CHALLENGES ON ASIA
Despite Asia’s vas
opportunities, challenges remain
The most youthful region globally
It’s home to 60% of the world’s young generation.
Vast potential of digitized consumers
Asia’s consumer markets are quickly expanding and digitizing, supported by enthusiastic and tech-savvy customers.
Economic Inequality
Asia struggles with deep urban-rural and regional wealth gaps.
Climate change vulnerability
Asia is the most disaster-prone region in the world.
ASIA
ABOUT ASBF
Asia Small Business Federation
ASBF is a multi-nation organization in Asia that champions the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promotes them globally. As the representative body of small business organizations across Asian countries, ASBF fosters collaboration, shares best practices, and advocates for the interests of entrepreneurs and their businesses. Our initiatives include platforms such as the Asian Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (AYEC) and the BELLA Awards for Women Agripreneurs, which are dedicated to nurturing young innovators and empowering women in agribusiness.
Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Srilanka, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Mongolia, HongKong SAR
ABOUT ASBF
Asia Small Business Federation
The Asia Youth Entrepreneurs Competition (AYEC) is an initiative by the Asia Small Business Federation (ASBF) aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among high school and university students across its 13 member countries.
This online-based competition seeks to identify and nurture the best young entrepreneurs by providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative business ideas.
AYEC’s primary goal is to encourage and support youth in developing entrepreneurial skills, creating innovative business ideas, and becoming future leaders in the business world. The competition will also strengthen cross-cultural connections and collaboration among young entrepreneurs across Asia.
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
We are calling young students to tackle the challenges
There are two categories of participant in this competition
Members Countries:
COMPETITION STRUCTURE (1/2)
Each participant will compete in the national round first
Each ASBF members will be responsible for conducting the first phase of the competition
PHASE 1 – National Competitions
Early September to Mid-October 2025
Promotion and Registration
- Launch a campaign to promote the competition in high schools and universities.
- Open an online registration portal where students can submit their business ideas.
Submission of Business Ideas
Participants submit a business proposal that includes an executive summary, market analysis, business model, and financial plan.
Initial Screening
A panel of judges (comprising educators, entrepreneurs, and business professionals) reviews submissions and shortlists the top candidates for each category.
Pitching Round
Shortlisted candidates present their business ideas through an online pitch session.
National Champion Selection
Judges select the best team or individual in each category to represent the country at the regional finals.
Mentorship Program
National champions receive mentorship and feedback to refine their business ideas and presentation skills before the regional finals.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE (2/2)
Each participant will compete in the national round first
ASBF will be responsible for conducting the second phase of the competition
PHASE 2 – Regional Final (AYEC Asia) – before Colombo Meeting
End of October to Early November 2025
Preparation
National champions from each country prepare for the regional finals with guidance from mentors.
Awarding
Winners from both categories (High School and University) are
recognized as AYEC Asia Champions. Awards may include cash prizes,
scholarships, business incubation support, and mentorship opportunities.
Initial Screening
A panel of judges (comprising educators, entrepreneurs, and business professionals) reviews submissions and shortlists the top candidates for each category.
JUDGING FRAMEWORK & CRITERIA
Each participant will compete in the national round first
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CREATIVITY (20%)
- What It Means: How new, unique, or creative is your business idea?
- Why It Matters: Judges want to see fresh ideas that solve problems in a different or better way.
- 0-8: Idea is not unique, lacks creativity.
- 9-16: Moderately innovative, some unique aspects.
- 17-20: Highly innovative, a game-changing idea.
FEASIBILITY (35%)
- What It Means: Can your business idea work in the real world?
- Why It Matters: Even the best ideas need to be practical and possible to implement.
- 0-14: The Idea is unrealistic to implement.
- 15-28: Idea is feasible, with minor challenges
- 29-35: The idea is highly feasible and practical, with a clear plan.
MARKET POTENTIAL (20%)
- What It Means: How big is the market for your product or service? How many people would want to buy it?
- Why It Matters: Judges look for ideas that have a large or growing customer base.
- 0-8: Small or niche market, limited growth potential.
- 9-16: Moderate market size with growth opportunities.
- 17-20: Large market with high demand and growth potential.
FINANCIAL VIABILITY (25%)
- What It Means: Can your business make money and be profitable?
- Why It Matters: A good idea needs to be financially sustainable to succeed in the long term.
- 0-10: Financial plan is unclear, unlikely to be profitable.
- 11-18: Some profitability with potential risks.
- 19-25: Strong financial plan, high profitability.
AWARDING & MENTORING
The campions will get prize and mentorship opportunity
US$10.000 ++
This value may include cash rewards,
scholarships, business incubation support, and mentorship opportunities.*
Prepare Your Business for the Capital Market
Supported by:
OUR DISTINGUISH MENTORS
ABOUT ASBF
Asia Small Business Federation
Dare to Take the Challenges!