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In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia's young population stands as the torchbearers of a nation's dreams and aspirations. Recent survey data reveals a sobering reality: 72.1% of Malaysian youths choose not to pursue higher education. It is scary and sad at the same time. This statistic underscores the urgent need to reshape the narrative around education and unity. Education is not merely a pathway to personal growth; it is the foundation for a nation's future. The Malaysian youth who choose to pursue higher education are not only investing in their own futures but also in the nation's collective progress. By nurturing a generation of well-rounded, knowledgeable, and skilled individuals, Malaysia can hope to shape leaders who will lead the country toward prosperity and global recognition. Imagine that if these trends continue, looking ahead two decades, we will be forced to reassess our beloved country's leadership landscape. It's a scenario in which the lack of visionary leaders might hinder our growth and worsen existing problems. What will this lead to? As we stride confidently into the digital era, our youth must possess the intellectual tools to distinguish between what's viral and what's right. Trends and content can go viral within hours, capturing the attention of millions. However, the viral nature of content doesn't necessarily equate to its accuracy or ethical value. This is consistent with what our education minister, YB Fadhlina Sidek, said: "In a world where idols are abundant, the absence of true role models is evident." The influence of political parties is critical to overcoming racial divides and constructing an inclusive society. Regrettably, some political parties have adopted anti-unity policies rather than providing opportunities for multicultural engagement, cooperation, and acceptance. A nation that is divided cannot move forward cohesively. Until our political parties focus on common objectives to unite their people, we will never manage to chart a course toward genuine progress. While political parties can act as catalysts for unity, education remains the cornerstone of progress. Our history reminds us that Malaysia's journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to unity. So why is there a need to break the bridge that has built Malaysia Malaysia today? We must work together to drive the force that propels a society toward progress, unity, and prosperity. Becoming "Malaysian Malaysian" isn't just about embracing the flag or reciting the national anthem. It's about adopting values that reflect the essence of our unity and shared aspirations. By instilling a passion for knowledge, we equip our youth to contribute to the nation's progress while remaining connected to our cultural roots. In the journey ahead, let us shape a future that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in the core values that make us proud Malaysians. Selamat menyambut Hari Kebangsaan ke-66!

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗮❜𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 Engaging youth in Malaysia is more important than ever. With 45% of our population under 25 years old, the potential for dynamic change and progress is immense. However, this demographic needs our support to harness their full potential. Here’s why: * Demographic Dividend: By 2030, Malaysia's youth population is projected to reach over 11 million. This "demographic dividend" can drive economic growth if harnessed effectively. * Unemployment Rate: Youth unemployment stands at 10.8%, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to provide job opportunities and skills training. * Education Disparity: Despite high enrollment rates, 20% of Malaysian youth are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Integrating education with job market needs is essential. * Mental Health: A 2019 survey revealed that 1 in 5 Malaysian youths face mental health issues, emphasizing the need for support systems and engagement activities. Recommended Actions: * Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration among ministries, NGOs, and student groups to create unified strategies for youth development. * Increase Budget Allocation: Advocate for more funding for impactful youth initiatives that provide real benefits, such as job training and mental health support. * Integrate Programs: Establish frameworks to reduce redundancies in youth programs, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively. * Develop a Communication Strategy: Rebuild public trust through transparent and consistent communication about youth policies and initiatives. * Support Local Initiatives: Provide funding and training for grassroots organizations that directly engage and empower young people in their communities. "By investing in our youth, we invest in Malaysia's future. Empowered youth are the key to a resilient and progressive nation." – MRC CEO Azmi Mat Nayan. MRC is preparing to assist various relevant stakeholders by offering strategic guidance, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and developing effective communication strategies. #YouthEngagement #MalaysiaFuture #YouthEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth #PublicTrust #MRC #CommunitySupport

Adam Craker and Yesthiel Singh co-authored an article for Business Day in June, a little dated but very relevant to our situation. As business leaders, they called out the importance of South Africa pursuing high growth sectors suited to our skill sets, highlighting the Global Business Service Sector. Their article illuminates what can be done to stimulate economic growth and job creation through collaboration amongst the social partners, with good coordination and support, in this instance provided by BPESA. We do need to view the talent in South Africa through a new Lense. High potential, great attitude, accountable, emotionally connected, and very committed; only needing access to opportunities and support once in the roles. Some of the key ingredients for the services industries (financial services, professional services, health care, education, social services etc) which are growing and where we can excel. This effort will complement those in other sectors of the economy; the GBS sector has relatively low barriers to entry (don't need post school education) and the work can be delivered on site or remotely which breaks through some of the access barriers. We have a wealth of talent with which to confidently go after demand for services that can be delivered competitively from SA. Let's do it. Paladin Consulting, Searle & Albertse, BPESA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, The Collective X, David Nel https://lnkd.in/dqrNHiuc

