Global Call: Women Digital Leadership Award 2026 Recognising Women Innovators in AI

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the GSMA Asia Pacific (APAC) has officially opened submissions for the Women Digital Leadership Award 2026. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding women driving innovation, leadership, and impact in AI and digital technology across the Asia-Pacific region.

The award will be presented during M360 ASEAN 2026 on 10 September 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The initiative highlights women shaping the future of technology while addressing persistent challenges such as gender under-representation and algorithmic bias in AI systems.

Women, Trust, and the New AI Reality

The 2026 edition of the award focuses on the theme “Women, Trust, and the New AI Reality.” As artificial intelligence becomes central to telecom networks, cybersecurity, digital services, and customer safety, the role of women in shaping responsible and inclusive technology is more important than ever.

According to Christina Cheung, women across Asia-Pacific are building and managing some of the most sophisticated digital systems—from fraud detection models to advanced telecom networks—yet their expertise is still often questioned or overlooked.

Despite these challenges, women continue to lead transformative innovations that improve digital safety, strengthen network resilience, and create inclusive digital services.

Highlights from the 2025 Winners

The 2025 Women Digital Leadership Award celebrated inspiring women who are redefining digital leadership in the region. Some of the notable winners included:

• Tara Neal – Recognized for insights on AI ethics, digital trust, and gender bias in technology.

• Muntaha Asim – Celebrated for championing women’s voices in digital safety and online protection.

• Katherine Ng – Honored for advancing responsible technology solutions for SMEs.

• Chanita Craythorne – Acknowledged for highlighting online harms affecting women and girls.

Their work demonstrated how women are shaping safer and more inclusive digital ecosystems.

What Submissions Are Being Invited in 2026?

GSMA APAC is inviting thought-provoking contributions that explore the relationship between women, AI, and trust in the digital world.

Accepted Formats

Applicants can submit their entries in different formats, including:

• Articles

• Research insights

• Case studies

• Short videos

• Podcasts

• Personal reflections from work in AI, telecom networks, or digital policy

Suggested Topics

Some suggested themes include:

• AI solutions that create safer online spaces for women

• Addressing gaps in current digital systems

• Job impacts and opportunities in the AI-driven economy

• Women-led innovations in digital services

• Real-world experiences in deploying or regulating AI in APAC

Applicants are also encouraged to submit original perspectives or experiences, even if they fall outside the suggested topics.

Benefits of Applying

Winning or being shortlisted for the Women Digital Leadership Award offers several valuable opportunities:

• Global recognition for leadership in AI and digital innovation

• Publication on the GSMA APAC #ChangeTheFace blog

• Networking opportunities with global telecom and digital leaders

• Recognition at the Digital Nation Awards during M360 ASEAN 2026

• Increased visibility for women shaping the future of technology

The award celebrates insight, impact, and leadership—not job titles.

Recognition at M360 ASEAN 2026

Top entries will be featured during the Digital Nation Awards ceremony at M360 ASEAN 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. The recognition event will take place on 10 September 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

Selected submissions will also be published on the GSMA APAC #ChangeTheFace platform, amplifying the voices of women leading digital transformation across the region.

Deadline for Applications

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

Applicants or nominators should submit their entries directly to Billy Chan at GSMA APAC.

For more details about this application, click Here.

The Women Digital Leadership Award 2026 is part of a broader effort by GSMA to ensure that women play a leading role in the development, governance, and deployment of artificial intelligence and digital technologies across Asia-Pacific.

If you are a woman shaping the future of technology—or know someone who is—this is an opportunity to share your story and inspire the next generation of digital leaders.

For more information please click here.