Exabytes is honoured to have our Founder & CEO, Chan Kee Siak, invited as a panelist at the 2026 JCI Malaysia Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians (TOYM) Northern Region Press Conference, held in Penang. The event brought together distinguished leaders, past award recipients, and members of the business and community ecosystem to introduce and raise awareness of one of Malaysia’s most respected youth recognition platforms.
Organised by JCI Malaysia in collaboration with multiple northern region chapters, the TOYM programme recognises outstanding young Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 who have made meaningful contributions across fields such as business, science, leadership, humanitarian efforts, and social impact. Beyond recognition, the initiative plays an important role in encouraging young individuals to step forward, lead with purpose, and contribute positively to society.
From Founder to Mentor
As a past recipient of the TOYM award under the Business, Economic or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment category, Mr Chan’s participation at the press conference was both a reflection of his entrepreneurial journey and a continuation of his commitment to supporting youth development. During the panel session, he shared practical insights drawn from building Exabytes from the ground up into one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital solutions providers.
In his sharing, Mr Chan spoke about the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting that business growth is often shaped by persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn continuously. He emphasised that success is rarely linear, and that challenges are an essential part of building resilience. More importantly, he encouraged young entrepreneurs to stay grounded in purpose, reminding them that businesses have a role not only in driving economic value but also in contributing back to the community.
He also touched on the growing importance of digital transformation, particularly for businesses in Malaysia. As industries continue to evolve in the digital era, Mr Chan highlighted the need for businesses to embrace technology not just as a tool, but as a strategic enabler for growth. From establishing a strong digital presence to leveraging scalable infrastructure, he underscored how digital readiness can help businesses remain competitive and relevant in a fast-changing landscape.
Beyond entrepreneurship and technology, the panel discussion also centred on the broader impact that individuals can create within society. Together with fellow speakers, Mr Chan exchanged perspectives on how leadership today requires a balance of business acumen and social responsibility. This aligns closely with the spirit of the TOYM platform, which seeks to recognise individuals who are not only successful in their fields, but also committed to making a difference.
TOYM – Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians
For Exabytes, participation in initiatives like TOYM reflects our belief in supporting the next generation of leaders. As a company that started in Penang, we remain deeply connected to the local community and are committed to contributing towards its growth. Over the years, Exabytes has continuously supported businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals by providing accessible digital solutions that enable them to establish and scale their online presence.
We believe that empowering youths goes beyond inspiration. It involves providing them with the right tools, platforms, and opportunities to turn their ideas into reality. Whether it is through digital infrastructure, knowledge sharing, or community engagement, Exabytes strives to play a meaningful role in nurturing future leaders who will shape the digital economy.
The TOYM Northern Region Press Conference also served as a reminder of the immense potential within Malaysia’s youth. By bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds, the event created a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and encouragement. It reinforced the importance of recognising achievements while also inspiring others to pursue excellence in their respective journeys.
As Malaysia continues to move towards a more digital and innovation-driven economy, the role of young leaders will become increasingly important. Platforms like TOYM not only celebrate achievements but also create a ripple effect, motivating more individuals to contribute positively to society and the nation.
Exabytes is grateful to be part of this meaningful initiative and looks forward to continuing our support for programmes that uplift communities and empower the next generation. Through collective effort and shared purpose, we believe a stronger, more inclusive digital future can be built for all.
