MITI Minister Launches Inspire Entrepreneur Day, Urges Young Malaysians to Lead with Purpose
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 – The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, officially launched Inspire Entrepreneur Day at Sunway Velocity Mall today, kicking off JCI Inspire Fest 2025—a three-day national festival dedicated to empowering Malaysian youth through entrepreneurship, leadership, and sustainability.
Jointly organised by JCI Entrepreneur Metropolitan (JCI E-Metro) and Radiant, the festival is themed “Young Hands, Leading Change, Building Tomorrow”, and features award-winning entrepreneurs, sustainable innovators, and youth leaders making waves locally and globally.
Driving Youth Entrepreneurship for Economic Resilience
In his keynote address, Tengku Zafrul emphasised the critical role youth play in shaping a high-value, inclusive, and sustainable economy—echoing Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme for 2025: “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
“The energy I see here today reflects Malaysia’s greatest strength—our youth. You are not just the future of our nation; you are the driving force behind our economic growth and resilience,” he said.
The Minister outlined key initiatives under MITI’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which are creating new avenues for youth-led businesses to expand regionally and globally. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to drive value creation not only for personal success, but for societal and environmental good.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about individual achievement; it’s about creating value for society. Your work has the power to shape the future of Malaysia and ASEAN,” he added.
Spotlighting Malaysia’s Rising Changemakers
JCI Inspire Fest 2025 serves as a national platform to spotlight the accomplishments of young Malaysians, especially those recognised through JCI’s prestigious awards, including:
- TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians)
- CYEA (Creative Young Entrepreneur Award)
- SDA (Sustainable Development Award)
In his opening remarks, Organising Chairman Mr. Friday Chua expressed concern that many globally acclaimed Malaysian talents remain under-recognised on home soil.
“This event is about celebrating the resilience and innovation of Malaysia’s youth,” said Mr. Chua. “We’re not just hosting a festival — we’re building a movement to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of nation-builders.”
Featured Companies and Initiatives
Inspire Entrepreneur Day showcased outstanding local brands and startups, including:
- SATEERA – A biotech firm with a patented wellness formula recognised in 14 countries
- Vanzo Holdings Berhad – A publicly listed lifestyle brand expanding across Asia
- ECO Foodsoft – A sustainability-focused startup revolutionising organic waste and soil health
- CTOS, Shoploooh, SBK Coffee, SBH Financial Consultancy – Showcasing innovation, digital savvy, and financial literacy among Malaysia’s youth entrepreneurs
Mr. Chua also highlighted JCI E-Metro’s flagship environmental initiative, i-Green Warriors, a bold campaign to plant 1 million trees across 10 countries in 5 years, driven entirely by youth leadership.
Showcase and Engagement
To conclude the day, YB Tengku Zafrul toured the JCI Award Winners’ Product & Services Showcase, engaging directly with young entrepreneurs at booths including CTOS, SBH Financial Consultancy, SBK Coffee, VANZO, Mins Studio, and Rurutiki.
