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AMPLIFYING VOICES & NURTURING MINDS
FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Elements

MIDP Youth Institute — a leading and award-winning soft skills transformation institute

on a mission to enhance youth employability in Malaysia and beyond.

Elements

THE DIFFERENCE WE ARE MAKING

Numbers don’t lie — but ours do brag a little. Here’s how we’re shaking things up.

Proven industry track record

15

years

Empowered more than

20,000

scholars & students

Trusted by more than

1,500

schools & education entities

Presence in at least

17

countries in Asia Pacific

Wide network of more than 

40

educators, trainers & facilitators

SKILLS FOR YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY

Soft skills are integral in developing high-performing individuals, successful businesses, and high-income nations. At MIDP, we believe soft skills are like muscles — they grow stronger with every practice session, every exercise and training.

A significant majority of Malaysian employers and employees believe that acquiring new soft skills is crucial for better career opportunities and growth in the workplace.

Soft skills radically differentiate us from Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is why as these advanced technologies evolve, the demand for soft skills is increasing.

Employers in Malaysia prioritize candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills, recognizing their role in driving organizational success.

Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are critical for enhancing employability and productivity in the ASEAN region.

Employers in Malaysia are increasingly seeking graduates with strong communication and critical thinking skills to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

EY Malaysia:
Work Reimagined Report (2024)

World Economic Forum: Future of Jobs Report (2023)

TalentCorp Malaysia: Critical Occupations List Report (2022)

Asian Development Bank: Policies to Enhance the Role of the Private Sector in Skills Development (2019)

Khazanah Research Institute: The School-to-Work Transition of Young Malaysians (2018)

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Here's why you'll thrive with us.

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Recognized by Malaysia’s Ministries, Government Agencies and Civil Service for our expertise in empowering youth and developing soft skills.

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Our high-impact trainers deliver personal transformations and create excellent learning environments for students at all levels.

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We have transformed soft skills education with weekly classes, workshops and competitions in debating, public speaking and more.

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Powered by the Malaysian Institute for Development of Professionals (MIDP).

THE GREAT WORK THAT WE DO

Empowering students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels with global knowledge and soft skills that ignite their potential and shape their future. 

1

Weekly Classes: Transformative Courses & Academic Structure

Think of our courses as your roadmap to success. We design the path, provide the tools and ensure you reach your full potential. With our structured approach, you're always on the right track.

2

Flagship Nationwide Workshop: National & State SCARS 

​SCARS is your gateway to debate excellence. We provide expert training, build your skills and guide you to success through our nationwide program.

3

Competitions: National & International Level

Our competitions are the ultimate stage for growth. Test your skills, build resilience and connect with peers. From debating to storytelling, we challenge you to reach your full potential.

4

Partnership:
Strategic Initiatives & Industry Engagements

We partner with organizations to provide students across Malaysia and Asia Pacific with impactful opportunities. Our collaborations empower youth through events, workshops and competitions.

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PRESENCE & PARTNERS

It’s not just where we are, but who we’re with — meet our partners who make our work possible

MAP

TESTIMONIALS

Don’t just take our word for it — see how we’ve made a difference.

Teioh Nuan Ning
Jonathan Chin

Teioh Nuan Ning

Jonathan Chin

My journey at MIDP has equipped me with invaluable soft skills beyond debating. The most impactful has been the confidence to express my ideas clearly and persuasively. MIDP also fueled my passion for poetry, helping me refine my skills as both a writer and speaker.

​

Through expert guidance and hands-on learning, I have made significant progress in public speaking, communication, and creative writing—growth I am truly grateful for.

Joining MIDP in 2017 was one of the best decisions of my high school journey. Through years of training, I gained invaluable insights into global political, economic, social, and moral issues. MIDP didn’t just introduce me to competitive debating—it fueled my curiosity and understanding of the world.

MEMORABLE MILESTONES

Every year tells a story. These are our chapters of change.

The founding of the Malaysian Institute for Debate & Public Speaking (MIDP)

Creation of Malaysian Debaters TV for viewership across Asia.

Hosted the world’s largest debating competition involving 70 countries

Recognised as leading expert by MOE

Team Malaysia coached by MIDP ranked first in the world.


