PETALING JAYA: With the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) set to improve connectivity, it is the right time to think of fresh approaches to create new economic opportunities for the people of Pahang, especially its youth, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
"The ECRL shortens travel time between Kuantan and the Klang Valley to about 2.5 hours, creating opportunities for greater movement of people, goods and businesses.
"We need to think differently and start with a different approach. Let us work together to create new opportunities for Pahang and the younger generation," he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Sept 16).
ALSO READ: ECRL to boost Pahang tourism, visitor arrivals set to increase
Chong also paid tribute to Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun and her team for introducing a more modern and interactive format for the state youth convention.
He said the convention, held at a modern community centre, reflected the team’s efforts to move away from traditional and formal meeting formats and adopt an approach more suited to young people.
Chong said MCA, despite being more than 70 years old, should not be viewed as a party for veterans.
He said young people had long been given important roles in the party, with MCA Youth leaders having served in local councils, state assemblies and the Cabinet.
Turning to Pahang’s development, Chong said local communities should not miss the opportunities brought by the ECRL by relying on old ways of thinking.
He proposed that local youths and farmers form cooperatives to strengthen their engagement with the government and improve access to land and entrepreneurial opportunities.
ALSO READ: Govt pushes for early ECRL launch
Chong also called for greater adoption of artificial intelligence, smart farming and mechanisation to tackle labour shortages and turn agriculture into a higher-value career and business opportunity for young people.
He said technology was already part of everyday life and learning new skills should not be limited by age.
Chong said MCA Youth should serve not only as a source of energy for the party but also as a force contributing to Pahang’s economic transformation.
"Less talk of empty slogans, more action on issues affecting the people
"The transition between the party’s older and younger generations should continue, with new ideas and approaches to help create opportunities for Pahang and its younger generation," he said.
