Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Conference Fund/WikiCon SEA 2026 Bangkok
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Applicant details
[edit]- A. Are you applying as a(n)
Group of individuals not registered with an organization
- B. Full name of organization presenting the proposal.
N/A
- F. Do you have an account on a Wikimedia project?
Yes
- F1. Please provide your main Wikimedia Username.
HPDang
- F2. Please provide the Usernames of people related to this proposal.
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:HPDang https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Manop https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Robertsky https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Exec8 https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lady01v https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Mario_Behling https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Ddjingjing https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wutkh https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tvcccp https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Velia_Dang https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/User:Misharim
- G. Are you legally registered?
If you are applying as an individual or your group is not a legally registered nonprofit in your country, we require that you have a fiscal sponsor.
- I. Fiscal organization name.
Open Source Foundation Ltd.
Objectives and Strategy
[edit]- 1. Please state the title of your proposal.
WikiCon SEA 2026 Bangkok
- 2.1. When will the event begin? Please enter the event start date.
2026-03-08
- 2.2. When is the last day of your event?
2026-03-10
- 3.1. When will you begin preparing for your event?
2025-10-15T00:00:00Z
- 3.2. When will you expect to complete your last event payment?
2026-03-31T00:00:00Z
- 4. In which country will the conference take place?
Thailand
- 4.1. In which city will the conference take place?
Bangkok
- 5. Is it a remote or in-person event?
Hybrid event
- 5.1. What will be the total number of participants at the event? (including scholarship recipients + organizing team + other guests + self funded guests) (required)
920
- 6. Please indicate whether your work will be focused on one country (local), more than one or several countries in your region (regional) or has a cross-regional (global) scope.
Regional
- 6.1. If you have answered regional, please write the country names and any other information that is useful for understanding your proposal.
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Vietnam. Some interest also from ESEAP and global community.
- 7. If you would like, please share any websites or social media accounts that your group or organization has.
Meta-Wiki event page (in preparation)
- 8. Do you work with any thematic or regional platforms such as WISCom, CEE, Iberocoop, etc.
Yes
- 8.1. Please describe what platforms and your work with them.
Engaged with the ESEAP regional collaboration, with active participation from Wikimedia affiliates in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines. The event is strategically co-located with the FOSSASIA Summit, enabling shared infrastructure and cross-community exchange while maintaining a dedicated Wikimedia-focused program. This partnership provides extended regional and global reach, reduces overhead costs, and creates synergies in areas such as Wikis and AI, multilingual content, and women’s participation. Additional collaboration is planned with the UNESCO regional office in Bangkok to strengthen GLAM and education initiatives.
- 9. Please describe the target participants for this event.
Wikimedians from SEA, new contributors from Thai universities specifically as well as new contributors from across the region, regional GLAM, education, and open source allies.
- 10. Please provide the link to the event's page if you already have one.
(in preparation, will be published on Meta-Wiki)
The following questions (11-14) will refer to the Community Engagement Survey which is required in order to submit a proposal. Here is the survey form that you can copy and use (if the link does not work): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ieEI8EFf2vxjD9wN_h8-srYeRCp4fhSp7_1_wiR2jh8/edit. This survey is required to access a Conference grant.
- 11. How many people did you send the community engagement survey to?
300
- 11.1. When did you conduct the survey, and for how long?
Planned for September 2025, open for 2 weeks
- 12. How many people responded to the survey?
30
- 13. What are the main objectives of the event?
- Strengthen collaboration between Wikimedia affiliates, volunteers, and the wider open source community across Southeast Asia
- Onboard and train new contributors through structured workshops and pre-event activities
- Highlight initiatives such as WikiWomen, especially in recognition of International Women’s Day
- Explore Wikis and Artificial Intelligence, covering AI-assisted editing, translation, content moderation, knowledge graph integration, and ethics
- Advance GLAM and Education programs, including partnerships with institutions such as UNESCO’s regional office
- Build capacity for cross-border Wikimedia projects and legal/policy dialogues specific to the SEA context
- 14. Based on survey responses, what are the most important things your community should do at the conference to achieve these objectives?
- Networking and onboarding
- Skills development and training (Wikidata, Commons, Editing)
- Regional collaboration sessions
- Sessions on AI, misinformation, translation support
- Dedicated WikiWomen program
- 15. Please state if your proposal aims to work to bridge any of the identified CONTENT knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select up to THREE that most apply to your work.
