ASIAN YOUTH FESTIVAL 2026 was officially launched at Saloma Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with Memories Entertainment Sdn Bhd. This is a Malaysian homegrown creative and experiential company renowned for delivering large-scale national and international platforms that elevate local brands, culture, and talent onto the global stage.
ASIAN YOUTH FESTIVAL 2026
The launch ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Yang Berhormat Chiew Choon Man, and attended by Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) Head of Secretariat Tuan Mohd Akbal Setia.
Also representatives from MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia, ambassadors and high commissioners, diplomatic corps, celebrity guests, strategic partners, collaborators, and members of the media.
MALAYSIA’S TOURISM ECOSYSTEM
In his officiating remarks, Yang Berhormat Chiew Choon Man expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the role of youth-led festivals in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.
“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 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 such as sports, music, and digital culture, we are planting the seeds for long-term regional friendship and economic exchange,”
-share Yang Berhormat Chiew Choon Man
SUPPORTED BY MOTAC
Officially supported by MOTAC in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, AYF 2026 will take place from 10 to 12 July 2026 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC).
For more than four decades, Memories Entertainment has remained proudly Made-in-Malaysia, driven by the belief that Malaysian stories deserve a place on the world stage. This initiative goes beyond youth development, aiming to reaffirm Malaysia’s position as a welcoming, diverse, and culturally rich host nation.
POP IN MALAYSIA
Central to the festival is the ‘Pop-In Malaysia’ concept, positioning the country as the ultimate destination for connection, excitement, and opportunity. The concept invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where boundaries blur—through the adrenaline of sports, the rhythm of music, the vibrancy of multicultural expression, and a shared love for food.
“Through AYF 2026, we are building a shared narrative where differences are celebrated, and where every young person in Asia can find their passion, their community, and their second home,”
-said Festival Co-Founder and Originator of the Rainforest Youth Summit, Marina Abdullah.
THREE DAY FESTIVAL
From day to night, AYF 2026 will transform MIECC into a living ecosystem of creativity, culture, and collaboration. Spanning more than one million square feet, the three-day festival is expected to attract thousands of participants and visitors from across the region, offering immersive experiences that reflect the lifestyle pillars shaping modern Asia.
SEVEN MAJOR ZONES
The festival will feature seven major zones, each curated to showcase a unique aspect of Asian youth culture:
✔ Music Concerts — Live performances by rising stars and headline acts from across Asia
✔ E-Sports Arena — High-energy Mobile Legends tournaments uniting digital communities
✔ ACG & TCG Zone — A creative hub for anime, comics, gaming, and cosplay enthusiasts
✔ Fashion Street — A celebration of style and identity featuring streetwear brands and student designers
✔ Asian Food Village — A culinary journey across ten themed streets offering authentic and fusion flavours
✔ Youth Conversations — A platform for dialogue on leadership, innovation, and the future
✔ Pickleball Tournament — Promoting health and active living through the Asian Pickleball Challenge
Aligned with the national tourism agenda, AYF 2026 merges Malaysia’s traditional hospitality with contemporary youth culture. The festival invites regional neighbours to “Pop-In” to Malaysia and experience the pulse of Asian youth lifestyle—reinforcing the enduring spirit of Malaysia Truly Asia.
The full festival programme and participant line-ups across all zones will be announced in due course.
For more information, please visit:
