The grandeur of Parliament House’s Queens Hall set the stage for a night that celebrated ambition, resilience, and diversity at the 2025 Multicultural Youth Awards. Hosted by the Multicultural Youth Group (MYG), the second annual event drew over 250 guests, including finalists, families, and community leaders, united in recognising the contributions of young Australians from multicultural backgrounds.
From entrepreneurship to community service and the arts, the awards highlighted the breadth of young talent shaping modern Australia. The winners included Annie Zhou (Entrepreneur of the Year), Devika Chaudhary (Outstanding Contribution to the Community), and Zayd Safi, who took home two titles—Inspirational Young Person of the Year and the Australian Youth Minister’s Award.
Federal Youth Minister Senator Jess Walsh personally selected Zayd for the ministerial honour, commending his transformation from hardship to leadership. His journey struck a chord with many in attendance. “In 2023, I was incarcerated. In 2025, I just won an award in parliament,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan praised the achievements of all nominees. “Victorians are proud of our diversity, because we know it is our strength. And we are proud to celebrate the exceptional work of young multicultural Victorians who help to make our state a better and fairer place. From entrepreneurship and academia, to sports and the arts—every nominee has made a profound difference to our community and our state. On behalf of all Victorians, thank you so much for all your hard work. Thank you, too, to the organisers of this fantastic event,” she said.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman reflected on the growing influence of diverse youth voices. “Multicultural young Victorians give so much to the rich cultural fabric of our State. Diverse young people are showing up and getting involved in their local communities, as the next generation of leaders. The Multicultural Youth Awards provide a space to recognise and celebrate their significant contributions to the Victorian community, and beyond.”
For MYG Director Yusuf Liban, the awards are about spotlighting action, not waiting for change. “These young leaders are not waiting for permission, they’re creating change now. The MYA is about amplifying their voices and recognising the impact they’re already making in their communities,” he said.
Other winners included Marina Abe (Volunteer of the Year), Mehwish Ateeq (Academic Excellence), Yasmin Haddara (Sportsperson of the Year), Saige Bell (Implementing Aboriginal Self-Determination), Zahra Ebrahimi (Apprentice/Vocational), Shiao Lu Ooi (Young Woman of the Year), Jad Saeed (Young Leader), Hadeel Alshuraymi (Influencer), and Fiston Baraka (Creative and Performing Arts).
Supported by partners including the Victorian Government, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, TAFE Victoria, Cultura, and the Centre for Multicultural Youth, the awards have quickly become a national platform for recognising leadership that transcends background or circumstance.
For more information about the winners and their stories, visit multiculturalyouthawards.com.au
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