KUALA LUMPUR: Six youth-driven policy proposals focusing on artificial intelligence, the green economy and skills development were presented at a roundtable with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo here on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) president Fanitsyara Kam Phon said the session followed discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong on Aug 14, as part of efforts to refine youth-led ideas with the government and industry.
“After discussing the big picture of the economy with the Finance Ministry, we wanted to see how digital and AI can be translated into real opportunities for the people through policies implemented by the Digital Ministry,” she said.
“Malaysian youth also need to have the skills and ecosystem to not just use technology, but create value from it.”
Organised by PFAA ahead of the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) 2026, the session at Menara MOF Inc focused on how AI and the green economy could boost productivity in traditional sectors, develop local talent and improve public services.
In line with the YEF 2026 theme, “Decoding the Next Decade: Advancing Malaysia’s Economic Frontier”, the proposals seek to ensure technological advancement and investment translate into broader economic opportunities and tangible benefits for businesses, workers and the public.
Nearly 20 participants from PFAA, the YEF committee, industry and youth organisations attended the session.
They included representatives from sponsor partners Moomoo Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Moomoo Malaysia) and Gamuda Bhd, as well as the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) and Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (KMUKM).
The six proposals are:
- AI for Every Business, Every Malaysian – Expanding access to and adoption of AI among businesses and the public, particularly SMEs and traditional sectors, to increase productivity, reduce waste and strengthen competitiveness.
- Green Economy Access Fund – Creating opportunities for youth to build businesses and participate in the green economy value chain through better access to skills, financing and markets.
- National Skills Upgrading Credit for Youth – Creating flexible learning pathways through modular certificates that can be combined towards professional qualifications or master’s degrees, allowing people to upgrade their skills while working.
- National Foreign Direct Investment Mandate – Linking foreign investment to local talent development through curriculum design and training with educational institutions, skills transfer and opportunities for Malaysian suppliers.
- AI for Transforming Public Service Delivery – Using AI in education, healthcare and government services to reduce waiting times, speed up applications and simplify access to public services.
- National Youth Economic Action Council – Establishing a permanent and inclusive platform for youth to contribute to economic policymaking, with nationwide representation and clear feedback on their proposals.
The proposals will be further refined before being presented at YEF 2026 on Oct 3 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with the aim of turning youth perspectives into practical policies and tangible benefits for the public.
