SUCCESS OF MALAYSIA’S INDUSTRIAL PLAN HINGES ON BOLD YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS – TENGKU ZAFRUL
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- The success of Malaysia’s ambitious New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 will depend on the boldness and resilience of the nation's youth entrepreneurs, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Tengku Zafrul said the NIMP 2030 aims to position Malaysia as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, green technology, digital innovation, and high-value services, with its success relying not only on government policies but also on the bold actions of entrepreneurs.
“It relies on you—the passionate changemakers, the problem-solvers, and the visionaries who are willing to take bold steps to transform ideas into reality.
“Entrepreneurs like you are the driving force behind our economic growth, and your contributions will determine how far we can go as a nation,” he said during his speech at the JCI Inspire Fest 2025.
JCI Inspire Fest 2025 is a three-day festival celebrating youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in Malaysia, held from April 18 to 20, 2025, at Sunway Velocity Mall's Main Atrium in Kuala Lumpur, and organised by JCI Entrepreneur Metropolitan (JCI E-Metro) and Radiant Code Sdn Bhd.
Addressing a wide range of young entrepreneurs at the event, the minister said Malaysian youth are not only part of a national movement but also at the core of a regional powerhouse of youth-driven progress, with ASEAN home to nearly 700 million people – 300 million of them young.
“This makes ASEAN one of the most youthful and dynamic regions in the world, with immense potential for innovation, economic growth, and social transformation.
“Your energy, innovative thinking, and technological savvy position you to drive this growth, foster innovation, and lead the charge in addressing global challenges," he said.
Touching on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, Zafrul emphasised the themes of inclusivity and sustainability.
“These two principles are at the core of our vision for the region. We believe that by harnessing the power of our youth and focusing on inclusive and sustainable development, we can create a more prosperous, resilient, and equitable ASEAN for all,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul further encouraged young entrepreneurs to think beyond individual success, stressing the importance of creating value for society.
“Whether it is through job creation, community development, or innovative solutions to pressing challenges, your work has the power to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“Together, let’s embrace the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose by leveraging the strength of our diversity, the power of our ideas, and the resilience of our entrepreneurial spirit to build a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for Malaysia and ASEAN,” he added.
--BERNAMA
