What is JALAN Civic Lab?

JALAN Civic Lab is a civic innovation platform committed to co-creating a Just & Livable Asia Now. We bring together youth, communities, researchers, and change-makers to design democratic, inclusive, and sustainable futures for the region.

What does JALAN stand for? What does JALAN mean?

JALAN stands for Just and Livable Asia Now. In many Southeast Asian languages, jalan also means “path” or “way” — symbolising movement, journey, and progress. Together, it reflects our belief that building a just and livable region is not only a goal but a shared path we must walk now, collectively and urgently.

What does “civic lab” mean?

It reflects our belief that justice and sustainability can’t wait. “Just & Livable Asia Now” means working collaboratively and urgently to make our societies fairer, greener, and more participatory today.

What does “co-creating a Just & Livable Asia Now” mean?

A Civic Lab is a collaborative space where citizens experiment with new ways to advance a better society. For JALAN Civic Lab, it means co-creating ideas, knowledge, and actions that make Asia more just and livable now by our collaborative efforts.

What are JALAN Civic Lab’s main focus areas?

Our initiatives connect civic participation, climate justice, digital transformation, and data rights through four core programmes:

• Civic Democracy — empowering young people to engage in governance and policy.

• Climate Democracy — advancing environmental justice and community resilience.

• Digital Democracy — promoting media literacy, and equitable digital transformation.

• Data Democracy — strengthening the role of data in advancing data justice and data rights.

Who does JALAN Civic Lab work with?

We collaborate with:

• Youth leaders and local communities

• Universities and think tanks

• Civil-society organisations and grassroots movements

• International partners, donors, and embassies

• Educators, activists, and creative professionals

How is JALAN Civic Lab funded?

We are an independent, non-profit social impact think tank supported by grants, research partnerships, and project-based collaborations with international and local organisations committed to civic and climate innovation. Interested in partnering with us, please email to jalanciviclab@gmail.com or WhatsApp +66610149998.