KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth has given itself two years for a perception makeover from being seen as a traditional "runner-style service team" to what it really is – a dynamic youth movement keeping up with the times.
MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon said the wing must overhaul how it works and how it is seen if it hopes to win back young Malaysians and help MCA regain political relevance.
"People don't reject MCA as such. What they want is a more professional, firmer and more battle-ready MCA," he told delegates at the MCA Youth 26th Central Delegates 3rd General Assembly here on Saturday (Dec 6).
Ling said the reform agenda would first require MCA Youth to move beyond basic constituency work and act as a youth policy think tank, focusing on concrete concerns.
This includes digital economy, AI-era employment, education reform, talent development, youth housing, environmental and climate challenges and support for young entrepreneurs as well as SMEs.
"Voters needed to see not just enthusiasm but competence – a youth wing that handles serious policy work instead of simply delivering services," he said.
He added that MCA Youth would also enhance professionalism, with structured training for young political leaders and a stronger emphasis on communications and data capabilities so that the wing functions as a disciplined and data-driven frontline.
"Over the past year, MCA Youth has issued 792 trilingual statements and produced 665 short videos, some drawing more than a million views (on social media).
"This is a record achieved largely by volunteers who handle research, scripting, recording and editing in their own time, without pay," he said.
At the organisational level, Ling said MCA Youth must rebuild its grassroots presence by re-engaging communities, campuses and online audiences, working more closely with youth groups and student bodies and opening up more activities to non-members to broaden its reach.
He pointed to the wing's 70th anniversary series of programmes as an example of this approach.
Marking its 70th year since its founding in 1955, MCA Youth has rolled out seven flagship initiatives, including 10 "Youth Run" events nationwide that have attracted more than 6,300 participants, revived university student camps in several regions, a national sports meet with over 250 participants, a debate showcase, and the launch of a 70th anniversary commemorative publication and theme song.
A 70th anniversary dinner is also scheduled for Jan 10, 2026.
"Every era of MCA Youth is shaped in difficult times. This generation is no different," Ling said, noting economic pressures, political fatigue, declining trust in politicians and increasing regional competition.
He noted that the next two years would be critical in determining whether MCA and its youth wing could rise again as a relevant, moderate and solution-driven force.
"If the party has key tasks or tough seats to contest, MCA Youth is ready. Once the party gives the green light, we will go all out," he said.