Content Gender gap, Geography, Language, Socioeconomic Status, Important Topics (topics considered to be of impact or important in the specific context), Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial
- 15.1. In a few sentences, explain how your work is specifically addressing this content gap (or Knowledge inequity) to ensure a greater representation of knowledge. (optional recommended).
Our work on Wikicon SEA 2026 addresses knowledge inequity by amplifying underrepresented voices from Southeast Asia and ensuring stronger regional representation within the Wikimedia movement. The event will provide space for women and gender-diverse contributors, helping to close the gender gap in Wikimedia projects. At the same time, we focus on technology-related gaps by building AI literacy, strengthening digital skills for Wikimedia tools, and improving access to translation and editing technologies. In this way, the conference promotes more inclusive participation and ensures that diverse knowledge from the region is better documented and shared globally.
- 16. Please state if your proposal includes any of these areas or THEMATIC focus. Select up to THREE that most apply to your work and explain the rationale for identifying these themes.
Education, Public Policy, Culture, heritage or GLAM , Open Technology, Diversity, Other
- 17. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities?
Gender Identity, Geographic , Ethnic/racial/religious or cultural background, Linguistic / Language, Socioeconomic status, Digital Access
- 18. Do you intend to invite or engage with non-Wikimedian individuals or organizations? If so – can you explain your intention for this outreach?
Yes, we plan to actively engage with non-Wikimedian individuals and organizations, with a strong focus on creating synergies through the parallel FOSSASIA Summit. By co-locating, we can connect Wikicon SEA participants with the broader open source and open knowledge community that FOSSASIA brings together. This includes universities contributing academic research and student participation, as well as NGOs working on education, gender equity, and digital inclusion. The FOSSASIA open source community provides a natural bridge to strengthen AI literacy, digital skills, and the use of open technologies for Wikimedia tools. In addition, we intend to collaborate with the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, aligning with their initiatives on multilingualism, cultural diversity, and sustainable development. Through this outreach, Wikicon SEA will both benefit from and contribute to the wider exchange happening at the FOSSASIA Summit, ensuring stronger regional representation and a greater impact on knowledge equity.
- 19. What will you do to make sure participants continue to engage in your activities after the event?
To ensure participants continue engaging after the event, we will establish Telegram and Wikimedia community channels to keep communication active and accessible. We will form follow-up working groups around key themes such as gender equity, AI literacy, translation, and regional content so that participants can collaborate beyond the conference. All sessions will be supported with documentation and learning reports, which we will publish openly, including on Wikimedia Diff, to share outcomes with the wider movement. The event will also serve as a stepping stone for preparation of WikiCon SEA 2026, giving participants clear opportunities to take on leadership roles in the next cycle. In addition, through our collaboration with the FOSSASIA Summit, participants can remain engaged in ongoing open source activities, ensuring continuity and deeper impact across both communities.
- 20. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select a maximum of THREE options that most apply.
Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement, Invest in Skills and Leadership Development, Innovate in Free Knowledge
Logistical Aspects
[edit]- 21. Do you have any proposed venue for the event?
Our proposed venue is True Digital Park in Bangkok, Thailand – the country’s largest tech and startup hub. It offers modern facilities for workshops, talks, and community networking, making it an ideal space for WikiCon SEA. The larger venue will be shared with the FOSSASIA Summit to maximize efficiency and resource use; however, WikiCon SEA will maintain its own dedicated space for registration, sessions, and community activities to preserve its identity and focus.
Logistically, True Digital Park is well connected: it is located along the BTS Skytrain line (Punnawithi station), about 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 40 minutes from Don Mueang Airport. The surrounding area has ample hotels, dining, and co-working options within walking distance, ensuring convenience for both local and international participants.
To foster collaboration, we will host a joint social evening with participants of the FOSSASIA Summit and other co-hosted events, encouraging cross-community networking and partnerships. Possible challenges include managing Bangkok’s traffic and supporting visa applications for regional participants. To address this, we will provide clear travel and accommodation guidance, prioritize hotels near the BTS line, and offer hybrid participation through reliable online platforms supported by the venue’s strong technical infrastructure.
- 22. Is the event venue and hotel accessible for people with physical disabilities?
Yes
- 23. How many scholarships would you like to offer?
We plan to offer 100 scholarships to ensure inclusive participation from across Southeast Asia, with a focus on underrepresented communities, women and gender-diverse participants, students, and first-time attendees. Scholarship recipients will also be invited to join pre- and post-event orientations and working groups to sustain engagement after the event. In addition, scholarship recipients will be invited to join pre- and post-event online orientation sessions.
