A decade after its inception as a modest platform for youth innovation, the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant and anticipated gatherings, symbolising Southeast Asia’s enduring entrepreneurial energy and regional unity.

The 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025, officiated by the Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, marked a major milestone for youth-led enterprise and ASEAN integration. Jointly organised by the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC), the Malaysian Young Entrepreneurs Association (MAYA), and the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), this year’s two-day event carried the theme “Connecting ASEAN, Creating Global Change.” The theme captured a shared aspiration to strengthen cross-border collaboration and nurture a borderless ecosystem for the region’s young business leaders.

In his address, Kamil praised the carnival’s continuous efforts in nurturing the next generation of ASEAN entrepreneurs. He emphasised that young business leaders are transforming the meaning of entrepreneurship by not only generating employment but also driving progress in sustainability, digitalisation, and social impact. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian government continues to prioritise youth empowerment and entrepreneurship within national and regional frameworks.

He highlighted initiatives such as the MADANI Economy Framework, the Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which reflect Malaysia’s commitment to building an inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable economy. He also acknowledged the contributions of key agencies such as SME Corp, MARA, MDEC, and MATRADE for their ongoing roles in supporting young entrepreneurs through financial assistance, mentorship, and international market access.

The landmark 10th edition brought together delegates from all ten ASEAN member states, as well as international partners and investors eager to explore new opportunities in trade and innovation. Through pitching sessions, mentorship clinics, and investor matching programmes, participants forged meaningful connections, turning innovative ideas into viable ventures and impactful collaborations.

Beyond business, the carnival served as a celebration of ASEAN’s diversity and creativity, highlighting youth-led initiatives in sustainable fashion, food innovation, and social enterprise. With an emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs, accelerating digital transformation, and promoting green innovation, the event showcased how ASEAN’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to grow stronger through inclusion and innovation.

AYEC 2025 Chairperson Deborah Melissa Bottreau, who also serves as the founding Secretary-General and Chairwoman of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC), described the carnival as more than a business platform, it is a movement shaping the future of the region. She noted that what began a decade ago with a focus on startups has now evolved into a regional effort to build sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. According to her, ASEAN’s young entrepreneurs are no longer just participants in the economy; they are redefining it.

The event was supported by the 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, the ASEAN-Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), as well as agencies such as MATRADE and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The participation of international partners such as the International Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Associations (IAYEA) and the China International Youth Exchange Center further reflected ASEAN’s expanding global footprint.

As AYEC, founded in Malaysia in 2015, celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to grow as a strong policy voice for youth under ASEAN’s economic pillar. Bottreau reaffirmed the council’s commitment to championing innovation-driven collaboration and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia.

Held at the MATRADE Hall from 15 to 16 October 2025, the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival stood as both a commemoration of a decade of progress and a pledge to keep ASEAN youthful, innovative, and united in shaping a better global future.