Two of Malaysia’s most influential cultural icons — Diana Danielle and Joe Flizzow — took centre stage at the 10th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2025, where they were honoured for their remarkable contributions that bridge creativity, business, and community impact in Kuala Lumpur.
Diana Danielle received the Outstanding Content Creator and Performing Artist Award, while Joe Flizzow was recognised as the Outstanding Hip Hop Entrepreneur, celebrating their success in blending artistic passion with entrepreneurial excellence — and inspiring a generation of creative professionals across ASEAN.
Graced by His Highness Tengku Arif Bendahara of Pahang and Her Highness Tengku Natasya, the glittering ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at MATRADE Kuala Lumpur marked a decade of the region’s most dynamic platform for youth-led innovation and creative enterprise. The event was officiated by YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, and attended by dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and youth leaders from across Southeast Asia.
What began ten years ago as a modest platform for youth innovation has grown into one of ASEAN’s most anticipated entrepreneurial gatherings — a celebration of creativity, culture, and business leadership under the theme “Connecting ASEAN, Creating Global Change.”
A beloved actress and digital storyteller, Diana Danielle was recognised for her evolution from screen star to multi-platform creative entrepreneur. Her commitment to producing authentic, meaningful content has inspired millions and brought attention to social and mental health issues close to her heart — showcasing the rising influence of Malaysia’s creative industry.
Meanwhile, Joe Flizzow — hip hop legend, mentor, and entrepreneur — was celebrated for his visionary role in shaping Malaysia’s urban music scene and elevating it onto the regional stage. Through Kartel Records, mentorship programmes, and cross-border collaborations, Joe continues to drive Southeast Asia’s creative economy forward, proving that music and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand.
“Diana and Joe embody the spirit of ASEAN’s next generation — fearless, creative, and globally minded,” said Deborah Melissa Bottreau, Chairperson of AYEC 2025 and Founding Chairwoman of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC). “They prove that culture and commerce can work together to inspire real regional change.”
Supported by Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), MITI, ASEAN-BAC, MATRADE, MIDA, and the ASEAN Secretariat, this milestone edition marks a decade of AYEC’s evolution — from a startup initiative in 2015 to a powerful regional movement driving youth innovation, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship.
As the night celebrated both business excellence and artistic innovation, one message resonated throughout the hall — the future of ASEAN lies not only in technology and trade, but in the power of storytelling, creativity, and culture.
About ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council
The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC) is the official voice of young entrepreneurs within ASEAN’s policy-making framework. Established in 2015 and launched in Kuala Lumpur, AYEC unites government-endorsed young entrepreneur associations from all ten ASEAN Member States, connecting them with the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to advance innovation and regional economic integration. It also oversees flagship initiatives such as the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival and the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club (AYWEC), fostering cross-border collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across ASEAN’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more info, visit AYEC website at ayec.org or their official pages on Facebook and Instagram (@aseanyec).
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