- 24. What expenses will the scholarship cover?
The package will include around scholarships (covering travel, accommodation, and registration for participants from outside Thailand) and partial scholarships (covering accommodation and registration or domestic travel support).
- 25. How will scholarship recipients be selected?
Scholarship committee with regional representation, criteria based on past contributions and potential impact. Eligibility criteria require applicants to demonstrate Wikimedia contributions (usernames, edit history, affiliate activity). Anonymized statistics (country, gender balance, project involvement) will be published to ensure transparency while respecting privacy.
- 26. In which ways can Wikimedia Foundation staff support your event onsite?
We would greatly value the presence and involvement of Wikimedia Foundation staff at WikiCon SEA 2026 in several capacities. First, support in outreach and communication efforts will be crucial to amplify the event across global Wikimedia channels and to highlight the perspectives of Southeast Asian contributors to the wider movement.
Second, we warmly invite staff to lead or co-facilitate sessions on key themes such as knowledge equity, community health, gender gap initiatives, AI and technology in Wikimedia projects, legal/safety policies, and global strategy. WMF staff participation would provide expertise, help contextualize regional efforts within global priorities, and strengthen links between local communities and the broader Wikimedia ecosystem.
Third, having staff available to support Trust & Safety and Friendly Space Policy implementation onsite will help ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants.
Fourth, we would appreciate WMF staff input in documentation and reporting, including contributions to Wikimedia Diff and other channels, to ensure that learnings from the event are effectively shared across the movement.
Finally, WMF staff presence at the joint social evening with the FOSSASIA Summit and co-hosted events will foster cross-community collaboration and showcase Wikimedia’s commitment to partnerships in the broader open knowledge and open source ecosystem.
- 26.2. Do you intend to invite any WMF staff members to your event? (please note that all WMF staff travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the foundation). Please indicate what is the limit number of WMF staff members you would like to welcome at your event.
We intend to invite Wikimedia Foundation staff to WikiCon SEA 2026. Their participation will provide valuable expertise and direct support to the community. We are currently estimating that 5-10 WMF staff members could participate onsite, ensuring a balanced contribution across the following areas:
- Knowledge equity, gender gap initiatives, and WikiWomen: to highlight global efforts and support regional activities addressing underrepresentation. The timing of the event in March also allows us to align with International Women’s Day, giving special attention to women and gender-diverse contributors.
- Technology and AI: to lead sessions on Wikimedia’s technical roadmap, AI literacy, and tools that can support contributors.
- Legal and policy: to advise on global movement policies, licensing, and community rights.
- IT and infrastructure: to share insights from Wikimedia’s engineering and infrastructure teams on performance, scaling, and the future of Wikimedia’s technical platforms.
- Strategy and movement governance: to connect regional discussions with Wikimedia’s long-term global goals.
Their presence will not only bring practical expertise to the program, but also strengthen relationships between Southeast Asian communities and the wider Wikimedia movement.
- 27. Please outline the roles and responsibilities of the organizing team for the conference.
Local organizers: venue, logistics, catering, liaising Fiscal sponsor: manage payments Program committee: CfP, review, agenda Scholarship committee: review applications, allocate funding Volunteer team: registration, safe space monitoring, online moderation
- 28. Do you have plans to co-organize the event with other Wikimedia communities, groups or affiliates?
Yes
- 28.1. If yes, can you please explain how you are going to co-organize the event and what responsibilities each partner will have.
Organized jointly by contributors from Wikimedia Thailand, Wikimedia Philippines, Wikimedia Singapore User Group, Wikimedia Vietnam, FOSSASIA
- 29. What kind of risks do you anticipate and how would you mitigate these?
External/contextual risks
- Travel and visa issues: While many Southeast Asian citizens can enter Thailand visa-free, some participants may face challenges. We will provide early invitation letters and support, while also offering hybrid participation for those unable to travel.
- Political or social instability: Regional developments could affect travel. We will monitor conditions closely and ensure remote participation remains an option.
- Health and safety concerns: Unexpected events (e.g. outbreaks) could affect attendance. We will follow local regulations, implement hygiene measures, and provide contingency plans for online engagement.
- Logistical challenges (e.g. Bangkok traffic): To minimize delays, we will recommend hotels near the venue and along the BTS line, and share detailed transport guidance.
