Dr Wan Azizah cutting a cake to mark GGAM’s 109th anniversary. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
ONE thousand Girl Guides from across the country gathered for a three-day programme at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
The Girl Guides Association of Malaysia’s (GGAM) Jade Camp 2025 was aimed at helping the participants, aged 13 and 14, develop life skills.
A cake-cutting event also took place marking GGAM’s 109th anniversary.
GGAM chief commissioner Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng said she wanted platforms like Jade Camp to create fair and just opportunities, especially for B40 children and those from less privileged homes.
“This is so that they, too, can enjoy extraordinary experiences.
“This is the true meaning of empowering teenage girls – through equality, leadership and courage to face challenges.
“I hope what we are doing here will serve as a stepping stone which can be expanded across the country,” she said.
Yeoh wants the Jade Camp event to create fair and just opportunities for girls from underprivileged homes.
Yeoh said participants were recognised through the Jade Award, which was the first step toward obtaining the Circular Cord (an award earned by completing a variety of programmes, leadership opportunities and community service) and ultimately the highest achievement – Queen’s Guide Award.
She said the award would enhance the recipient’s extracurricular records, which would be handy when applying for scholarships in future.
In her speech, she also thanked various government agencies and companies for their sponsorship and support.
Guest-of-honour GGAM president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the diversity of participants reflected the nation’s aspiration for harmony and echoed this year’s National Day theme.
“Take this opportunity to network with and learn about people from other races, cultures and religions,” she said.
Separately, Dr Wan Azizah also reminded participants to be mindful when using digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the danger of misuse of deepfake technology to spread slander.
“My message is to be careful, ethical and responsible when using technology.
“Learn how AI can help in your studies, but make sure that you don’t rely entirely on it,” she said.
