The 1959 AFC Youth Championship was held in Kuala Lumpur, Federation of Malaya.

It was the first time the tournament was organised.

The following teams entered the tournament: Four winners moved to group A and played for the championship.

Five other teams moved to consolation group B. Philippines and Thailand had to play in a preliminary round.

A closing match was played on 26 April between South Korea and a team composed of the best players from the other eight teams: South Korea won 3-2.