Malaysia and AYEC 2025: MAYA’s Vision for Empowering ASEAN’s Young Entrepreneurs

Malaysia and AYEC 2025: MAYA’s Vision for Empowering ASEAN’s Young Entrepreneurs

As Malaysia prepares to host the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival in 2025, the Malaysian Young Entrepreneurs Association (MAYA) is taking proactive steps to make this milestone year a transformative experience for young entrepreneurs across the region. With a decade of AYEC’s legacy to celebrate and an ambitious vision for the future, MAYA is poised to elevate the role of ASEAN youth in driving economic growth, regional integration, and innovative leadership.

In 2025, AYEC and MAYA will not only honor the achievements of the past ten years but will also set in motion new initiatives aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing business landscape. Under the theme “A Decade of Impact: Empowering the Future of ASEAN’s Young Entrepreneurs,” MAYA aims to establish Malaysia as the entrepreneurial hub for young leaders across ASEAN, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

Building Momentum: MAYA’s Strategic Objectives for AYEC 2025

MAYA’s leadership under Deborah Melissa Bottreau, who is both the President of MAYA and the founding Secretary General of AYEC, is centered on a vision of resilience, adaptability, and unity. As Malaysia steps into the AYEC Chairmanship for 2025, MAYA has set several strategic objectives that aim to empower young entrepreneurs:

1. Expanding Regional Awareness and Engagement
   One of MAYA’s core goals for the 10th anniversary is to deepen awareness about the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) among young entrepreneurs. By hosting workshops, forums, and networking events at the Carnival, MAYA aims to showcase the vast business opportunities available across ASEAN. This initiative will empower young entrepreneurs with knowledge about regional markets and encourage collaboration across borders.

2. Driving Regional Integration through Cross-Border Ventures
   In partnership with AYEC, MAYA plans to create a platform that facilitates joint ventures, partnerships, and trade opportunities among ASEAN youth. This initiative will build on existing networks and forge new alliances that enable young entrepreneurs to expand their reach beyond their own countries. Through this approach, MAYA hopes to foster a new era of economic integration and mutual growth in ASEAN.

3. Promoting Innovation and Adaptability through Education
   With the fast-evolving landscape of technology and business, MAYA is committed to equipping ASEAN youth with the skills they need to succeed. The establishment of a specialized Education & Training Committee will help drive continuous learning and mentorship, covering topics from digital transformation to sustainability. This initiative ensures that ASEAN entrepreneurs remain competitive and adaptable in a global economy.

4. Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem with Private Sector Partnerships
   Recognizing the importance of private sector support, MAYA and AYEC are working to attract industry leaders, investors, and multinational companies to actively participate in the ASEAN young entrepreneurs network. These partnerships will provide young entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and market insights, creating a robust ecosystem where innovation and growth can thrive.

The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival: A Vision of Unity and Growth

The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival, which will be hosted in Kuala Lumpur, promises to be a grand celebration of ASEAN unity, diversity, and ambition. Beyond the festivities, the Carnival will be a platform where young entrepreneurs can showcase their ideas, learn from industry leaders, and connect with like-minded peers. The event will feature a series of high-impact activities, including:

• Keynote Speeches and Panels
  Distinguished speakers from across ASEAN and beyond will share insights on topics such as sustainable business practices, digital innovation, and leadership. These sessions will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration, empowering young entrepreneurs to make meaningful contributions to ASEAN’s economic landscape.

• Interactive Workshops and Skill-Building Sessions
  MAYA will organize hands-on workshops covering essential entrepreneurial skills, from financial management and marketing to technological advancements and cross-cultural business practices. These sessions aim to equip young entrepreneurs with practical tools and strategies for success.

• AYEC Awards
  In line with AYEC’s mission to recognize and celebrate young leaders, MAYA will introduce the AYEC Awards as a highlight of the Carnival. This annual award will honor outstanding young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and social impact in their respective fields. The awards will reinforce AYEC’s commitment to elevating the profiles of ASEAN’s young business leaders.

MAYA’s Vision: Malaysia as the Regional Hub for Young Entrepreneurs

As AYEC enters its next decade, MAYA envisions Malaysia as the primary regional hub for young entrepreneurs across ASEAN. Guided by its objectives to empower, connect, and inspire, MAYA is working to position Malaysia as a center of entrepreneurial excellence where ASEAN’s youth can find the resources, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. This vision aligns with Malaysia’s ambition to be a catalyst for growth, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who are ready to tackle regional and global challenges.

Deborah Melissa Bottreau shared her vision for the future, stating, “MAYA and AYEC are committed to empowering young entrepreneurs in ASEAN with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. Through our work in Malaysia, we will build a community that leads with resilience, adaptability, and innovation.”

Towards a Decade of Lasting Impact

MAYA’s mission for 2025 goes beyond hosting a memorable anniversary celebration. It is about establishing a legacy of empowerment, one that will guide ASEAN’s young entrepreneurs toward sustainable, impactful, and inclusive growth. With a focus on ASEAN economic integration, education, and private sector engagement, MAYA and AYEC are setting the stage for a decade of transformative impact.

The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival will be an opportunity not only to reflect on the past but to lay the groundwork for the future. By aligning their objectives with the needs of young entrepreneurs, MAYA and AYEC are building a foundation that will strengthen ASEAN’s economic resilience, innovation, and unity.

As we look forward to 2025, Malaysia invites all ASEAN young entrepreneurs, leaders, and partners to join in this journey. Together, through dedication and collaboration, we will continue to shape the future of ASEAN and inspire a generation of young leaders who will carry forward the vision of a connected, thriving ASEAN community.