Unlocking youth leadership potential for SDG success

(From fifth left) Mohamed Maliki, Mala and Syed Mohamed Arif with delegates at the Royal Commonwealth Society networking event.

Malaysia’s Youth 4 Global Goals (Youth4GG) ambitions are getting a boost from a strategic partnership to empower the next generation.

The link-up between the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) and Perdana Fellow Alumni Association (PFAA) aims to harness the youth’s potential and promote changemakers who will drive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mitec chief executive officer Mala Dorasamy said PFAA aligned with Mitec’s direction on Youth4GG, to promote and support changemakers on leadership abilities that will act as a catalyst in driving the accomplishment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The PFAA, established by Youth and Sports Ministry in 2013, provides young Malaysians first-hand experience in matters of national governance.

Selected youths undergo a fellowship under the purview of various ministers, following which they become PFAA members, continuing the culture of fostering a close network between future changemakers and government, corporate and NGO leaders.

PFAA president Syed Mohamed Arif Syed Abdul Rahim said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the support of Mitec, a prominent economic catalyst and renowned gateway of South-East Asia.”

With a vision to elevate PFAA’s profile within Asean and beyond, he said, “Forging a partnership with Mitec will undoubtedly expedite our ambitious mission.”

Meanwhile, International Youth Centre director Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee said, “We believe Mitec’s initiative to support and partner with PFAA is based on shared responsibility to make society a better place and a good way to expand as well as include more holistic approaches in corporate social responsibility.”

This is not Mitec’s first initiative on youth empowerment. Its well-known partner programmes include the eUsahawan Young Heroes by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation, Business Events Forum series and Michelin Guide Malaysia debut alongside Sunway and Taylor’s universities.

Mala said, “With partnerships, we have successfully introduced fresh and innovative approaches to attain SDGs in a more accessible manner.

“In this context, the collaboration will effectively harness the potential of young people, empowering them to contribute significantly to our shared SDGs.”