True youth representation begins when every voice is not only heard, but recognised in the policies that shape our future, says Sharvin Thangaraj (pic).
The Malaysian Students’ Global Alliance (MSGA) advocacy and policy head said it is also crucial that the power of unity is never underestimated, as even the smallest gesture, while it may seem insignificant, can collectively make a meaningful difference in this world.
Sharvin represented Malaysia at the Commonwealth Youth Development Summit 2026 (CYDS 2026), held at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, from April 9 to 11.
In a defining moment for Malaysia’s youth representation at the Commonwealth level, Sharvin was selected to deliver a keynote presentation during the delegate session, where he championed inclusive youth participation frameworks, with a focused call to amplify the voices of rural and marginalised communities in governance and policymaking processes.
Organised by the Commonwealth Youth Council, CYDS 2026 convened 120 youth leaders, policymakers and institutions from across the Commonwealth and beyond to shape the future of youth development, ahead of the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Youth Forum.
Sharvin’s participation marks a significant milestone for MSGA as the organisation continues to champion the voices of over 54,000 Malaysian students across 16 countries on the global stage, a press release from the alliance read.
MSGA president and chief executive officer Muhd Fareed Shah expressed immense pride in Sharvin’s achievement and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to elevating the Malaysian youth voice on the global stage.
“At MSGA, we believe in the voices of Malaysian students. No matter where they are in the world, they deserve to be heard at the highest levels of global dialogue.
“Sharvin’s participation at the summit is a testament to what our students are capable of when given the platform to lead.
“We are proud of what Sharvin has represented, not just for MSGA, but also for every Malaysian student striving to make a difference beyond our borders,” he said.
Founded in 2016, MSGA serves as a global coalition supporting Malaysian students transitioning to higher education abroad, adapting to new environments, and forming their own student organisations.
