MIRI: Three young leaders have been selected to represent the country in the China-ASEAN Young Leader Growth initiative, joining 29 peers from across Southeast Asia and China.
The announcement was made recently during the China-ASEAN Young Leaders Roundtable Forum, held alongside the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), where certificates of recognition were presented by ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and Party Secretary of Guangxi, Chen Gang.
The three Malaysians are: Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, Managing Director of Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd, from Miri;
Chua Sern Teen, Chief Executive Officer of Smarter Solution Edge Sdn Bhd; and Tan E. Yang, Secretary-General of the Young Entrepreneurs Committee, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce
Their selection underscores Malaysia’s growing reputation for producing dynamic young leaders in business, entrepreneurship and corporate affairs.
“I feel truly grateful for this opportunity to represent Malaysia. This platform allows me to learn from some of the region’s best young leaders and, more importantly, to bring home new knowledge and perspectives that can drive growth, innovation and community development in Malaysia,” said Hafidz.
The two-year programme offers participants a “five-in-one” structure: from trade and economic forums to collaborative research projects, hands-on workshops, industry dialogues, and community-based initiatives.
Later phases will include thematic research, policy seminars, and participation in international expos and forums such as the Young Entrepreneurs Assembly and the Green Youth Ambassadors Dialogue.
The emphasis is on preparing a new generation of leaders who can navigate shared challenges and strengthen ASEAN-China ties.
In his keynote address, Dr Kao stressed the central role of young people in shaping the region’s future.
He highlighted ASEAN’s 2045 Community Vision, which aspires to build a peaceful, sustainable and inclusive region with youth at its core as innovators, changemakers and leaders.
Malaysia’s three representatives are expected to play their parts in this vision, bringing fresh energy and insight to strengthen people-to-people ties and drive inclusive growth.
