As part of Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing and empowering the nation’s youth, the 2025 edition of the NESCAFÉ Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (NYEP) Business Case Challenge concluded with an exciting Grand Finale that celebrated the creativity, confidence and entrepreneurial spirit of university students from across the country. The programme, now in its second year, continues to evolve beyond a traditional student competition into a real-world business platform where young talents pitch their million-dollar ideas directly to Nestlé Malaysia’s leadership team, showcasing innovation, strategic thinking and the ambition to make a lasting impact on Malaysia’s most-loved coffee brand.
Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore, emphasized the company’s focus on youth development, stating that the NESCAFÉ Youth Entrepreneurship Programme reflects Nestlé’s strong belief in the potential of Malaysian youth. By offering a platform for innovation, learning and idea sharing, Nestlé is investing in the nation’s future. Through the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, the company continues to create opportunities for young people to gain meaningful experience, develop critical skills and explore pathways that prepare them for success in an increasingly dynamic world.
Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore, presenting the winners of the NESCAFÉ Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (NYEP) 2025 from University Putra Malaysia with the RM15,000 grand prize for their bold and innovative business pitch.
This year’s challenge encouraged students to reimagine how NESCAFÉ can create new coffee moments and build deeper connections with young Malaysians, driving both brand appeal among new consumers and greater enjoyment among existing drinkers. The 2025 edition attracted an impressive 1,400 registrations from 44 universities nationwide, tripling the participation seen the previous year. After six months of mentorship and business case development, nine finalist teams advanced to the Grand Finale, competing for a total of RM32,000 in cash prizes.
During the finale, the teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges comprising members of the Nestlé Leadership Team and industry professionals. Following a dynamic and inspiring round of pitches, the team Nescafé Ais Ikat Tepi Kaw Kaw Kautim from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) emerged as the Grand Prize winner, taking home RM15,000. Their winning concept impressed the judges with its originality and strong potential to expand NESCAFÉ’s reach among young Malaysians. The First Runner-Up team from Kolej Yayasan UEM (KYUEM) and the Second Runner-Up team from the University of Malaya (UM) were awarded RM10,000 and RM7,000 respectively.
The top three teams of NYEP 2025 celebrate their achievements alongside the panel of judges for the NYEP 2025 Grand Finale.
Raef Labaki, Business Executive Officer for Coffee and Marketing Communications Director at Nestlé Malaysia, shared that the company continues to be inspired by the creativity and entrepreneurial drive of Malaysian youth. He highlighted that NYEP provides students with an opportunity to transform their ideas into actionable business concepts that can shape how the brand connects with the next generation of coffee enthusiasts, making it deeply rewarding to witness their passion and ingenuity come to life.
Representing the winning team, Zayn Po from UPM reflected on the experience, acknowledging the challenges of balancing the competition with industrial placements and team coordination. He shared that the journey pushed the team to quickly upskill in AI and analytical tools, enabling them to develop a well-rounded submission. He added that the mentorship sessions played a crucial role in providing clarity, direction and the confidence to strengthen their ideas.
Unlocking the potential of young Malaysian entrepreneurs – The nine finalist teams representing universities across Malaysia and the judging panel of the NYEP 2025 Grand Finale, celebrating six months of mentorship and bold idea.
Since its inception in 2016, the NESCAFÉ Youth Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered thousands of young Malaysians through hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to real-world business challenges. Today, it stands as a key pillar under the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, continuing its mission to equip Malaysian youth with the skills, experiences and opportunities needed to shape a brighter future.
