From side hustles to homeownership: What to expect at YouthFest 2025

• Running from 10am to 6pm on April 19 and 20 at APW Bangsar, the festival offers young Malaysians a platform to engage with pressing questions around property ownership, financial independence and how cities can better serve the next generation.

PETALING JAYA (April 16): EdgeProp is bringing conversations on housing, money, and modern city life to the forefront with Roots, Roofs and Money Moves, a two-day youth-focused event under Youth Fest, happening on the week end of April 19 and 20 at APW Bangsar.

Running from 10am to 6pm on both days, the festival offers young Malaysians a platform to engage with pressing questions around property ownership, financial independence and how cities can better serve the next generation.

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Designed as a mix of live dialogues, expert talks, and performance elements, the event aims to spark conversations among Gen Z participants, many of whom are navigating adulthood amid rising costs, shifting job markets, and a complex housing landscape.

The programme spans two main stages which are Catalyst and Visionary with sessions covering issues such as real estate to mindset shifts and financial literacy.

Day 1: Saturday, April 19

Saturday kicks off with conversations on young homeownership, mental wellness in urban settings, and investment strategies. On the Catalyst Stage, expect a full slate of thought-provoking panels around navigating societal pressure, renting versus buying, and rethinking urban space.

Meanwhile, the Visionary Stage serves up brain-based hacks, money clarity talks and smart financial tips for fresh grads and young professionals.

Catalyst Stage

11.30am: Navigating Societal Norms: What No One Told You About Buying a Home in Your 20s

HELP University applied psychologist Dr Rachel Wong, property owner Lee Ji Yong, Sime Darby Property head of marketing (integrated) Wai Chia, moderator Deborah Henry

1.30pm: Flipping versus Renting — What’s Your Game Plan?

Far Capital CEO Faizul Ridzuan

3pm: Stress in the City – Reclaiming Calm in Urban Chaos

Think City Elisa Hanim, HELP University associate professor Dr Eugene Tee, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM Next) Ar. IDr Nur Safuraa

4pm: City in Transit – Designing for Migration, Motion & Meaning

Transit Malaysia Aziff Azuddin, Bike Commute Timothy Ong, Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) Youth Zuliana

Visionary Stage

12.30pm: Level Up Blueprint — Hacking Goals with Your Brain

Cognitive psychologist Khor Khai Ling

2pm: Growth Mindset & The Power of Financial Clarity

DoitDuit founder HY Tan, singer-songwriter and author Claudia, Boost Bank chief executive officer Fozia Amanulla, moderator Deborah Henry

4pm: Smart Money Moves for Young Professionals

KWSP (EPF Malaysia)

Day 2: Sunday, April 20

Sunday shifts gears into future-facing conversations about investing early, building personal brands, and reshaping cities to fit Gen Z needs. Expect practical tips on hitting your first RM100,000, side hustling in the digital economy, and unpacking the risks of property investment as a young buyer.

Catalyst Stage

11.30am: Your First RM100k – The Gen Z Guide to Property Investment

Far Capital William Chua, IQI Global Daniel Nazreen

2pm: Young Property Investors – Risks & Rewards

EdgeProp Hock, IQI Global Noah Pua & Suthan

3.30pm: Revamp, Reuse, Reconnect – Making the City Youth-Ready

Think City/Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Aisyah Shafiai, PAM Next IDr. Esmonde Yap, KerjaJalan Awatif Ghapar

Visionary Stage

12pm: Can I Ever Afford This?

HELP University professor, KWSP representative, Boost Bank executive

1.30pm: Your Skills, Your Side Hustle – Building a Brand (and Income) in the Digital Economy

Cult Creative Shermaine

4pm: Growth Mindset & Vision Mapping – What Brain Science Says

Applied psychologist Bob Brian Canggra

Admission is free, with added perks including RM10 ride vouchers to APW via Bolt and RM20 in savings credits via Boost Bank to kickstart a financial journey.

For the full lineup, speaker details and registration info, visit youthfest.edgeprop.my.

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