The National Youth Convention 2014, is a yearly event organised by Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM) aimed to gather youth all over Malaysia to voice their concerns regarding youth wellbeing. The convention serves as a platform to discuss on the position of youth within the global context, entitled “Malaysian Youth Internationalisation”. It was held on the 15th of May 2014 at Putrajaya Convention Centre (PICC), launched by YAB Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia and attended by more than 800 youth nationwide.
Three presenters were invited to share their insights and analysis on youth issues. The first topic was on “Facing Reality in 2020” by Professor Madya Dr. Haslinda Abdullah, from Institute Pengajian Sains Social (IPSAS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, followed by Tuan Hj. Ahmad Azam Ab Rahman. Being the Assistant Secretary General of Union NGOs of the Islamic World (UNIW), Tuan Hj spoke on the spirit of volunteerism and how our youth should position themselves globally. Meanwhile, En. Rushdi Abdul Rahim, Director of Malaysian Foresight Institute (myForesight®) touched on Mega Trends and Global Challenge of Youth post-2015.
There are nearly 13.37 million youth in 2013, a large number for a developing country like Malaysia. In achieving the developed country status, the youth plays an important role in shaping the future of the nation.
Currently, approximately more than 200,000 youth are considered ‘missing’ from the nation’s development radar. There are various efforts by the Government to ensure youth are given equal opportunities to further develop their skills either in vocational schools or entrepreneurship. This is important since the government aimed to have 120,000 skilled workers every year which will make up 50% of them by the 2020. A more holistic and balanced approach with guidance from all parties; especially parents and teachers, is emphasized in molding the youth and the future.
Demographic change, resource security and sustainability, climate change, health and technology are among megatrends that affecting the youth directly or indirectly. Strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is strongly highlighted as the solutions where the youth can play important role in addressing and mitigating these megatrends.
The challenge posted to all youth out there is, either the Youth shaping or shaped by the future?
