At just 20 years old, Ashhwina Mukilan is proving that age is no barrier to leadership after being honoured as the Johan Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara (APBN) Negeri Perak 2026.
The young Taiping native was recognised for her contributions to youth leadership, community development, volunteerism and youth empowerment, marking a significant milestone in her journey as a young community leader.
Ashhwina also holds significant titles where she is the Ketua Puteri of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council (MIYC) Perak, Taiping Branch, and also Deputy President of the Majlis Belia Daerah Larut Matang. Her positions reflects her involvement in varios youth programmes, leadership initiatives, community activities and volunteer efforts.
Despite her young age, Ashhwina has taken on responsibilities that have allowed her to work closely with young people and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and aspirations faced by today’s youth.
One of the causes closest to her heart is the empowerment of Malaysian Indian youth. Ashhwina believes that young people within the community have immense potential and can grow into confident leaders when given the right exposure, mentorship, opportunities and platforms.
Receiving the APBN recognition at the age of 20 holds a special meaning for Ashhwina as she sees the achievement as more than a personal milestone. Instead, she hopes it will serve as encouragement for other young Malaysians to realise that they do not have to wait until they are older before they can contribute to society.
Through her journey, Ashhwina hopes to inspire more young people, particularly Indian youth, to become actively involved in their communities and have the confidence to share their ideas, raise their voices and make a difference.
Her achievement serves as a reminder that meaningful leadership can begin at any age, with the willingness to take the first step and make a difference in the lives of others.
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