Established 2 training centres in Klang Valley

Hosted Asia’s 2nd largest debate and the world’s biggest women’s championship with 17 countries.

2010

2012

2014

2015

2016

2018

2025

2020

Appointed by MOE to restructure, train and manage Team Malaysia for World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC)

Appointed as Advisor to the Malaysian Debate Council

​Appointed by MOE to reform Malaysia’s largest nationals: Dato’ Wira Debate Competition

Hosted the largest debating competition in Asia Pacific involving 17 countries

The establishment of MIDP Foundation.


Certified by Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) to run corporate training

MEET THE TEAM

Powered by coffee, passion and big ideas.

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Emellia Shariff

Chief Executive Officer

From the producers of The Devil Wears Prada... comes a leader who doesn’t just run the company - she owns the runway, the boardroom, and every inbox in between. 


Em: serving vision, precision, and power moves in heels (or sneakers) that don’t quit.

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Nura Hilma

Senior Executive, Student and

Academic Affairs

“Even if you’re little, you can do a lot!” Just like Matilda, whose love of learning transformed her world, Nura brings adventure to the classroom; weaving curiosity into courses, imagination into curriculum, and heart into mentorship. With strategy and thoughtful design, she creates learning spaces that feel magical and spark growth.

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Hanizah Ahmad

Senior Executive, Schools Partnership & Events

Her mission: to orchestrate more than 35 events a year, from fiery debates and poetry slams to Model United Nations and public speaking showdowns.


She doesn’t just run events - she builds stages for voices to rise, for young talents to shine, and for movements to begin.

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This is Hani 007: Mission Always Possible.

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Natalie Hew

Manager, Branding & Marketing

"That’s my secret, Cap. I’m always creating."

 

From series marathons to true crime rabbit holes and the eternal tea-or-coffee debate, Natalie pieces together stories and strategies — rising like The Dark Knight of storytelling and assembling ideas like The Avengers to keep the brand’s voice steady and strong.

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Izzah Alya 

Executive, Student and Academic Affairs 

Spotted: Izzah Alya, the quiet force behind the runway of academics. With policies polished and weekly classes running seamlessly, she bridges parents and management in style. Keeping it flawless, Academic Girl.

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Qarirah Hasnizul

Executive, Student and Academic Affairs 

If Scott Pilgrim had to manage trainers and convert half-committed leads instead of fighting Ramona’s seven evil exes, that’d basically be Qari's storyline.

Seven calls, seven sheets, seven “maybe” leads. Still, she clears the level anyway, probably mid–phone call in the corner of the office.

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Najwa Yusman

Executive, People & Culture

Enola means Alone when read backwards... and Najwa wears it like armor! Inspired by the wit and courage of Enola Holmes, she thrives as the lone detective of People & Culture at MIDP. Every day she cracks talent codes, unravels culture riddles, and guards the organisation’s beating heart. At the center of it all, she holds the key.

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Filominna Richard

Executive, Schools Partnership & Events

Straight out of “Pitch Perfect”—meet Filo, taking SCARS, a 2-day debate camp, on the road across 8 states, just like the Bellas on tour. She brings trainers and students together to hit all the right notes so every camp ends in harmony, growth, and mic drops!

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Haifa Farzaana

Management Apprentice, Schools Partnership & Events

As Hamilton says, "I'm not throwing away my shot", so this is what Haifa got. From poetry slam to storytelling, she's the one behind the curtain. All you have to do is seat back and be certain; whoever joins her events, those memories will never be forgotten, because at the end of the day,  "This is not a moment, it's the movement."

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Adrian Joseph Sim

Executive, Branding & Marketing

Catch Adrian (known for his roles in 'Crashing Out' and 'The Ad Guy') as he reprises a role in:
Executing marketing visions, crafting content,  and editing every frame until brands shine brighter than ever.

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Natania Andrea 

Apprentice, Branding & Marketing

This fall, the feed gets fierce.
Starring Natania: making brands unforgettable, one post at a time.

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Sriviinesh Ragunathan

Apprentice, Branding & Marketing

From the world of Inception comes Viinesh, crafting websites like dreamscapes within dreamscapes 
— where branding and marketing all collide in layered brilliance.

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