With a background built on his Samoan and Tokelauan values and morals, and faith encouraged by the Catholic church and his parents, 17-year-old Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Malaga Aukusotino mixes service with leadership and entrepreneurship. 

The Year 12 student and his Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) team, The Hustle, from Bishop Viard College in Porirua, claimed the National Excellence Business Award for Pasifika Business at the recent Lion Foundation YES National Awards 2020, staged at Te Papa Tongarewa. 

Topping off a hugely successful year for the company, Malaga was named CEO of the Year at the annual awards and took home $3,000 worth of training with future leaders, and $1,000 to put towards leadership development opportunities.

The title is awarded to the YES CEO who most effectively demonstrates leadership, support, sharing the limelight and keeping things together through the challenging times - a skill which proved very necessary this year.