Phoong in the top 20 list of young politicians

KOTA KINABALU: Luyang state assemblyman, Phoong Jin Zhe, who was sworn in as Sabah Youth and Sports Minister on May 21, received international recognition when he was nominated by One Young World as one of the top 20 most impactful young politicians around the globe this year.

Phoong, 30, who is also DAP Socialist Youth National Publicity Secretary, said he was taken aback and could not believe it when he received an email from the presti­gious organisation informing him about the nomination.

“I am honoured to accept the nomination alongside 20 amazing young politicians aged between 18 to 35 enlisted from all over the globe as a recognition for the impact and influence they have created in their respective communities,” he said in a statement, today.

He said five winners will emerge victorious, after being reviewed by a panel of judges, all of whom are key figures in their respective field, and will travel to London in October to receive the awards in the annual One Young World Summit where youths and delegates from more than 190 countries across the world convene.

Phoong also said he is more than thrilled and excited to be the only shortlisted nominee not only from Malaysia and Sabah, but also the only young politician from Asean. — Bernama