Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) invites Malaysian journalists and media organisations to apply for grants of EUR 10,000 to advance digital justice. Projects should focus on data governance, digital rights, emerging technologies, and public awareness, running for up to 18 months with financial, technical, and training support.
Program Overview
The Digital Justice Media Grants aim to strengthen Malaysian media capacity to investigate and report on digital rights issues. The initiative focuses on how data governance, emerging technologies, and platform policies impact information ecosystems and communities.
Grantees will:
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Conduct in-depth research on digital rights, data protection, privacy, and surveillance
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Amplify the voices of communities affected by harmful digital practices
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Experiment with innovative storytelling methods, tools, and digital platforms
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Journalists operating independently in Malaysia
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Media organisations registered and operating in Malaysia
Key eligibility criteria:
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Projects must focus on digital justice, data governance, or technology impacts
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Applicants should demonstrate capacity to conduct investigative reporting or media production
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Projects should benefit Malaysian communities and contribute to public understanding of digital rights
Grant Details
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Number of Grants: 3 small grants
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Grant Amount: EUR 10,000 each
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Duration: 18 months (1.5 years)
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Support: Financial assistance, tailored guidance, technical support, and secure digital rights training
Focus Areas
Projects may cover, but are not limited to:
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Investigative research on platform governance and digital accountability
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Reporting on AI risks, online harassment, censorship, and surveillance
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Development of tools or methodologies to promote data transparency and protection
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Public engagement campaigns on digital rights and ethical technology use
How to Apply
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Define Project Goals: Identify clear objectives aligned with digital justice, data governance, or technology impacts
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Plan Activities: Outline investigative work, content creation, and public engagement strategies
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Set Timeline: Plan activities to fit the 18-month project period
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Prepare Budget: Specify the use of EUR 10,000 grant funds and any additional resources
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Submit Proposal: Apply through the CIJ application portal with project description, team credentials, and expected outcomes
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Training and Support: Indicate any anticipated needs for technical guidance or mentorship
Tips for a Strong Application
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Focus on communities affected by harmful digital practices
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Demonstrate innovative or multimedia approaches to storytelling
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Highlight collaboration with civil society, tech experts, or policy actors
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Ensure project feasibility within the 18-month period
FAQ
1. Who can apply? Independent journalists and media organisations based in Malaysia
2. How much funding is available? EUR 10,000 per project, with three grants awarded
3. What is the project duration? 18 months (1.5 years)
4. What topics are eligible? Digital rights, data governance, AI risks, platform accountability, surveillance, censorship, and related emerging technologies
5. Can projects include multiple media formats? Yes, multimedia and innovative formats are encouraged
6. Is training included? Yes, grantees receive technical support and secure digital rights training
7. Who oversees the grant? The Centre for Independent Journalism in partnership with ARTICLE 19 and Sinar Project
Why It Matters
This grant initiative empowers journalists to hold digital platforms accountable, strengthen public understanding of data rights, and promote fair and transparent digital ecosystems in Malaysia. It supports investigative and innovative media practices that amplify community voices and contribute to a rights-respecting digital future.
For more information, visit Centre for Independent Journalism.