Stress encompasses a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional responses triggered by demanding or challenging circumstances. Perceived stress refers to the subjective assessment of stress levels by an individual. As existing research indicates, this subjective experience of stress is intricately connected to emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience. Aligned with this knowledge, the present study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between EI and perceived stress levels. A cross-sectional online study was conducted involving 207 young adults from Malaysia (152 females and 55 males). Sex (gender) differences in perceived stress levels were evaluated using t-tests, revealing that females reported higher levels of perceived stress. Interestingly, EI did not exhibit an age-related increase. Results confirmed the predictive relationships among EI, resilience, and perceived stress. Mediational analyses uncovered a full mediation model, illustrating that resilience is pivotal in mediating the relationship between EI and perceived stress. The findings strongly indicate that individuals with elevated EI levels are more likely to possess higher resilience, resulting in lower perceived stress levels. These results underscore the importance of interventions targeting EI and resilience enhancement, as such interventions hold promise for positively impacting the mental well-being of young adults.