The 2026 RSIS Policy Pitch Competition for Students in ASEAN Universities

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, is pleased to launch its first Policy Pitch Competition for all students from universities in ASEAN countries. The competition aims to provide students studying at higher education institutions in ASEAN countries with the opportunity to showcase their analytical perspectives and critical thinking on geopolitical and economic affairs aligned with RSIS graduate programmes’ objective of nurturing future leaders, including first-class scholars and policy practitioners, in international affairs.

The competition focuses on the theme of the Political Economy of Southeast Asia.

Students are expected to identify one specific policy issue or challenge related to the following sub-topics:

• The Future of Development in Southeast Asia: Growth, Inequality, and Sustainability
• Economic Resilience in Southeast Asia: How should the Region Respond to Global Challenges
• Southeast Asia in a Changing World Order: Opportunities and Challenges

🏆Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finalists or teams of the competition:

• 1st (S$1,500); 2nd (S$1,000); 3rd (S$800).

📅 Submission Period: The submission period will open on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 and end on Friday, 20 November 2026.

⏰ Application Deadline: 20 November 2026 (11:59 PM in Singapore Time)

✅ Eligibility

• The competition is open to all undergraduate students enrolled at universities in eleven ASEAN countries