KUALA LUMPUR: The National Youth Day (HBN) celebration on June 13-15 will be unique as it will showcase elements of Asean, in line with Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean 2025.
The HBN secretariat said the programme for the celebration at Dataran Merdeka includes the Asean Pavillion and Asean Concert to create the spirit of the Asean community and strengthen the culture of Asean countries among the youth.
"The role of youth is seen as vital to strengthening Asean's regional network, particularly future collaborations in the fields of economy, leadership, education, technological innovation and social. In fact, youth can also act as junior ambassadors who can elevate the country's image globally,” it said in a statement.
Themed "Yakin Boleh” (Believe You Can), the highlight of the 61st HBN celebration will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will officiate the event and present the 2025 National Premier Youth Award (APBN) on June 14.
"The theme illustrates the confidence, capability and competitiveness of the youth in facing challenges, including that of the current digital era. This theme also aligns with the Madani government's efforts to empower youths through various strategic initiatives as well as the values of confidence within the Madani framework,” it added.
With the targeted presence of 4 million visitors, the Youth and Sports Ministry, through the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), has activated the HBN celebration at the grassroots level by implementing the Semarak HBN initiative in 113 districts nationwide since May 15.
At the national level, the Semarak HBN initiative has been further enlivened by the inclusion of the National Youth Convention; eSports games and activities; career and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) carnivals; as well as programmes on fitness, leadership, arts, music and culture and awareness of mental health and cyberbullying.
Other programmes include the Suara Belia (Voice of the Youth) podcast; the recitation of the Malaysian Youth Pledge at various levels; the 2025 HBN Special Islamic Affairs Premier Forum; and the implementation of Special Friday sermons nationwide through the collaboration of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) and State Islamic Religious departments.
"Conceptualised as a festival and based on 15 segments/ports, it is an initiative with a 'youth for youth’ approach that is designed to meet the needs and wants of today’s youth. This structured programme is also based on the 10 elements of the Rakan Muda lifestyle,” the HBN secretariat added.- Bernama
