In 2025, JCI Entrepreneur Metropolitan stood tall with three landmark projects that truly reflected the vision, mission, and creed of JCI.
First, our 25th Anniversary.
It wasn’t just a celebration, it was a bridge. We connected international members, celebrated 25 years of leadership, and, most importantly, made history by donating a record-breaking RM40,000 in a single contribution to the Penang Special Children’s Centre to support their operating expenses. For us, anniversaries aren’t just about candles and cakes, but about giving back in ways that change lives.
Second, JCI Inspire Fest.
The first of its kind in Malaysia, a three-day event in one of the country’s most prominent malls. We had the honour of engaging with national leaders such as YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports; and YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, either in person or through their representatives.
The event also showcased our own member, Phei Yong, one of Malaysia’s top Key Opinion Leaders, who stepped forward as our ambassador, not just promoting, but performing. And in the true spirit of global citizenship, 2025 JCI Treasurer Alexandra Castillo joined us through a recorded video message to promote JCI’s global pillars: Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP), Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE), and International Human Duties Day. For three days, JCI Inspire Fest wasn’t just an event; it was proof that JCI could stand proudly in the mainstream, shoulder to shoulder with national leaders, corporations, and the public.
Third, iGreenWarrirs.
Our ongoing flagship project that never stops growing literally. From tree planting to marine conservation, from ESG talks with the ESG Association of Malaysia, SME Malaysia, SME Johor and the CSO-SDG Alliance, to international exchanges with JCI Morioka in Japan and even tree planting in Bangkok, Thailand. Our story even made it into the 2025 ASPAC Newsletter. We even successfully made a theme song for this project which has remain as my phone ringtone until today.
And what a proud moment it was to see our iGreenWarriors Ambassador, Jason Teo, recognised globally as one of JCI’s Ten Outstanding Young Persons (Top 20). Truly, the seeds we plant continue to bear fruit for the next generation.
And one more milestone that meant more than a trophy. iGreenWarriors was finally recognised with the ESG PLUS Award 2025 under the Environmental category for Climate Action and Carbon Reduction, standing with big brands such as Ajinamoto, Mr DIY, Touch n Go, Mah Seng and so on. This recognition did not come easily. We applied, we were overlooked, we were belittled, and many times not even considered as a “serious” or “significant” project, despite the real impact we were creating on the ground. This award is not about validation, but affirmation: that consistent action, quiet perseverance, and genuine impact will eventually be seen, even if it takes longer than expected.
And yes, we are back on the E-Award stage. At the JCI Malaysia National Convention, we clinched the Best International Cooperation Project for Global Connect Beyond Borders. Beyond that, our signature project iGreenWarriors was recognised as Top 3 at the JCI World Congress, standing as the only project from Asia and the Pacific to reach that level. These milestones are not about trophies, but about reaffirming that meaningful cross-border collaboration and sustained impact do matter locally, nationally, and globally.
Beyond these, we also successfully delivered the Inaugural Green Entrepreneur Program, nurturing young entrepreneurs to think sustainably, innovate responsibly, and translate ESG principles into real business solutions. And just last Saturday, the chapter wrapped up the 2026 Local Organisation Academy and Brainstorming, laying the foundation for the year ahead. While I was unfortunately unable to attend in person, I am deeply proud of the team for continuing the work, the conversations, and the commitment to build stronger leadership for the future.
We did all this while carrying the JCI branding into places it rarely reaches: billboards, mainstream newspapers, national television, celebrity endorsements, and digital platforms. We walked the talk, because we believe JCI’s story deserves to be told far and wide.
And yet… here’s the irony.
Just like Nikola Tesla, whose brilliance was constantly ridiculed by Thomas Edison (fellow inventor, fellow leader, yet chief critic), we too faced criticism and dismissal, not from outsiders, but from our own leaders. Tesla was the visionary behind alternating current (AC electricity), the very system that powers our homes, cities, and industries today and yet in his time he was mocked and undermined.
Perhaps it is easier to criticise what is different than to understand what is innovative. Perhaps it is more comfortable to cling to tradition than to embrace creativity. But in fact, healthy discussion will always be better than criticism and dismissal, because it is through dialogue that we grow stronger together.
But just as Tesla’s ideas eventually lit up the world, our work, too, has sparked tremendous growth. People see the best of JCI through us and they are joining. Whether through other local organisations or directly with JCI E-Metro, we are growing the movement, not just ourselves.
The moral of the story?
Innovation always looks uncomfortable at first. True change-makers are rarely celebrated in their own time, they are tested, doubted, even ridiculed. But in the end, the results speak louder than the critics.
To our sponsors and partners: thank you. You gave us the best of everything, and with your trust, we were able to push boundaries, reach new heights, and prove that JCI is a place where young leaders truly transform society. And because of your belief in us, you have already committed to continue supporting us in 2026 and giving us the strength to keep breaking barriers, making impact, and yes, turning criticism and dismissal into inspiration. 💪💙
