KUALA LUMPUR: The Economy Ministry is examining the structure of the country's preparedness as Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation, through Budget 2027.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said this is important to ensure the sustainability and continuity of the country's economic growth, as well as to empower the next generation.
"The younger generation needs to shoulder greater responsibility for the sustainability of the economy and the continuity of the country's growth (as we transition to an ageing nation).
"Therefore, to delve into this issue, the Economy Ministry is examining the structure of the country's preparedness for an ageing population, not only focusing on managing an elderly population, but also on preparing the younger generation for their future well-being," he said after officiating the Junior Innovathon: Di Sini Inovasi Bermula here today.
In youth development context, Akmal Nasrullah said his ministry aims to broaden their exposure to specialised programmes and to identify, in particular, economic structures and opportunities that remain unclear to them.
"We want to create opportunities for young people to explore one or two segments previously not open to them, particularly in terms of the stock market and ownership.
"This will enable them to learn about and venture into another segment or new sector," he said.
Akmal Nasrullah also said education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) need to be strengthened through talent development from the grassroots level.
"We are giving priority to enabling these talents by equipping them with the necessary skills to become more directly involved in high-growth, high-value (HGHV) industries.
"At the same time, we are strengthening funding for research and invention, not only for academic purposes, but also for commercialisation," he added.
Junior Innovathon Season Two 2026, a television programme produced by Radio Televisyen Malaysia, will begin airing on Sept 20. It features the top 50 teams selected from 2,092 entries and culminates in selecting the champion on Nov 1, 2026. -- BERNAMA
