Muhammad Kamil (eleventh from left) launching the 10th Asean Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
WHAT began 10 years ago as a platform for youth innovation has evolved into one of Asean’s most anticipated gatherings promoting thriving entrepreneurial spirit.
Launched by Finance Ministry political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, the 10th Asean Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 held at Matrade in Kuala Lumpur was a significant milestone for youth-led enterprise and regional integration.
Co-organised by the Asean Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC), Malaysian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Maya) and the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), the two-day event under the theme “Connecting Asean, Creating Global Change” reflected the shared ambition of building a borderless ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs across the region.
Muhammad Kamil commended the carnival’s role in nurturing Asean’s next generation of business leaders.
“Young entrepreneurs are redefining what business means: you’re not only creating jobs, but also creating solutions for sustainability, digitalisation and social impact.
“That is why the Malaysian government places great importance on youth development and entrepreneurship as part of the national and regional agenda.
“Through initiatives such as the Madani Economy Framework, Digital Economy Blueprint and New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Malaysia is creating a more inclusive, technology-driven and sustainable economy,” he said.
Muhammad Kamil highlighted the work of government agencies such as SME Corp, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) which roles included executing the government’s support in developing young entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship and access to international markets.
The 10th edition of the carnival brought together delegates from 10 Asean countries as well as global partners and investors exploring new trade and investment opportunities.
Through pitching sessions, mentorship clinics and investor matching programmes, participants connected directly with markets and collaborators across the region, turning ideas into ventures and ventures into impact.
Beyond business exchanges, the carnival celebrated Asean’s diversity and creativity, from sustainable fashion to food innovation and youth-led enterprises that blend profit with purpose.
With a strong focus on women entrepreneurs, digital transformation and green innovation, the event reflected a regional ecosystem that valued inclusion as much as growth.
“This is more than a business event, it’s about shaping the region’s future,” said AYEC 2025 chairman Deborah Melissa Bottreau.
“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,” said Bottreau who is also founding secretary-general and chairman of the Asean Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC).
“Looking ahead, we will continue to champion innovation-led collaboration and inclusive growth across South-East Asia.”
As AYEC, founded in Malaysia in 2015, marks its 10th anniversary, this milestone reflects its evolution into a vital policy voice for youth under Asean’s economic pillar, she added.
