MYD volunteers, together with then Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin (centre), at the Parliament after their visit . — Photo courtesy of Heinrich Boll Stiftung Southeast Asia
MALAYSIA’s youth are increasingly stepping forward to address social, educational and environmental challenges that affect communities across the country, particularly vulnerable groups.
While many of these issues have persisted for years, a new wave of young leaders is responding with fresh ideas, energy and a renewed sense of responsibility.
From closing education gaps among underprivileged students to supporting refugee children who often fall through the cracks, these youths are proving that meaningful change can begin at any age.
At the same time, growing concerns about climate change have motivated more young Malaysians to champion environmental awareness, sustainability and stronger representation in climate-related discussions.
This rising movement has given birth to youth-led organisations that blend compassion with action, creating impact through mentoring, advocacy, climate education and policy engagement.
Whether through teaching, grassroots organising or contributing to high-level climate dialogues, these organisations reflect the resilience and determination of Malaysia’s next generation.
Together, they stand as a powerful reminder that when young people are empowered, they can transform both lives and communities.
Wei Lun (front, third from left) posing with students and volunteers after the Step2Success flagship programme held at Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur. — Photo courtesy of KITS Malaysia’s Instagram
KITS Malaysia
In many underprivileged communities, young people grow up with limited access to guidance, exposure and the soft skills needed to navigate opportunities.
Academic support alone is often insufficient: What these young people truly lack are mentors and role models.
This gap became the driving force behind KITS Malaysia, a youth driven organisation founded in early 2024 to provide underprivileged students with a space to build confidence and shape their own futures.
Behind this growing movement is Lee Wei Lun, a computer science and economics undergraduate at Yale University. Having grown up with access to opportunities that many could only dream of, Wei Lun believes that privilege comes with responsibility.
Witnessing many Malaysians, especially those from underprivileged communities, missing proper mentorship and guidance motivated him to turn his privilege into a purpose.
Together with seven friends who share the same vision of empowering the next generation, KITS is supported by an expanding network of university and college students who volunteer their time to teach and mentor.
KITS focuses not only on academic subjects but also on nurturing soft skills and leadership development.
Refuge for the Refugees
At just 18, Heidy Quah could have been focused on examinations, college or travel plans.
Instead, she began teaching Myanmar refugee children in Malaysia, witnessing firsthand how they were often overlooked and denied basic opportunities.
What started as a small effort to provide lessons to a single school grew into Refuge for the Refugees (RFTR), a youth-led non-profit organisation supporting refugee children and communities.
Heidy’s mission is driven by a simple belief: Every child deserves safety, dignity and a chance to learn, regardless of their citizenship.
Over the years, she has become an advocate against human trafficking and exploitation, working closely with grassroots groups to support vulnerable communities.
Her dedication earned her the Queen’s Young Leader Award, making her the first Malaysian to receive the honour from the late Queen Elizabeth II.
RFTR continues to operate on a youth-driven model, supported by volunteers who teach, fundraise and provide on-the-ground support.
Through education and advocacy, Heidy works to ensure refugee children have greater access to opportunities and support to help them build a better future.
Youths United for Earth (YUFE)
Malaysia generates over 39,000 tonnes of waste every day and conversations about sustainability among young Malaysians have grown louder, with many seeking clearer pathways to take action.
This contributed to the creation of Youths United for Earth (YUFE), a youth-led organisation aiming to support environmental awareness and action.
Founded in 2020 by Max Han and Nurfatin Hamzah, both graduates from the United Kingdom, the organisation began with a simple mission: If young generations are given the right knowledge and platform, they can become a powerful force for environmental action.
YUFE focuses on climate education and youth mobilisation, translating environmental issues into accessible and practical steps through workshops and community dialogues.
What began as a small initiative among friends has grown into a youth network seeking to provide clearer and more accessible pathways for climate engagement.
For Max and Nurfatin, empowering youth is not just about raising awareness; It is also about nurturing a generation that views environmental protection as both a responsibility and a shared hope for the future.
Malaysian Youth Delegation
Across Malaysia, more next-generation leaders are recognising the importance of climate action, but the younger voices are rarely present in the rooms where policies are shaped.
This led a collective of Malaysian climate advocates to create the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) in 2015.
MYD trains and prepares youths to engage in national and international climate conferences, ensuring that their perspectives are heard at platforms such as the annual Conference of Parties (COP), which is part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
MYD runs training programmes, policy workshops and research initiatives that helps young Malaysians understand how environmental decisions are made.
Participants learn how to analyse policies, communicate climate issues and represent youth perspectives during climate change conferences—valuable skills for engaging in real-world challenges.
By involving young Malaysians in climate conversations, MYD aims to encourage greater participation in climate-related decisions and support a future where youths can play an active role in driving change.
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