Ten Years, Ten Nations, One Vision
The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025, themed “Connecting ASEAN, Creating Global Change,” celebrated ten years of youth leadership and cross-border entrepreneurship.
Officiated by Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, Political Secretary to Malaysia’s Minister of Finance, the two-day event united young innovators, investors, and business leaders from all ten ASEAN member states.
Since its inception, the carnival has grown from a networking initiative into a regional force that champions collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth. It continues to empower ASEAN’s next generation of entrepreneurs to create opportunities that strengthen both local and regional economies.
Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
“Young entrepreneurs are redefining what business means: you are not only creating jobs, but also creating solutions for sustainability, digitalisation, and social impact,” he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to youth entrepreneurship through key policies under the MADANI Economy Framework, the Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
These efforts are further supported by SME Corp, MARA, MDEC, and MATRADE, which provide funding, training, and export opportunities. Collectively, these initiatives aim to ensure that Malaysia’s youth remain competitive in an evolving digital economy.
Building Bridges Across ASEAN
Throughout the carnival, delegates participated in pitching sessions, business-matching programmes, and capacity-building workshops designed to foster innovation and cross-border partnerships.
Discussions centred on the future of digitalisation, green business, and inclusive growth – themes that are reshaping ASEAN’s entrepreneurial landscape. Furthermore, the event showcased the work of women entrepreneurs who are redefining leadership and innovation across multiple industries.
By connecting startups with investors and policymakers, the carnival provided a crucial platform for scaling businesses and expanding market access across Southeast Asia.
A Decade of Collaboration and Regional Impact
Deborah Melissa Bottreau, Chairperson of AYEC 2025 and Founding Secretary-General of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC), reflected on the milestone.
“A decade ago, we started with startups. Today, we’re building ecosystems. ASEAN’s young entrepreneurs aren’t just participating in the economy; they’re redefining it,” she said.
The event received strong institutional support from the Prime Minister’s Office, MITI, KUSKOP, ASEAN Secretariat, and ASEAN-BAC, along with strategic partners such as MATRADE, MIDA, and the International Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Associations (IAYEA).
Shaping ASEAN’s Future Economy
Founded in Malaysia in 2015, the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC) serves as the official voice for youth entrepreneurship within ASEAN. Over the past decade, it has built strong ties between member states, fostering innovation-led growth and empowering a new generation of business leaders.
As AYEC marks its 10th anniversary, the message is clear: the future of ASEAN’s economy depends on innovation, collaboration, and inclusion. The carnival, held at MATRADE Hall, stands as both a celebration and a launchpad for the region’s next wave of changemakers.
