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The launch ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Yang Berhormat Chiew Choon Man. Also in attendance were Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) Head of Secretariat Tuan Mohd Akbal Setia, representatives from MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia, ambassadors and high commissioners, diplomatic representatives, celebrity guests, strategic partners, collaborators, and members of the media.

“We are proud to see the private sector come together to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026 through a festival that is creative, inclusive, and youth-driven. The Asian Youth Festival, with its extensive and dynamic youth engagement programme, will contribute positively to tourism growth and position Malaysia as a vibrant cultural destination for young travellers across Asia. By uniting youth through shared passions, whether in sports, music, or digital culture, we are planting the seeds for long-term regional friendship and economic exchange.” said Yang Berhormat Chiew Choon Man.

Officially supported by MOTAC in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the festival will take place from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC).

For more than 40 years, Memories has remained a proudly Made-in-Malaysia brand, guided by the belief that Malaysia’s stories deserve to be told on the world stage. For us, this initiative extends far beyond youth development; it is about restoring our nation’s standing as a host that embraces diversity with dignity and warmth. This is why we championed the ‘Pop-In’ concept which positions Malaysia as the ultimate destination for everything visitors to Malaysia crave—connection, excitement, and opportunity. ‘Pop-In Malaysia’ is an invitation to step into a world where boundaries blur amidst the adrenaline of sports, the rhythm of music, the intrigue of multi cultures and the shared love of food. Through AYF 2026, we are building a shared narrative where our differences are celebrated, and where every young person in Asia finds their passion, their friends and their second home.” said Festival Co-Founder & Originator of Rainforest Youth Summit Marina Abdullah.

From day to night, AYF 2026 will transform MIECC into a living ecosystem of creativity, culture and collaboration. The three-day festival is expected to host thousands of participants, offering immersive experiences that transcend age by celebrating the lifestyle pillars that define modern Asia.

Spanning more than 1 million square feet, the festival will feature seven major zones, each curated to showcase a different facet of Asian lifestyle:
● Music Concerts: A universal language featuring live performances by rising stars and headline acts from across Asia.
● E-Sports Arena: A high-energy competitive zone featuring Mobile Legends tournaments that unite digital communities.
● ACG & TCG Zone: A creative playground for anime, comics, gaming, and cosplay enthusiasts.
● Fashion Street: A showcase of style and identity featuring streetwear brands and student designers.
● Asian Food Village: A culinary journey offering authentic and fusion flavours from ten themed streets, celebrating the region’s shared love for food.
● Youth Conversations: A hub for ideas, focusing on future leadership and innovation.
● Pickleball Tournament: Promoting health and active living through the Asian Pickleball Challenge.

With the support of all relevant ministries and partners, the Joint Venture stands firmly aligned with the national agenda to reinvigorate the country’s tourism appeal by merging traditional hospitality with modern youth culture. AYF 2026 links the warmth of a Malaysian welcome with the excitement of the festival, inviting our regional neighbours to ‘Pop-In’ to Malaysia and step directly into the pulse and energy of Asian youth lifestyle in line with the timeless spirit of Malaysia Truly Asia. It serves as a bridge between generations. It invites the region to not just visit, but to immerse themselves in a multicultural hub where diverse traditions meet modern creativity—proving that Malaysia remains the true heart of Asia.

The comprehensive festival programme and participant line-ups across all zones will be announced in due course.

For more information, please visit:

• Website: https://www.asianyouthfestival.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianyouthfestival/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asianyouthfestival

Festival Contact (Sponsorship & Collaboration):
Explorers World Ventures Sdn Bhd (1647743-K)
44 Jalan Penchala, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
hello@asianyouthfestival.com // +6012 3155294