Muhammad Jubayer Hossain Is a Bangladeshi EdTech entrepreneur, digital product builder and youth leader who has represented Bangladesh at several International platforms. He previously participated in the World Youth Festival 2024 and Global Digital Forum 2025. In 2026, he has again been selected for two major International programme- the international Festival of Youth in Yekaterinburg and the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, both with full funding. He is the founder and product lead of WEBKIH & IELTS Mock Lab. His journey reflects the growing potential of Bangladeshi youth in entrepreneurship, leadership, technology and global engagement. Interviewed by Sakibul Hasan

Could you briefly tell about your journey from Dhaka College to becoming an entrepreneur and youth leader?

My journey has not been a straight line. I completed my BA and MA in English from Dhaka College under the University of Dhaka. Studying literature taught me to understand people, communicate ideas, and view problems from different perspectives. As a student, my interest in websites led me to start WEBKIH in 2019, where I gradually learned web design, development, digital marketing, and product building through real work. Later, I founded IELTS Mock Lab, an EdTech platform supporting tens of thousands of practice tests for learners worldwide. Alongside entrepreneurship, I served as President of the Leo Club of Dhaka and helped lead nearly 60 community programmes. These experiences eventually enabled me to represent Bangladesh internationally. I see English, technology, leadership, and service as connected parts of one journey.

How did you learn about the International Festival of Youth 2026 and the Eastern Economic Forum 2026?

After participating in the World Youth Festival 2024 and Global Digital Forum 2025, I continued following international youth programmes and official announcements. Through this regular search, I learned about the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg and the Eastern Economic Forum 2026 in Vladivostok. I applied because I saw them as platforms for learning and contribution, not simply travel opportunities. The International Festival of Youth focuses on dialogue, culture, and cooperation, while the Eastern Economic Forum offers exposure to technology, entrepreneurship, economic development, and international partnership. These areas closely connect with my work in EdTech, digital products, and youth leadership. Their full funding also made these opportunities accessible to me as a young Bangladeshi entrepreneur.

What was the selection process like for these two fully funded international events?

The selection process was competitive, involving detailed online applications and video presentations. I highlighted my academic background, leadership and volunteer work, entrepreneurial activities, international experience, motivation, and potential contribution. The video was particularly important because it showed not only my achievements but also my confidence, communication skills, personality, and ability to represent Bangladesh. I focused on speaking naturally, using clear English, maintaining eye contact, and sharing real examples. I presented my community programmes, digital products, and international experiences. Eventually, I received official confirmation that I had been selected for both events with full funding.

Among thousands of applicants, what do you believe made your profile stand out?

I believe my personal brand and digital footprint played an important role. To me, personal branding is not just a professional photo or impressive title; it is the public record of what I consistently do. Through my website, social media, project updates, and media coverage, people can see my work beyond the application form. Anyone searching for me can find evidence of building WEBKIH and IELTS Mock Lab, leading nearly 60 community initiatives, working with young volunteers, and representing Bangladesh internationally. My online presence connects these experiences into one clear story. I believe this consistent, authentic, and searchable identity made my profile more credible and memorable.

What are your main expectations from participating in the International Festival of Youth 2026?

My main expectation is to understand how young people from different countries view leadership, social responsibility, culture, and the future. I want to listen to their experiences and share what Bangladeshi youth are doing with limited resources but strong determination. I also hope to find possible partners for youth projects, digital education, and cultural exchange. I want to take part actively in discussions and teamwork instead of remaining only an audience member. Another important goal is to build genuine friendships that continue after the festival. 

What do you hope to learn, contribute, and achieve at the Eastern Economic Forum 2026?

At the Eastern Economic Forum, I want to learn how governments, businesses, technology leaders, and young entrepreneurs think about economic cooperation and future development. I am especially interested in digital transformation, EdTech, innovation, and the role of young people in emerging economies. I can contribute the perspective of a young founder from Bangladesh who has built digital services and an education platform while working with limited resources. My goal is to gain knowledge, build trust, and develop relationships that may grow into meaningful cooperation over time.

How did representing Bangladesh at the World Youth Festival 2024 and Global Digital Forum 2025 shape you?

