IPOH: Malaysian youth are proud that the country is part of Asean but have limited knowledge and awareness of the grouping and its initiatives, a study has found.
The joint research project by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and UiTM Perlis found that most young Malaysians expressed positive sentiments towards Asean despite limited awareness.
It found that the respondents, aged between 16 and 40, have moderate knowledge about Asean but expressed strong support for Malaysia being part of it.
"The research aimed to measure how Malaysian youth perceive Asean.
"It shows that more efforts must be put into ensuring that information related to Asean is well understood," the research team said in a statement on Monday (May 19).
"Generally, Malaysian youth have a sense of belonging and are proud that the country is part of Asean.
"They feel connected to youths from other member countries and are excited about the opportunities in education, work, culture and business."
The project members included Dr Tan Sing Pei, Dr Azhar Abdul Rahman, Dr Chin Yee Mun, Dr Wong Voon Hee, Dr Phua Yeong Nan and Ani Hafify Anil Yakin.
The researchers found that Malaysian youth believe Asean can play a significant role in economic development, regional peace and stability.
"The biggest advantages of Asean to them include unity, cooperation, the economy, culture, and peace.
"Malaysian youth support stronger economic and cultural cooperation among Asean countries.
"They also believe that the function of Asean in maintaining political stability and development can be promoted further, as it will have a direct impact on the people living in the region," they added.
The respondents were also found to be open towards and interested in engaging in Asean activities.
"They are willing to be involved in voluntary services related to the grouping and support programmes initiated by Asean," the team said.
