Explorers World Ventures Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian-based tourism and events company committed to promoting Asia’s rich cultural diversity and lifestyle through immersive experiences, officially announced the Asian Youth Festival 2026 during its grand launch ceremony and press conference held at Saloma Kuala Lumpur. The large-scale youth-centric festival is set to take place from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), Sungai Besi, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
The launch event was officiated by the Honourable Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, and attended by Visit Malaysia Year 2026 Head of Secretariat Tuan Mohd Akbal Setia, representatives from MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia, dignitaries, celebrity guests, strategic partners, collaborators, and members of the media. In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister commended the private sector’s proactive role in supporting VMY2026, highlighting the Asian Youth Festival as a timely initiative poised to energize Malaysia’s tourism landscape through youth engagement.
Officially supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), the Asian Youth Festival 2026 is envisioned as a multi-vertical, large-scale platform designed to unite Asian youth under one roof. Spanning more than 1.2 million square feet, the festival aims to foster creativity, inclusivity, and regional friendship while inspiring the next generation to lead with innovation, passion, and cultural pride. The festival also positions Malaysia as the cultural hub of Asia by showcasing the best of Asian food, fashion, entertainment, digital culture, and lifestyle experiences.
Festival co-founders Chris Avinash and Marina Abdullah shared that Asian Youth Festival 2026 goes beyond entertainment, serving as a collaborative platform created by youth for youth. The three-day festival will transform the venue into a dynamic hub of creativity and connection, featuring live performances, pop-up booths, international guests, interactive sessions, tournaments, and immersive cultural showcases that reflect the vibrant spirit of Asia’s youth culture.
Seven major themed zones will anchor the festival experience, including live music concerts featuring performers from across Asia, an e-Sports Arena hosting competitive Mobile Legends tournaments, and an ACG & TCG Zone dedicated to cosplay, collectibles, and trading card games. Fashion enthusiasts can explore the Fashion Street showcasing streetwear and emerging designers, while the Asian Food Village will present ten themed streets offering authentic and fusion cuisines from across the continent. The Youth Engagement Zone will host talks, workshops, and future-focused discussions on leadership and entrepreneurship, complemented by the Asian Pickleball Challenge, adding a sporting dimension to the festival.
The Asian Youth Festival is presented by Explorers World Ventures as the festival owner and strategic tourism platform, in partnership with Memories Entertainment as the official festival partner and production collaborator. Leveraging Explorers World Ventures’ extensive tourism ecosystem and Memories Entertainment’s expertise in large-scale event production and creative execution, the organizers aim to establish the Asian Youth Festival as a flagship annual event that not only celebrates youth culture but also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a premier regional tourism and cultural destination.