The World Youth Festival 2024 was my first major international youth experience, and spending 18 days in Russia changed my confidence and worldview. Meeting young people from different cultures taught me to communicate beyond language, respect differences, and stay true to my identity. The Global Digital Forum 2025 in Nizhny Novgorod deepened my understanding of technology, digital cooperation, and responsible innovation. These experiences made me more open-minded, independent, and committed to representing Bangladesh well. They also taught me that networking is not about collecting contacts, but about listening, building trust, and maintaining meaningful connections beyond the event.

What have you learned from representing Bangladesh on international platforms that you could not have learned at home?

At home, we can read about other countries and watch videos, but living and working with people from different societies teaches something deeper. I learned how quickly stereotypes disappear through genuine conversation. I also realized that representing a country happens through small actions—being punctual, respecting others, keeping promises, and helping people. International programmes made me more independent, adaptable, and confident in communicating across cultural barriers. Most importantly, I learned that I can be proud of my identity while questioning my assumptions and continuing to learn from others.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a young entrepreneur?

The biggest challenges have been limited capital, earning trust, finding the right team, and building quality products at affordable prices. As a young founder, I often manage development, marketing, customer support, product management, and accounting myself. Reliable infrastructure, payment systems, mentorship, and access to global markets can also be difficult. With IELTS Mock Lab, I must attract users, maintain the platform, improve learning, and build a sustainable business simultaneously. These challenges have taught me to use resources wisely, learn quickly, and stay calm when things go wrong.

What are the biggest challenges facing young people in Bangladesh today?

One major challenge is the gap between formal education and today’s workplace skills. Many young people earn certificates but lack practical experience in communication, technology, problem-solving, teamwork, and project work. Access to career guidance, mentors, and reliable opportunities is also limited, especially outside major cities. Financial pressure and unemployment often force young people to prioritize short-term survival over long-term learning, while social media creates constant comparison. I believe Bangladesh does not lack talented youth; it lacks clear pathways connecting talent with skills, confidence, networks, and opportunities. Addressing this requires collective action from institutions, employers, government, communities, and young people themselves.

What skills do Bangladeshi youth need to develop to compete and collaborate on a global level?

Bangladeshi youth need a balance of technical and human skills. Strong communication in both Bangla and English is important, but English should be a working tool, not a measure of intelligence. Digital literacy, responsible AI use, research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning are increasingly essential. Young people should also develop teamwork, project management, public speaking, writing, and cross-cultural communication. A certificate may open a door, but a strong portfolio shows what someone can actually do. I believe the ideal combination is one strong professional skill, the ability to work well with others, and a habit of continuous learning. In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is no longer an advantage; it is a necessity.

What practical advice would you give to young Bangladeshis who want to access international conferences, fellowships, and fully funded opportunities?

My first advice is to build a real record before trying to build an impressive application. Volunteer, organize a project, conduct research, create a product, teach someone, or solve a community problem. Keep evidence and measure the results. Follow official programme websites, verified social pages, and former participants, and regularly search for opportunities. Prepare your CV, passport, photos, academic documents, certificates, biography, and a basic motivation statement in advance. When applying, answer the exact question, use clear English, and give specific examples instead of fashionable words. Apply early, get your application reviewed, and never reject yourself before the organisers do. Rejection is normal, and every application makes the next one stronger.

What is your long-term vision for yourself, and what impact do you ultimately want to create for Bangladesh?

I want IELTS Mock Lab and my future projects to make quality learning and assessment more affordable and accessible, not only in Bangladesh but also in other countries with similar needs. I also want WEBKIH to create digital solutions, employment, and learning opportunities for young people. Beyond business, I hope to mentor future leaders and entrepreneurs, support youth-led community work, and contribute useful ideas to education and public development. My study of literature keeps me focused on people, while technology helps me work at scale. Ultimately, I want Bangladeshi youth to be known not only as users of global technology but also as creators, partners, and leaders. 

What message would you give to a young person?

You do not need to begin with perfect English, expensive training, or powerful connections. Begin with one useful skill, one small responsibility, and one honest piece of work. Use the internet to learn, volunteer in your community, keep evidence of your progress, and apply even when you feel uncertain. Growth may look slow from inside your own life, but small steps build a strong story over time. Your background is part of your context; it does not have to become the ceiling above your future.