Empowering and Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders Worldwide
The World Youth Achievement Records (WYAR) initiative, co-founded by Eldrick Koh and Gillian Ooi, stands as a transformative global platform dedicated to honoring and empowering young achievers. WYAR extends its vision to celebrate youth excellence across borders, highlighting accomplishments in both academic and non-academic fields.
A Journey from Regional to Global Impact
Launched as Youth Achievement Records in September 2023 during the ASEAN Future Generations Business Forum in Jakarta, this initiative was unveiled alongside YB Adam Adli, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports. Youth Achievement Records quickly gained traction, spotlighting exceptional accomplishments across Southeast Asia.
On November 14, 2024, during the ASEAN Festival’s opening event, the initiative was officially rebranded as World Youth Achievement Records (WYAR), symbolizing its evolution into a global platform. The rebranding, witnessed by representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia, underscores WYAR’s mission to inspire and empower youth worldwide.
What Sets WYAR Apart?
WYAR’s commitment to celebrating achievement goes beyond traditional awards. The platform emphasizes objective, measurable records, verified through clear milestones to ensure credibility, relevance, and timelessness. WYAR serves as a global benchmark for excellence, celebrating the innovation, dedication, and impact of young individuals with integrity.
WYAR honors achievers across two categories:
- Commercial Records: Recognizing young professionals driving industry innovation and making significant contributions to global markets.
- Non-Commercial Records: Celebrating achievements in underrepresented areas, fostering mentorship and growth through the “Youth Brings Youth” principle, where seasoned achievers mentor emerging talents.
Building a Global Community of Young Leaders
WYAR envisions a dynamic global network of young achievers united by a shared mission to inspire, empower, and create positive change. Over the next decade, WYAR aims to connect millions of young individuals, fostering collaboration and encouraging excellence that transcends boundaries.
Backed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia, WYAR positions itself as a credible and empowering symbol for the next generation of leaders, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
Youth Achievement Records Holders
Alvin Bong Yong Zhi
Youngest Entrepreneur to Lead the Development of 150 F&B Outlets Featuring Diverse Cuisine Concepts Across Malaysia Since Age 22
Austin Lim Kean Seang
Malaysia’s Youngest Agricultural Executive Director (age 28) Launches Nation’s Largest Biomass-Based Fertilizer Facility (2,259 sqm, 30,000 Metric Tons Annual Capacity), Expanding to 10 International Markets in 3 Years
Daqueenna Kandice Luis
First and Youngest Indonesian to Achieve the Highest Overall Score of 1,550 at Age 14 in All Categories at ADEX International Mermaid Competition, Sabah 2023
Jason Teo Giin Liang
First Malaysian Founder of a Commercial Earthworm Farm to Achieve Monthly Vermicast Production Exceeding 10 Tons
Jimmy Yeap Thye Liang
Youngest Founder to Establish a Comprehensive AIoT-Enabled Senior Care Ecosystem with Six Centers Across Malaysia (Starting at Age 24)
Joe Chew Thong Yao
First Malaysian Youth to Hold Dual Roles as Global Teen Ocean Ambassador and Sustainable Fashion Ocean Ambassador, Active in Ocean Conservation Since Age 8
Leng Yein
First Malaysian Female DJ to Perform in Over 30 Countries Since 2013
Marcus Chew Phai Hau
Founder of Malaysia’s Largest Mandarin-Based Retail Management Academy with Over 13,131 Students in a year and Achieving 391% Revenue Growth in Three Years (2022–2024)
Melinda Lee Chen Ling
First Kids’ Modeling Coach to Lead 111 Students to International Fashion Weeks and Competitions in 10 Countries Over 2 Years (2023-2024)
Muhamad Amriul Bin Amran
Youngest Director in Malaysia’s Timber Industry to Achieve 40% Efficiency Increase through Automated Sawmill Technologies in Own Company by Age 27
Sharina Richie
First and Youngest Malaysian Female Drifter at Age 19 to Acquire and Customize a Nissan 350Z Specifically for Professional Drifting
Dr. Shane Tan Wei Shang
First Founder to launch an online Scientific Parenting Program in Malaysia, educating 384,500 people nationwide since 2019.
Tham Hock Peng
Fourth-Generation Owner of Malaysia’s Longest-Running Family-Owned Kopitiam, Preserving a Family Coffee Recipe Since 1929
Founder’s Vision
“WYAR was born from the idea that young people under 40 hold incredible potential to change the world. This initiative is not just about records; it’s about recognizing the resilience, innovation, and passion that define today’s youth. WYAR aims to inspire young individuals to dream boldly, push boundaries, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Together, we can build a future driven by youth empowerment and shared excellence.”
– Gillian Ooi, Co-Founder, WYAR
