Empowering Young Entrepreneurs in Malaysia

Malaysian Young Entrepreneurs Association (MAYA) PERSATUAN USAHAWAN MUDA MALAYSIA is a private sector initiative by Malaysian Young Business Leaders below 45 years of age. It functions to activate & connect Malaysian young entrepreneurs with ASEAN market more effectively through official & regulated channels such as the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC).

MAYA promotes empowerment in business skills, regional market insight, services & innovation. Such connectivity will contribute significantly to the strengthening of the ASEAN single market and production base.

Connecting Malaysian young entrepreneurs with ASEAN markets through innovation, skills development, and strategic partnerships for a thriving business ecosystem.

grayscale photography of woman facing laptop computer
grayscale photography of woman facing laptop computer

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A short story about us

  • To empower young and emerging entrepreneurs in Malaysia, fostering a spirit of resilience, innovation, and adaptability that mirrors the strength of our nation’s entrepreneurial tiger.

  • To raise awareness among young entrepreneurs about the importance of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), highlighting Malaysia’s strategic role within it.

  • To encourage and promote cross-border business opportunities among ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs, working closely with the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC) to strengthen regional ties and collaborative ventures.

  • To serve as a beacon for ASEAN awareness, hosting impactful talks, forums, and workshops that inspire and inform entrepreneurs, equipping them to succeed within a rapidly evolving regional and global marketplace.

Objectives

Vision

"To build a proactive, visionary, and industrious community, positioning Malaysia as the regional hub for young entrepreneurs across ASEAN and beyond."

Mission

"Empowering Young Entrepreneurs to Lead in ASEAN Economic Integration."

Logo Rationale

The logo of the Malaysian Young Entrepreneurs Association (MAYA) is designed to embody the strength, resilience, and forward-thinking spirit of Malaysia's young entrepreneurs. The centrepiece of the logo is a stylised tiger, a powerful national symbol of Malaysia, representing the grit, courage, and determination that define our members. The tiger’s modern, streamlined design reflects innovation and adaptability—key qualities for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.

The name "MAYA" serves as both an acronym for the association and a word with deep cultural resonance. Rooted in Sanskrit, "Maya" can mean "illusion" or "magic" and is an alternate name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity and vision. This name reflects the creativity and ambition of Malaysian youth as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Together, the bold typography and sleek tiger icon convey a message of empowerment, vision, and leadership—qualities that are at the core of MAYA’s mission to elevate young entrepreneurs in Malaysia. This logo stands as a proud emblem of the organisation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, equipped to drive Malaysia’s future success.

Empowerment Projects

Connecting young entrepreneurs with ASEAN market opportunities and insights.

ASEAN Connectivity

Strengthening regional market for young entrepreneurs in Malaysia. As founding members of the AYEC, Malaysia also holds the secretariat in fostering ASEAN entrepreneurship.

Global Connectivity

In our interconnected world, global connectivity transcends geographical boundaries, allowing diverse cultures to engage and collaborate like never before. The rise of the internet and social media has revolutionised communication, fostering innovation and promoting cultural exchange across vast distances.

Deborah Melissa Bottreau

Founder & President

Founding Secretary General of AYEC

Chairwoman of AYWEC

1st President of the IAYEA (International Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs)

Dato Daniel Lee

Vice President & Secretary

Deputy Secretary General of AYEC

Ellice Ng

Vice President

Board Member, Malaysia of AYWEC

Adil Sayeed

Treasurer

MAYA Committee

YM Dato' Wan Ahmad Muadzam
Jimmy Lau
Lira Jamaluddin
Billy Ooi

Committee Members

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Connecting young Malaysian entrepreneurs with ASEAN markets for growth & beyond.