The press conference was hosted by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Entrepreneur Metropolitan KL, in collaboration with JCI Kinta as the official host of the 2026 JCI CYEA, reflecting a strong partnership between local organisations in advancing the national entrepreneurial agenda.
The JCI CYEA is an annual flagship programme introduced by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Malaysia since 2007, aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding young entrepreneurs who demonstrate creativity, innovation, and exemplary leadership in their respective industries. Over the years, the award has become a prestigious platform that celebrates business excellence and contributes meaningfully to the development of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Hosted by JCI Kinta, the 2026 JCI CYEA marks a significant milestone for the organisation. This is the first time JCI Kinta has secured the hosting rights for a national-level JCI project, and it is also the first time this prestigious award will be organised in Ipoh, further positioning the city as a growing hub for entrepreneurship.
In conjunction with the press conference, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony was held between JCI Malaysia and JCI Kinta, formalising the appointment of JCI Kinta as the official host of the 2026 JCI CYEA.
The event was honoured by the presence of Teresa Kok Suh Sim as Guest of Honour, alongside 2026 JCI Malaysia National President, Vincent Leng.
“JCI E-Metro KL is honoured to host this JCI CYEA press conference in Kuala Lumpur. JCI CYEA serves as a call to action for young entrepreneurs to step forward, challenge themselves, and seize opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in their respective industries,” said Skyller Lua, the Organising Chairperson of the press conference.
Organising Chairperson of the 2026 JCI CYEA, Jasper Ngai Chee Foong, added, “We are honoured that JCI Kinta has been entrusted to host the 2026 JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award. This marks a significant milestone for us, as it is the first time this prestigious national award will be held in Ipoh. Through this initiative, we hope to contribute to our broader vision of positioning Ipoh as a growing hub for entrepreneurship.”
“JCI CYEA is not just a competition, but a journey to discover and nurture talented young leaders. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire more capable young individuals to join us—not only as members, but as future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society,” said Vincent Leng, highlighting the national significance of the programme
Adding inspiration to the event, sharing speakers Alan Tee, the 2026 JCI CYEA Ambassador and top 3 winners of 2025 JCI CYEA, and Dato’ Seri Dr Vincent Tiew were invited to share their journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur. During the session, they shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the value of perseverance, innovation, and platforms such as JCI CYEA in shaping business growth.
The event was also attended by 2026 JCI Kinta Local President Owen Lim and 2026 JCI Entrepreneur Metropolitan KL Local President Louis Than, reflecting strong collaboration across JCI Malaysia local organisations in delivering 2026 JCI CYEA.
Nominations for the 2026 JCI CYEA are now officially open and will remain open until 12 June 2026. Eligible nominees must be Malaysian citizens between the ages of 18 and 40, and must serve as a director or a key member of top management in an existing private or public company. Nominees must also not be an undischarged bankrupt and must not have been convicted of any offence. The nomination fee is RM1,500 per nominee.
In conjunction with the award programme, the organising committee has also introduced the “Entrepreneur’s AI Growth Lab”, a training series designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen key capabilities required to build, grow and position successful businesses in today’s AI-driven economy. The programme will feature a combination of offline and online sessions covering a range of topics relevant to today’s business landscape, offering valuable insights for both potential nominees and registered participants.
The sessions will also feature networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful collaborations with fellow entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders. The Entrepreneur’s AI Growth Lab is now open for registration, with further details available on the official JCI CYEA social media platforms.
The highlight of the programme will be the 2026 JCI CYEA Award Ceremony, which will take place on 26 September 2026 from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM at the RTM Auditorium in Ipoh, where outstanding young entrepreneurs from across Malaysia will be recognised for their achievements and contributions.
Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and members of the public are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals who exemplify innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence.
