Brewing Big Dreams: Nescafe pledges RM500,000 to empower youth ambition

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Nescafe (Malaysia) Bhd has launched a RM500,000 youth empowerment programme called “Projek Hidupkan Duniamu” to provide financial aid, mentorship, and exposure to young Malaysian entrepreneurs over six months. The initiative aims to level the playing field for aspiring youths by offering resources to turn their ideas into viable ventures, with applications opening on TikTok starting October 1.

Nescafe (Malaysia) Bhd, a subsidiary of Nestle, has committed RM500,000 to support young Malaysians through a new youth empowerment programme titled “Projek Hidupkan Duniamu.” The six-month initiative, which builds on the existing Nescafe Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (NYEP), aims to provide selected participants with financial aid, mentorship from industry experts, and platforms to showcase their projects.

The programme was officially launched during a six-day concourse event called “Hidupkan Duniamu Bersama Nescafe” held at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya from September 8 to 13. This initiative aligns with Nescafe’s global “Make Your World” philosophy and follows insights gathered from community outreach campaigns, including the “Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Bersemangat Bersama” efforts that engaged frontliners in airports, hospitals, and military bases nationwide.

At the launch, Nestle Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei chief executive officer Juan Aranols highlighted the resilience and dedication demonstrated by young Malaysians balancing education, career pressures, and financial responsibilities. He emphasized that while ambition is plentiful, access to opportunities is often the critical factor enabling success. Aranols expressed the company’s intention to equip youths with practical resources to develop meaningful ventures, stating that a good cup of coffee represents more than refreshment—it symbolizes connection and potential.

To apply for the programme, young Malaysians must submit a 60-second pitch video via TikTok starting October 1, coinciding with International Coffee Month. The video should articulate why they deserve a place in the initiative. Norkhayati Mohamed Hashini, Nestle Malaysia’s business executive officer for coffee, explained that the programme offers a comprehensive support system designed to nurture emerging talent. This includes direct financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for participants to share their experiences with younger generations.

Selected youths will receive financial assistance to allow greater focus on their ambitions, alongside hands-on guidance from seasoned professionals in relevant industries. The investment aims to create a more equitable pathway for young entrepreneurs to earn income and achieve their aspirations.

In addition to launching the programme, the Putrajaya concourse featured interactive zones and product tastings, showcasing new additions to Nescafe’s beverage lineup such as Nescafe Espresso Concentrate, Spanish Latte, and Tiramisu Latte. Celebrities Black Hanifah and Yusof Hashim made appearances during the event to engage with visitors.

Following its debut in Putrajaya, the roadshow is scheduled to visit other prominent retail locations, including Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya and Queensbay Mall in Penang. Interested youths can find submission details and eligibility criteria on Nescafe Malaysia’s official social media channels and website.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.