MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #YouthEmpowerment

  • Asian Youth Festival 2026 Set to Unite Asia’s Youth in Landmark Celebration Supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026

    Asian Youth Festival 2026 Set to Unite Asia’s Youth in Landmark Celebration Supporting Visit Malaysia Year 2026

    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.

  • TCS Collaborates with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, and PERKESO to Equip 100 Malaysian Youths with Future-Ready Skills via KodeMyFuture

    TCS Collaborates with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, and PERKESO to Equip 100 Malaysian Youths with Future-Ready Skills via KodeMyFuture

    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, recently concluded the KodeMyFuture program, a flagship digital skills development initiative aimed at equipping Malaysia’s graduates with coding, problem-solving, and employability skills for the digital economy. The closing ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), alongside senior representatives from TCS and its partners, including Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and the Social Security Organization (PERKESO). Over three intensive days, nearly 100 carefully selected graduates from public universities participated in hands-on training across AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, supported by structured modules, industry mentoring, and real-world project exposure.

    Highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda emphasized that KodeMyFuture demonstrates how aligned efforts between government, academia, and industry can enhance graduate employability and create a future-ready talent pipeline to support Malaysia’s digital and economic transformation. Jeevan Rajoo, Country Head of TCS Malaysia, added that the program bridges the gap between education and employment, equipping youth with skills in high demand and providing them meaningful opportunities in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman of PERKESO and Anuar Fariz Fadzil of MDEC also highlighted the program’s role in future-proofing Malaysia’s workforce, fostering adaptability, and cultivating tech-savvy professionals capable of driving innovation across sectors.

    Celebrating success: YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of MOHE, and Mr Jeevan Rajoo, Country Head of TCS Malaysia, present a symbolic “100 job offers” mock certificates to graduates, marking placements at TCS and PERKESO and a direct bridge from training to employment.

    Launched under TCS’s global Purpose4Life initiative, KodeMyFuture represents a long-term commitment to digital education, inclusion, and sustainable growth. Beyond immediate employment opportunities, the program nurtures a generation of graduates who are ready to contribute to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a high-income, innovation-driven economy. By providing foundational and advanced digital skills, KodeMyFuture not only closes the skills gap but also empowers Malaysian youth to thrive in a future shaped by technology and innovation.

    KodeMyFuture exemplifies the power of public–private collaboration with MOHE, UiTM, MDEC, PERKESO and TCS working together to equip Malaysia’s youth with future-ready digital skills and strengthen the nation’s high-skilled talent pipeline.
  • Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    The Fun(d) for Life (FFL) programme continues to strengthen financial resilience among young Malaysians through engaging, student-driven learning experiences that make financial literacy practical, relevant, and enjoyable. Now entering its seventh edition, the programme has transformed the way financial education is delivered in schools through gamification, hands-on activities, and youth empowerment. Since its inception, FFL has reached more than 123,011 students nationwide, establishing itself as one of Malaysia’s most impactful financial literacy initiatives for school-aged learners.

    In conjunction with Financial Literacy Month this October, students across the country took part in school-level projects powered by RM500 micro-grants, allowing them to design and implement creative finance-themed initiatives within their communities. These projects ranged from budgeting carnivals in Sabah and peer-to-peer savings challenges in Kedah to awareness campaigns in schools and the creation of simple expense-tracking tools for classmates in Terengganu. From these efforts, 100 outstanding students were selected to form the inaugural FFL Student Council, representing schools nationwide and marking a significant milestone in student-led financial education.

    During the four-day FFL 2025 Summit, held at UTM Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Student Council members underwent facilitator training, conducted simulation workshops, and led interactive, gamified sessions focusing on budgeting, saving, smart spending, and financial protection. They also directly engaged with 100 students from the Klang Valley, modelling what it means to be peer advocates for financial literacy. This shift—from teacher-led lessons to youth-led advocacy—signals a meaningful evolution in the programme, empowering students to champion financial education within their schools and wider communities.

    Over the years, Fun(d) for Life has demonstrated that when financial learning is dynamic and participatory, students not only absorb knowledge—they take ownership of it. The establishment of the Student Council represents the next phase of this mission, fostering a generation of confident, capable, and financially savvy youth who can positively influence their peers over the long term. “Fun(d) for Life was designed to make finance feel relevant, practical, and doable,” said Alina Amir, Programme Lead. “This year’s Student Council shows what happens when we hand the mic to students: they model positive money habits, teach their peers through interactive sessions, and turn financial literacy into a culture in schools.”

    FFL’s efforts align with Malaysia’s national financial literacy agenda under Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Education, and the Financial Education Network (FEN). The programme contributes to the upward trend in the Malaysian Financial Literacy and Capability Index, which has risen from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, reflecting growing financial awareness nationwide. By embedding money management skills early, Fun(d) for Life plays a pivotal role in nurturing financially resilient future generations.

    Supported by FWD Takaful and Arus Academy since 2019, Fun(d) for Life continues its mission to build empowered young leaders and expand financial literacy across Malaysia. To follow the journey and stay updated on next year’s programme highlights, visit @fundfor.life on Instagram.

  • Malaysia Secures Third Straight Victory at the ASEAN Investment Challenge

    Malaysia Secures Third Straight Victory at the ASEAN Investment Challenge

    CGS International Securities Pte Ltd successfully wrapped up the third edition of its annual ASEAN Investment Challenge (AIC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur during the Securities Commission Malaysia’s ASEAN Capital Markets Forum. This year marked a significant milestone as the Philippines joined the competition for the first time, alongside teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Since April, the national teams competed for the regional title by presenting the strongest investment portfolios, culminating in a finale judged by representatives from NASDAQ, Singapore Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, Indonesia Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Philippines Stock Exchange, Securities Commission Malaysia, and CGS International.

    Aligned with the growing emphasis on sustainable finance, participants were required to include ESG-aligned stocks in their portfolios, integrating responsible investment principles into their strategies. After months of rigorous evaluation, Team Rever from Malaysia emerged as the champions, winning over S$22,000, while also being recognised by Yang Berhormat Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Malaysia’s Finance Minister 2. The top five placements were: Malaysia – Team Rever (International Islamic University Malaysia), Philippines – Team ABM Quant (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Thailand – Team ICU Associates (Mahidol University International College), Singapore – Team Retirement by 30 (Ngee Ann Polytechnic), and Indonesia – Team Liquid (Petra Christian University).

    The AIC 2025 offered participants hands-on exposure to capital markets, including mentorship from industry experts, access to CGS Academy’s e-learning platform, and demo trading accounts to practice investment strategies and risk management in real-world scenarios. Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International, highlighted the growing sophistication of teams and the continuity of past participants returning as mentors. She also noted initiatives like fractional share trading on Bursa Malaysia, which lowers barriers for new investors, reflecting CGS International’s commitment to financial literacy and inclusivity across ASEAN.

    Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability, praised the participants for their dedication over seven months of training and activities, noting how the program has inspired students to pursue careers in finance and capital markets. Many alumni, including past winners, have already joined CGS International in professional roles, demonstrating the program’s long-term impact. Winners Muhammad Eyzzul Helmi Bin Zul Ramli and Nik Atikah Hani Binti Nik Mohd Zaid from Team Rever expressed their gratitude, emphasizing how AIC allowed them to integrate sustainability principles with practical investing and gain cross-border collaboration experience.

    Since its launch in 2023, the AIC has engaged over 15,000 students from 500 institutions across the five participating ASEAN nations, establishing itself as a premier platform for financial literacy, sustainable investing, and youth empowerment. By combining education, mentorship, and practical trading experience, the program continues to nurture the next generation of confident and responsible investors across the region.