SEVENTY-TWO Form Six student delegates will take part in the Penang Madani Pre-University Congress, a platform aimed at strengthening leadership, critical thinking and youth participation in education policy discussions.
The three-day congress, from May 22 to 24, will be held at Dewan Pusat Mahasiswa, Engineering Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Nibong Tebal, Penang.
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the programme served as an important platform for pre-university students to voice their aspirations and views on educational issues.
“This congress brings together the voices, aspirations and critical perspectives of Form Six students on various issues and the direction of pre-university education today,” he said at a press conference held in the Penang State Legislative Assembly Building in George Town.
He added that the initiative also aimed to broaden students’ perspectives, strengthen networking and develop leadership skills.
Through discussions, debates and idea-sharing sessions, Gooi said participants were expected to gain new knowledge while developing into mature, critical and innovative future leaders.
“Pre-university youth are an important group who will continue the nation’s leadership,” he said.
The programme is organised by Pertubuhan Ikatan Perpaduan Anak Pulau Pinang, in collaboration with the Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP) and the Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.
It also receives support from several strategic partners, including the Penang youth, sports and health exco office, Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (Penang branch), Nibong Tebal parliamentary service centre, Penang Youth Development Corporation and the Penang State Youth Council.
Gooi said the state government remained committed to nurturing a high-quality and globally competitive younger generation.
Programme director Muhammad Irfan Nazri said the congress would bring together Form Six students from across Penang, including representatives from Form Six Student Representative Committees (JPTE) and pre- university communities from various centres and colleges.
He said participants would engage in cluster sessions, motion presentations and intellectual discourse with stakeholders involved in education and youth development.
“This is not just a programme but an effort to cultivate critical thinking, democratic participation and leadership among pre-university students.”
At the congress, participants will also be exposed to leadership development, personal growth, education advocacy and discussions on current issues affecting the pre-university ecosystem.
Also present at the press conference was Pertubuhan Ikatan Perpaduan Anak Pulau Pinang chairman Karma Hakim Luk’man.
