What began ten years ago as a platform for youth innovation has evolved into one of ASEAN’s most anticipated gatherings, a glowing reflection of Southeast Asia’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit.
Officiated by the Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025 marked 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 carries the theme “Connecting ASEAN, Creating Global Change,” reflecting the shared ambition of building a borderless ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs across the region.
In his opening address, Kamil commended the carnival’s role in nurturing ASEAN’s next generation of business leaders. “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. “That is why the Malaysian government, under the leadership of YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, places great importance on youth development and entrepreneurship as part of our national and regional agenda.”
“Through initiatives such as the MADANI Economy Framework, Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), and New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Malaysia is creating a more inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable economy,” he added, highlighting the work of government agencies such as SME Corp, MARA, MDEC, and MATRADE whose roles include 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 all ten ASEAN countries, alongside 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 values inclusion as much as growth.
“This is more than a business event; it’s about shaping the region’s future,” said Deborah Melissa Bottreau, AYEC 2025 Chairperson, who is also the founding Secretary-General and Chairwoman of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC). “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.”
Supported by Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Co-operative Development (KUSKOP), the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and agencies such as Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the carnival represents a joint commitment to strengthen youth entrepreneurship and regional cooperation. International partners including the International Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Associations (IAYEA) and the China International Youth Exchange Center underscored ASEAN’s growing global presence.
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. “Looking ahead, we will continue to champion innovation-led collaboration and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia,” added Bottreau.
The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival, held at the MATRADE Hall from 15 to 16 October 2025, stands as both a celebration and a commitment to keep ASEAN young, entrepreneurial, and united in driving global change.
Source: ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council