-SEA Fellowship Program 2026 offers an immersive, fully funded opportunity for 40 young student content creators from China, India, and Southeast Asia. Hosted by the Center for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, the fellowship equips emerging storytellers with skills to combat digital misinformation and practice ethical content creation.
This hybrid one-month program combines intensive virtual masterclasses with an all-expenses-paid week in Singapore featuring industry visits to leading media organizations and a collaborative hackathon.
Program Framework and Fellowship Phases
| Program Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizers | IN-cube at NTU & Temasek Foundation |
| Host Location | Singapore (Hybrid: 3 Weeks Online + 1 Week In-Person) |
| Program Duration | 1 Month |
| Cohort Size | 40 Selected Student Creators |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded (Flights, Hotel, Stipend & Workshops) |
| Target Regions | China, India, and Southeast Asian Nations |
| Application Deadline | August 30, 2026 |
Three-Stage Fellowship Curriculum
- Online Masterclasses (Weeks 1–3): Interactive virtual seminars covering digital media ethics, AI literacy in storytelling, fact-checking frameworks, countering online harms, and immersive reporting techniques guided by veteran journalists.
- Executive Industry Visits: Behind-the-scenes access to major regional media and technology giants in Singapore, including SPH Media, MediaCorp, and TikTok.
- Information Integrity Hackathon: A high-energy team challenge where fellows collaborate to engineer practical digital solutions addressing misinformation in real-world media environments under professional mentorship.
Full Financial Coverage
The i-SEA Fellowship covers all direct participation costs for selected international fellows:
- Full international round-trip airfare to Singapore.
- Complete accommodation arrangements in Singapore.
- Local meal allowances and daily operational costs during the in-person week.
- Tuition waivers for all online masterclasses and mentorship sessions.
- Exclusive entry to industry tours, networking summits, and the final hackathon.
Eligibility and Selection Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the following regional, academic, and social criteria:
- Age Limits: Between 18 and 25 years old for international applicants; 16 to 25 years old for Singaporean candidates.
- Nationality/Residency: Citizen or permanent resident of China, India, or an eligible Southeast Asian nation.
- Student Enrollment: Currently enrolled in a recognized university, polytechnic, junior college, or post-secondary institution.
- Institutional Endorsement: Must secure an official nomination or endorsement letter from their educational institution.
- Content Creator Presence: Must have at least 1,000 followers on a major social media platform (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) and maintain an active, regular publishing schedule.
- Commitment: Ability to actively participate in all three virtual weeks and travel to Singapore for the in-person residency.
Application Instructions
Eligible creators must submit their credentials through the official i-SEA fellowship portal:
- Fill out the personal profile and educational background form.
- Provide verified links to active social media channels showcasing storytelling consistency.
- Upload the formal nomination/endorsement letter from your school or university.
- Submit a brief statement demonstrating your interest in media ethics and information integrity before the August 30 deadline.
Official i-SEA Fellowship Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions
Who organizes the i-SEA Fellowship?
The fellowship is organized by IN-cube at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in partnership with the Temasek Foundation.
Is travel to Singapore covered by the program?
Yes. International flights, accommodations, and program costs in Singapore are fully funded.
What is the minimum social media follower requirement?
Applicants must have at least 1,000 followers on an active digital platform and publish regularly.
Which countries are eligible?
Students from China, India, and Southeast Asian countries who meet the age and enrollment criteria may apply.