Muhammad Asmawi Sulaiman and Esther Ezhil Nanggai showing off the trophies they received after being named the men's and women's National Prime Minister's Youth Award 2024 winners on Saturday (May 25). - Photo: Bernama:
MELAKA: For founding three types of social enterprises that have an economic impact on the local community, especially the young people, Muhammad Asmawi Sulaiman, 29, was awarded the 2024 National Prime Minister's Youth Award (APBN) in the male individual category.
To further his desire in youth organisation activities even during his university days, he boldly took a RM40,000 loan to start a business which grew to four branches around Pahang.
He said the company's main activities are selling second-hand goods, charity sales to raise funds which are channeled to youth economic development programmes that needed help besides providing wedding venues for young couples at affordable prices.
"So far we have helped 50 couples hold their weddings by offering a much cheaper package of around RM5,000 to help ease their burden.
"As I don't want to expect too much funds from the government, agencies and corporations to help the community, I tried to get a loan but I am very grateful because the social enterprises are showing results besides receiving support from various parties," he told reporters here Saturday (May 25).
Earlier, he received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in conjunction with the national level National Youth Day (HBN) 2024 at Dataran Pahlawan here and took home a trophy along with RM20,000 in cash.
The business run by Muhammad Asmawi, also provides 20 job opportunities for local youth besides donating 41.5% of its business revenue amounting to RM119,800 back to the community through the implementation of youth development activities.
Meanwhile, the winner of the women's individual category, Esther Ezhil Nanggai, 21, said she did not expect her name to be announced as the first place winner because she saw that the competition for the category was fierce and had many talented youth leaders.
According to Esther, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and International Studies at the Universiti Malaya, her experience of being active in youth organisations since school had given her many opportunities to explore various fields including community activities.
"This is the biggest award I have ever received and will augur well for my journey in the field of youth organisations," she said. - Bernama