Internal risks
- Budget risk: Rising costs could affect feasibility. This is mitigated by sharing infrastructure with the FOSSASIA Summit, and by including contingency funds.
- Engagement risk: Participants may not sustain involvement after the event. The hybrid format ensures broader participation, and we will maintain follow-up working groups, Telegram channels, and publish reports to keep momentum.
- Language barriers: With diverse regional languages, there is risk of exclusion. We will aim to provide translation and interpretation support to ensure all participants can engage fully.
- Governance/leadership changes: Volunteer transitions may disrupt planning. We mitigate this by distributing responsibilities across a broader team and documenting processes.
By anticipating these risks and embedding mitigation strategies, we aim to ensure a resilient, inclusive, and impactful event for Wikimedia communities across Southeast Asia.
- 30. Friendly space policy - Please add the link to the friendly space policy that your community will be using for this event.
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Friendly_space_policies
Learning, Sharing, and Evaluation
[edit]- 31. What do you hope to learn from your work organising this conference?
Through WikiCon SEA 2026, we aim not only to bring communities together but also to learn systematically whether our strategies are creating the change we envision. We will frame this in the form of learning questions that guide our evaluation:
Equity and Representation
- Did we succeed in increasing the participation of contributors from underrepresented groups (e.g., women, gender-diverse individuals, and smaller language communities)?
- How effective were the WikiWomen initiatives in increasing gender balance and women’s participation?
- Did participants feel that their voices and perspectives were valued and reflected in the program?
Regional and Cross-Community Collaboration
- Did we build a sustainable SEA Wikimedia network with stronger cross-country collaboration?
- Were participants able to establish partnerships across borders that continue after the event?
- To what extent did the event strengthen the visibility and recognition of Southeast Asian communities within the global movement?
Leadership and Skills Development
- Did the event strengthen leadership and organizational skills among emerging community leaders?
- Did participants increase their capacity in project management, event organizing, or governance to sustain community activities?
Technology and Innovation
- Did participants gain knowledge about Wikis and AI, including AI-assisted editing, translation tools, bots, content moderation, and the ethical implications of AI?
- Were sessions on open source and technology topics relevant to Wikimedia, and did they foster exchange with the broader FOSS community?
- How useful were contributions from WMF IT and infrastructure staff in strengthening participants’ technical understanding?
Content and Partnerships
- Did we succeed in advancing GLAM and Education programs through new regional partnerships, such as with the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and local universities or NGOs?
- Were participants able to take away concrete ideas for applying Wikimedia projects in education and cultural institutions?
Sustainability and Engagement
- Did the hybrid format enable broader participation, including those unable to travel?
- Are participants actively engaging in follow-up working groups, Telegram/Meta channels, or preparations for future WikiCon SEA events?
- Did scholarship recipients remain active in Wikimedia projects after the conference?
Organizational and Logistical Learning
- How effective was sharing infrastructure with partner events in reducing costs and logistical overhead?
- Did our risk management strategies (e.g., visas, traffic, or health concerns) adequately address participant needs?
Documentation and Transparency
- Did we successfully document outcomes and share learnings transparently on Meta and Wikimedia Diff?
- Were we able to produce resources that will support organizers of future events in the region?
- 32. Main open metrics
| Main Open Metrics | Description | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Onsite Attendees | Participants in person
250-300 |
300 |
| Online Attendees | Participants online, 500–600 | 500 |
| Safe event | Friendly space policy cases handled appropriately, 0 poorly handled | 0 |
| Program coverage | Sessions including GLAM, education, AI, women participation, 40–50 sessions | 50 |
| Regional and International Partners | Local GLAM/university partnerships, UNESCO | 5 |
Financial Proposal
[edit]- 33. What is the amount you are requesting from Wikimedia Foundation? Please provide this amount in your local currency.
68325
- 34. Select your local currency.
USD
- 35. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it.
- 36. Do you expect to receive funding for this conference from other organizations to support your work?
Yes
- 36.1. If yes, what kind of resources are you expecting to get?
Shared venue/infrastructure support from FOSSASIA In-kind support from Thai universities and regional partners Pre-event meeting space at UNESCO Bangkok
- We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.
Yes
- Please use this optional space to upload any documents that you feel are important for further understanding your proposal.
- Other public document(s):
Endorsements and Feedback
[edit]Please add endorsements and feedback to the grant discussion page only. Endorsements added here will be removed automatically.
Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:
- Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
- Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
- Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
- Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
- Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).