Young Enterprise Program

The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) introduced the Young Enterprise Program as a community service project in 1989.

The purpose of the program is to give 16 year old students an opportunity to become entrepreneurs, by creating and managing their own companies. In doing so, these future leaders will gain valuable skills in business acumen, teamwork, and other areas.

This worthy program has been running continuously for the past 23 years, benefiting more than 18,000 Malaysian students. AMCHAM remains committed to supporting and expanding this program to reach as many students as possible.

AMCHAM is a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JA), the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literary through experiential, hands-on programs.

What is Young Enterprise?

Young Enterprise is an innovative, extra-curricular activity for secondary school students who are selected to form a 'mini' company at school. The students, called "Achievers," learn to translate economic theories into real business, and to discover for themselves what enterprise really means. Achievers experience the complete business cycle, from capitalization to voluntary liquidation, gaining an understanding of basic economics and how business works.

They are also given the privilege of operating a real corporate bank account through a participating bank.

Twenty-five Achievers are selected from each participating school. They spend two hours a week with a team of advisors from their sponsor company, in order to learn how to run a business. The advisors neither instruct nor direct; they let the Achievers discover for themselves how to manage their own companies.

Achievers learn about their own abilities and skills, and gain better insights into career opportunities in the corporate world. Young Enterprise also encourages Achievers to communicate in English, further enhancing their ability to compete in today's fiercely-competitive global marketplace.

Program Features

• The YE Program is recognized and supported by the Ministry of Education.
• Achievers and advisors gain hands-on business experience.
• Advisors have the opportunity to mentor youth and to enable them to gain a better understanding of business.
• Sponsor companies can choose which school(s) they would like to work with.
• No funding is given to the school or students.
• The program duration is one year.

Corporate Sponsors

Roles

The YE Program is driven by sponsor companies, which help to provide practical opportunities for students to gain an understanding of the role of an entrepreneur. Each sponsor company will provide at least four advisors, representing a broad cross-section of the various business disciplines (e.g., finance, administration, marketing, production, etc.)

Benefits

The YE Program will help create a better awareness and to foster a positive image of sponsor companies within the local community. Achievers will have the opportunity to learn about their advisors' organization and its products/services, while developing their leadership and team-building skills. The program will also give advisors an opportunity to engage with students and to share their corporate business experience with these young leaders.

Investment cost to the Sponsor Company

An annual administration fee of RM3,500 (MAEI Member – Malaysian American Electronics Industry), RM7,000 (for an AMCHAM Member) and RM10,000 (for non AMCHAM member) is payable to AMCHAM. Transportation expenses and man-hour costs of your advisors. Supporting your advisors to the mid-year Advisors conference.

Any expenses to build goodwill and rapport with your school and students.

Role of the Advisor

The advisors from the sponsor company may be appointed or can also be volunteers. It is not necessary to select a member of the senior management team as an advisor. Advisors should have good knowledge of his/her specific field or job, can communicate effectively, and enjoys interacting with young people. Advisors act as guides, helping the Achievers establish their companies. They also act as consultants, to advise the students and to help them interpret the reasons for the success or failure of their businesses.

Role of the Participating School and Teacher Advisor

At least one teacher must be appointed from each school which intends to work together with the respective corporate sponsors. These "Teacher Advisors" help to monitor the progress of the Achievers, and to handle any disciplinary issues which might arise.

Role of AMCHAM

• Acts as the Secretariat for the program;
• Handles program publicity;
• Co-ordinates matching of sponsors and participating schools;
• Organizes activities and training programs for Achievers and their advisors.

Sponsors