About APCYS

The Asia Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit (APCYS) is a vibrant gathering of young cooperators, innovators, and emerging leaders from across Asia and the Pacific. More than just a summit, APCYS is a space to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas that strengthen the cooperative movement. Together, young people explore bold solutions, build lasting networks, and shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered future.

Where

Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade, Hangzhou, China

When

Tuesday to Friday
September 1 to 4, 2026

The APCYS 5.0 Experience

A Decade of Youth-led Cooperation

APCYS 1.0, Bali, Indonesia

APCYS 2.0, Cebu, Philippines

APCYS 4.0, Sabah, Malaysia

APCYS 5.0 brings together young cooperators, innovators, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the region to explore how cooperative models can shape ethical, inclusive, and future-ready digital economies. Under the theme “Future-Ready Cooperatives: Youth Shaping Ethical AI and Digital Economies,” the summit responds to the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in shaping livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and communities across Asia and the Pacific.

As the region leads global AI adoption and digital innovation, APCYS 5.0 highlights the urgent need for democratic, people-centered, and ethical approaches to technology. Rooted in cooperative values of equity, participation, and shared ownership, the summit will provide a platform for youth to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, build partnerships, and contribute to policy conversations shaping the future of digital economies.

Hosted in Hangzhou, China, a global hub for digital innovation and e-commerce, APCYS 5.0 marks a decade of youth cooperation by connecting cooperative identity with emerging technologies and youth-led solutions for sustainable development.

The summit aims to:

Equip young cooperators with practical knowledge and digital skills for the future
Champion cooperative models as ethical alternatives in digital economies
Incubate and accelerate youth-led innovation in AI, platform cooperatives, and digital enterprises
Strengthen regional collaboration among youth cooperatives across Asia-Pacific
Amplify youth voices in policy dialogues on digital transformation and cooperative development
Build partnerships between cooperatives, technology actors, and development institutions

What you’ll discover at conference

Highlights of the summits

Expert Plenaries & Keynote Sessions

Hands-on Workshops & Mentoring

Policy Hack Dialogues & Thematic Sessions

Coop Pitch Competition

Networking with Regional Leaders and Innovators

Field Visits & Community Immersion

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event taking place?

APCYS 5.0 will be held at the Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade in Hangzhou, China, from 1 to 4 September 2026.

Is there a registration fee?

There is no registration fee to attend APCYS 5.0. However, participants are required to arrange their own international air travel to and from Hangzhou, China. Accommodation, airport transfers, and meals during the Summit will be arranged by the organizers.

Where will participants stay?

Participants will be provided with twin-sharing accommodation at the Zhejiang Institute of Economics and Trade in Hangzhou.

Who is eligible to participate?

Young people aged 18-35 years from across the Asia-Pacific region are eligible to participate in APCYS 5.0 upon successful registration. The participation is subject to approval by the organisers.

How can I participate?

Interested participants are encouraged to complete the online registration form before the deadline on 8 June 2026. Those interested in joining the Coop Pitch Competition can indicate their interest during registration.

What is the Coop Pitch Competition?

The Coop Pitch Competition is one of the main highlights of APCYS 5.0, providing young people with a platform to present innovative and sustainable cooperative business ideas. Participants work in teams to develop solutions that address the needs and aspirations of youth in their communities and pitch them before a panel of judges. Visit the Coop Pitch page for detailed information.

Have any more questions?

Read the terms and conditions carefully. Also, feel free to email us at contact@apyouthsummit.coop if you have any further questions or concerns!