24-05-2025
Inspiring the leaders of tomorrow
Future forward: Yeoh (left) and Wong.
Youth Economic Forum 2025 set to take place July 18 at TAR UMT, Setapak
KUALA LUMPUR: The coming Youth Economic Forum 2025 will gather 300 university students and young professionals at TAR UMT's Setapak campus here, providing a platform to engage the next generation of changemakers.
Themed 'Young Professionals Shaping the Future Together', the July 18 event is aimed at bridging the aspirations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha with the realities of today's economic landscape in mind.
The full-day event will feature panel discussions, networking opportunities and insights from industry leaders.
Organising chairman Eric Yeoh said the forum was mooted for collaborative discussions between the TAR Alumni group and educational stakeholders on the need for a more unified and strategic platform to engage the younger generation.
'The TAR Alumni group is playing a key role in bringing this vision to life. This is more than just a conference.
'It's a community coming together to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and build the foundation for a more informed and inclusive future,' he said when contacted.
Yeoh said the specific target was university students – primarily from TAR UMT – as well as young working adults, many of whom are part of Gen Z.
He said besides sharing knowledge, the forum was to create bridges between generations, industries and aspirations.
'Gen Z lived through their first economic crisis during the Covid-19 lockdown. Gen Alpha were too young to fully understand it, but they are now entering adulthood in a world fundamentally changed by it. This forum is for them,' he said.
Yeoh said participants will engage with a wide range of topics designed to challenge and inspire. The programme will begin with opening remarks by TARC Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Tanjung Piai MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng is scheduled to deliver the closing remarks, while TAR UMT Board of Governors member Datuk Chong Sin Woon will address participants during the lunch session.
Forum executive adviser Dr Chris Daniel Wong said the speakers will include AI Specialist Ray Chung, IBPO Group Bhd chief technology officer Samuel Quek, Ata Plus (ECF Platform) founder Elaine Lockman, Oriental Kopi founder Datuk Calvin Chan, Vanilla Crepe founder Nelson Liew, Malaysia Venture Capital & Private Equity Association chairman Ng Saik Kit, Mental Health Management expert Shahidah Hamid and mental health trainer Lisha Bhaskaran.
There will be four substantive panel discussions. The first will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workforce, highlighting the shift from routine automation to the emergence of new roles such as AI ethicists and human AI interaction designers.
Yeoh said the panel will also discuss key skills, such as data literacy and emotional intelligence that young professionals must develop to stay relevant in an AI driven future.
The second panel will feature successful entrepreneurs sharing personal, candid accounts of building sustainable ventures from side hustles.
This session will offer practical financial strategies, insights into managing cash flow and the importance of setting realistic, measurable goals.
The third discussion will offer an insider's perspective on venture capital, guiding participants through the fundraising process from seed stage to Series B.
Yeoh said the final panel will address the growing issue of mental resilience in the context of hustle culture, by examining the psychological effects of chronic overwork, among others.
The forum, to be conducted in English, has an entry fee of RM60 which includes lunch and tea breaks.
The organising committee is targeting a balanced audience of about 150 university students and 150 young working adults. For details, visit
