Build your ideas. Create impact.
Dare to take the challenges. Asia's online business competition for high school and university students.
Despite Asia's vast opportunities, challenges remain
The region is young, digital and fast growing, yet it faces deep structural problems.
The most youthful region
Home to 60% of the world's young generation.
Digitized consumers
Asia's consumer markets are expanding and digitizing, supported by enthusiastic, tech-savvy customers.
Economic inequality
Deep urban-rural and regional wealth gaps.
Climate vulnerability
Asia is the most disaster-prone region in the world.
About ASBF and AYEC
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, it fosters collaboration, shares best practices and advocates for entrepreneurs and their businesses.
Its initiatives include the Asian Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (AYEC) and the BELLA Awards for Women Agripreneurs, which nurture young innovators and empower women in agribusiness.
Country members
About AYEC 2025
The Asia Youth Entrepreneurs Competition is an ASBF initiative that fosters entrepreneurial spirit among high school and university students across its 13 member countries. The online competition identifies and nurtures the best young entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to showcase innovative business ideas.
Program objective
Help youth develop entrepreneurial skills, create innovative business ideas and become future business leaders, while strengthening cross-cultural connections among young entrepreneurs across Asia.
Target participants
Young students are invited to tackle the challenges. There are two categories.
High school student
- Aged 15–18 at the time of registration.
- Enrolled in a recognized high school or equivalent in an ASBF member country.
- Compete individually or in teams of up to 3 members from the same country.
- Able to communicate and present in English.
University student
- Aged up to 24 at the time of registration.
- Enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program in an ASBF member country.
- Compete individually or in teams of up to 3 members from the same country.
- Able to communicate and present in English.
Competition structure
Each participant competes in the national round first. National champions then advance to the regional final.
Phase 1: National competitions
Promotion and registration
Launch a campaign in high schools and universities, and open an online portal where students submit their business ideas.
Submission of business ideas
Participants submit a proposal with an executive summary, market analysis, business model and financial plan.
Initial screening
A panel of educators, entrepreneurs and business professionals reviews submissions and shortlists the top candidates in each category.
Pitching round
Shortlisted candidates present their ideas in 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 ideas and presentation skills.
Phase 2: Regional final (AYEC Asia)
Preparation
National champions prepare for the regional finals with guidance from mentors.
Awarding
Winners in both categories are recognized as AYEC Asia Champions. Awards may include cash prizes, scholarships, business incubation support and mentorship.
Judging framework and criteria
Entries are scored out of 100 across four criteria. Select a criterion to see its scoring bands.
Feasibility35%
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: Feasible, with minor challenges.
- 29–35: Highly feasible and practical, with a clear plan.
Financial viability25%
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.
Creativity20%
What it means: How new, unique or creative is your business idea?
Why it matters: Judges want fresh ideas that solve problems in a different or better way.
- 0–8: Not unique, lacks creativity.
- 9–16: Moderately innovative, some unique aspects.
- 17–20: Highly innovative, a game-changing idea.
Market potential20%
What it means: How big is the market, and how many people would want to buy it?
Why it matters: Judges look for a large or growing customer base.
- 0–8: Small or niche market, limited growth.
- 9–16: Moderate market size with growth opportunities.
- 17–20: Large market with high demand and growth potential.
Awarding and mentoring
Champions receive a prize and mentorship opportunities.
This value may include cash rewards, scholarships, business incubation support and mentorship opportunities.*
Our distinguished mentors
Hermawan Kartajaya
World marketing guru. Founder of ASBF. Founder and chair of MCorp.
Expert from Singapore*
To be announced
Expert from China*
To be announced
Expert from Japan*
To be announced
Program committee
Asia Small Business Federation
Diah Yusuf
Executive Director, ASBF
Condro Wibowo
International Division, ACSB Indonesia
Raditya Yuzril
International Division, ACSB Indonesia
Already competed? Use the "Check your certificate" link on the official AYEC page to look up your certificate.