I completed a series of courses from the U.S. Mission to ASEAN on Creating and Maintaining Social Enterprises. In the first course, we learn about the importance of strategic planning for NGOs. Strategic planning helps NGOs direct their goals, identify strengths, address weaknesses, seize opportunities, and tackle threats. This ensures alignment, effectiveness, and good communication with donors and partners, enabling NGOs to achieve a positive impact in the community. In the second course, we delve into the significance of partnerships for NGOs. Partnerships allow collaboration with other NGOs, government, and businesses. In partnerships, goals and risks are shared, and resources are enhanced. There are informal and formal partnership types, which can help acquire resources, expand reach, and enhance capacity. Partnerships are built on strong relationships, transparency, and mutual benefit, assisting NGOs in achieving positive impact and sustainability. In the final course, we learn about three key stages. First, identifying specific challenges facing youth in our community. Second, pinpointing and targeting influences that can drive change. Finally, launching a widespread campaign through media and garnering strong support. With a comprehensive approach and high commitment, we can become a strong voice for youth and contribute to real improvements in our society. #LearnShareImpact #DareToLead #StudentsxCEOs #StudentsxCEOsEastJava #FutureLeader

I had a previlege of being among the invited guests, to commemorate international youth day, an event organized by two associations, Africa -Asia Youth Foundation and Africa Youth Transformation on 10th August, 2023. Our theme this year being Green Skills for youth to address global unemployment; challenges and best practices... it was a great moment to reflect on this with our fellow colleagues and young people... Among the invited guests, were secondary school students from Gerezani and Benjamin Secondary Schools. Of course, this was my favourite part of the event. Two things, stood out for me on the event. First i was happy to see @josephmalekela, our alumni from Great Hope Foundation as a coordinator in early years of UWEZO AWARD, kept pushing his passion of bringing empowerment to young people through his foundation ( that he has co founded), Africa-Asia Youth Foundation. He has passionately ( with full committment) chose to work on youth empowerment program. Let the fire burn and keep the wheel turning ....!!! Second, together with my fellow panelist, we felt, as much as a lot of information is freely available on the internet, majority of our young people are uninformed but also have low motivation to seek for opportunities beyond the border of the country... As we are embracing green skills,it is important to motivate our young ones, to diligently seek to acquire skills that will be relevant to the coming one decade... of course the question has always been, how much of these skills are available in our curriculum? Whether they are within our curriculum or not, we should send a clear message that, it is our duty to diligently seek and acquire them... for us to be competitive to the market place... At @greathopefoundation we have priorized two types of skills to our young people in #UWEZOPROGRAM; Enterpreneurship & 21st Century Skills, as we have learnt of its priceless contribution to young people on fighting unemployment on the labor market... #uwezoaward #uwezobonanza #uwezokinara #chukuahatuaoneshauwezo

🔍 Throwback to GenZ @ ThePodium 2023! Reflecting on the insightful discussions at GenZ @ ThePodium 2023, a program that provided youth debaters with the incredible opportunity to exchange views and insights with active politicians, discussing policies pertaining to the youth in Malaysia. The event, organized by Malaysiakini and KiniEvents, and generously supported by the Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan and Parliament of Malaysia, was an enriching experience. 🗣️ My Reflection: In the aftermath of this engaging program, one of the compelling topics we explored was whether Malaysia should adopt a Youth Contract to address youth unemployment. Drawing lessons from the UK's experience with the Youth Contract, marked by a 97% failure rate and higher youth unemployment, it's clear that a cautious approach is needed. Rather than diving into uncharted waters, I propose that our focus should be on fortifying our already effective policies, such as AiF and SPN. 🌐 Why Reinforce Existing Policies? Resource Optimization: Instead of spreading our resources thin with new measures, let's maximize the impact of well-established programs like AiF and SPN. Learning from Others: The UK's experience teaches us that the mere introduction of a Youth Contract doesn't guarantee success. Let's be prudent and learn from the pitfalls of others. Holistic Approach: Strengthening existing policies allows us to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to address the multifaceted aspects of youth unemployment. Let's continue the discussion! What are your thoughts on this approach? Do you believe reinforcing current policies is the key to tackling youth unemployment in Malaysia? 🤝 #YouthUnemployment #MalaysiaEmployment #PolicyDiscussion #Throwback #genzatthepodium #YouthVoiceMatters #KiniEvents

I hope we can all provide more safe spaces that empowers the youth 😁 A safe space allows one to stop thinking about what limits them. It empowers one to think ambitiously and build the hope to break those limits. We can achieve wonderful things when we stop self-limiting beliefs, and I think safe spaces are a good setting to break these self-limiting belief systems. Lastly, we should not underestimate the energy and creative mind of the youth ⚡

