Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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 does “co-creating a Just & Livable Asia Now” 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 are JALAN Civic Lab’s main focus areas?
Our initiatives strengthen democratic participation, advance social justice, and build more inclusive and sustainable futures across Southeast Asia. We place Civic Wellbeing & Mindful Civic Action at the heart of our work.
Civic wellbeing is our commitment to fostering the conditions that enable individuals and communities to participate meaningfully, safely, and sustainably in public life.
Mindful civic action is our approach to creating change with intention, compassion, and reflection. It encourages changemakers to pair courage with care, advocacy with empathy, and action with self-awareness.
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.