The search is on for Yorkshire’s next generation of South Asian stars, as nominations open for the 2025 Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards – affectionately known as the YAYAs.
Now in its fifth year, the prestigious awards shine a spotlight on the inspiring accomplishments of young people of South Asian heritage across the region who are breaking barriers, overcoming adversity, and transforming their communities.
Organised by QED Foundation—a national charity championing equality for ethnic minorities—the YAYAs are supported by headline sponsor York St John University, with Bradford 2025 also backing this year’s event. The 2025 awards carry extra significance as QED celebrates 35 years since its founding by Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, a pioneer in driving change for marginalised communities across the UK and beyond.
Young people aged 16 to 35, who were born in or live and work in Yorkshire, are invited to apply or be nominated if they’ve triumphed over disadvantage or defied cultural expectations to excel in fields such as education, health, business, sport, the arts, media, and public service.
“The YAYAs are more than just an awards ceremony—they are a celebration of resilience, ambition and role modelling,” said Adeeba Malik CBE DL, Deputy CEO of QED Foundation. “In a world where discrimination and cultural challenges still exist, the YAYAs honour young people who are breaking ground and lighting the way for others.”
The winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner in November at Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford, attended by leading figures from business, politics, media, and entertainment. Past events have welcomed keynote speakers such as Hollywood actor Riz Ahmed, Dr Amir Khan, and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, while celebrities like Rita Chakrabarti and footballer Kira Rai have sent video messages of support.
The awards, which draw support from major names including Morrisons, MyLahore, Janan, the University of Leeds, and the Science and Media Museum, offer a powerful platform to celebrate stories of courage, innovation, and transformation.
Ten categories are open this year, including a special award for Overcoming Life Obstacles, and an Overall Winner Award.
Nominations close at 11.59pm on 6 July 2025.To nominate a rising star or apply yourself, visit: https://yayas-uk.org
Let the celebration of tomorrow’s changemakers begin.