Singapore Prime Minister Envious of Privileged Youth: Are Today's Young Singaporeans Too Spoiled? As a father who recently witnessed both of my children’s graduations, I find myself in a reflective phase after reading the article, considering both the passage of my life and the future that awaits the next generation. It’s a poignant moment, as I enter what could statistically be the final quarter of my life. Through economic turmoil, health challenges, and personal brushes with mortality, I have come to appreciate the resilience and adaptability required to navigate life’s uncertainties. In a recent dialogue, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong shared insights that resonate deeply with me, particularly his perspective on the advantageous position of today’s youth compared to past generations. He remarked on the profound advantages that have been cultivated for the youth of Singapore—enhanced educational opportunities, broader worldviews, and technological advancements opening up new career paths, like e-sports, that were unimaginable during my younger days. Mr. Lee’s reflection on the shift from “third world to first” and the accelerated developmental pace our nation has experienced highlights a crucial point: today’s youth are starting from a higher baseline, whether it’s in education, housing, or quality of life. This does not just apply to material conditions but extends to the richness of opportunities available to them. As someone (and, I am sure many of my LinkedIn connections) who has lived through much and seen even more, I echo Mr. Lee’s sentiment. It’s not just about where we start; it’s about how high we aim and the quality of life we pursue. And while the path to upgrading and achieving more may appear tougher, slower and more uncertain now, the foundation laid by previous generations ensures that the youth can still ascend, albeit on a different trajectory in the industry 4.0, or is it 5.0 now, and the disruption that AI and robotics will forced upon us, just like how the internet highway and PDAs once challenged my generation. Our collective task now, especially for those of us in the twilight of our careers or lives, is to support and encourage this generation. They inherit not just our achievements but our challenges, and their success will be built on the lessons we impart and the world we help shape for them. https://lnkd.in/gv_6shdD

📢 Our support for the DARYA action in Central Asia continues! 📢 😍 We are pleased to continue our efforts to support the ETF in the implementation of the DARYA project in Central Asia – this time under a new assignment: “Fostering regional cooperation and national stakeholder engagement in DARYA” which is planned until the end of 2026. 💡 GREATVISORY has been providing assistance to the DARYA action in Central Asia since July 2023, focussing on facilitating the engagement of the national stakeholders in the DARYA activities in the five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan 📌 The new assignment is going to continue this work, however, it will also take on a new goal – fostering regional cooperation. In particular, a new component will be focused on facilitating the DARYA governance mechanisms at the regional level (Regional Steering Committee and High-Level Group of Vice-Ministers) for the development of policy dialogue mechanisms in the field of skills development for employment – this will be coordinated by the new International Expert on Governance. 🌐 Enhancing regional dialogue in a particular field such as the skills development for youth employment is a very complex task, and here we will be dealing with many challenges, such as: diversity of stakeholders, evolving skills landscape, interconnections with other policy areas, technological integration adding more complexity (infrastructure, digital literacy, data security), etc. 🔎 With regard to the thematic areas (Modules), the assignment will continue to work on: -   Module 1️⃣: Evidence on skills needs - Our main focus here will be on piloting of data collection instruments: VET graduate tracking, and surveys of employers. -   Module 2️⃣: Qualifications development - Our work will include, among others: piloting of multi-country qualifications, piloting of national qualifications, and piloting of VNFIL. -   Module 3️⃣: Teaching and Learning – Here we will be concentrating on: mainstreaming of the SCAFFOLD card deck tool for educators, strengthening of the key competence teaching, and enhancing the use of self-assessment tools by educators and schools. 🎯 GREATVISORY is the sole implementer of this challenging assignment, involving complex and dispersed structures, many different national and regional stakeholders from the five Central Asia countries, as well as 16 experts within the Project Team. 💪 We look forward to working with the ETF, the national and regional stakeholders, and our team of experts to implement this assignment successfully! 🔗 For more details, see the DARYA website: https://lnkd.in/dr8gCsAn, and the DARYA Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/day2z-5S #weknow #ETF #DARYA #regionalgovernance #regionalcooperation #skillsdevelopment #youthemployment #qualifications #teachingandlearning #joingreatvisors

Did you know? WIPO-ASEAN Youth Digital Forum (AYDF) 2023 is an event jointly organized by the ASEAN Youth Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, which will address the challenges and opportunities in the ASEAN digital economy. At the same time AYDF will promote youth entrepreneurship and strengthen the intellectual property rights framework in the ASEAN region through an elaborately curated capacity building program. This year, the WIPO-ASEAN Youth Digital Forum will gather young leaders and changemakers from Southeast Asia who want to share their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities that exist in our society and further, help develop and implement international projects. AYDF will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 15-17 November 2023. The participating delegations were also attended by each country from ASEAN. Apart from that, there are types of registration, both fully funded and self funded. Let's be enthusiastic about understanding, learning and improving our self-development through forum discussions on the ASEAN program. So that we can advance the welfare of the country, through our contribution as delegates with insight, integrity and competent practice. #WIPOAYDF ASEAN Youth Organization World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO