KUCHING: Sarawak entrepreneur Alan Chai Ming Lun, founder and chief executive officer of LEAVES ®️ Food Industries Sdn Bhd, has made the state proud after earning two national recognitions as one of the Top 10 Honourees for both the 2025 JCI Malaysia Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYM) and the JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (CYEA).
Chai received the TOYM recognition under the Business, Economic and Entrepreneurial Accomplishment category, alongside his selection as a Top 10 Creative Young Entrepreneur under CYEA 2025.
His achievement marks a significant milestone for Sarawak’s entrepreneurial scene, highlighting how innovation and cultural heritage can go hand in hand through his company’s signature creation — the Three-Layer Milk Tea (Teh C Peng) now recognised nationwide and abroad.
Expressing gratitude, Chai said the honour reflected the collective effort of his team, family, partners, and customers who supported his journey since the founding of LEAVES ®️ in 1997.
“All glory be to God. This recognition belongs not only to me but to everyone who has been part of this journey,” he said, adding that he aimed to continue innovating and celebrating Sarawak culture through his brand.
He described the awards as both an honour and a responsibility to inspire more young Sarawakians to pursue their dreams and bring pride to the state.
JCI Kuching, in a statement, commended Chai’s success, calling it a source of inspiration for the youth.
“Alan’s achievement is a great pride to JCI Kuching and to Sarawak. His success proves that young entrepreneurs from East Malaysia can shine on the national and global stage,” it said.
Established in 1997, LEAVES ®️ Food Industries has built a reputation as a pioneer in transforming local flavours into a commercial success story, turning the Three-Layer Milk Tea into a unifying symbol of Sarawak identity and innovation.
