Excitement filled 1 Powerhouse, Bandar Utama, on 10 November as the Nescafé Youth Entrepreneurs Programme 2025 (NYEP 2025) concluded with the Grand Finale of its Nescafé Business Case Challenge. After six months of planning, brainstorming, and caffeine-fuelled nights, nine finalist teams from universities across Malaysia pitched their business ideas to a panel of industry leaders, including Nestlé Malaysia & Singapore CEO Juan Aranols.
The finalists were chosen from 1,400 student registrations spanning 44 universities. Their presentations were polished and boardroom-ready, showcasing creativity, entrepreneurial skill, and business acumen. Many participants came from non-business backgrounds but delivered their pitches with the confidence of seasoned entrepreneurs.
Emerging victorious was a team from Universiti Putra Malaysia, taking home RM15,000 and widespread recognition for their innovative approach, teamwork, and humor. First runner-up went to Kolej Yayasan UEM, winning RM10,000, while Universiti Malaya secured the second runner-up position, receiving RM7,000.
The event also included a TikTok challenge, which amassed 29 million views collectively, with Universiti Putra Malaysia’s video alone receiving 13 million views.
Beyond the prize money, the top six presenters earned fast-track access to Nestlé Malaysia’s Management Trainee Programme, highlighting the competition’s role in equipping students with real-world business skills.
Since its inception, NYEP has supported over 7,000 young entrepreneurs across 21 Malaysian universities, providing hands-on experience and mentorship to help them turn ideas into reality.
The 2025 finale not only celebrated innovation but also emphasised personal growth, resilience, and collaboration, reinforcing Nescafé’s commitment to empowering Malaysian youth.
