The Young and the Ambitious: What Malaysia’s Future Leaders Must Know
Ah, Kuala Lumpur! A bustling metropolis where the skyline is as ambitious as the youth who call it home. Recently, the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul, stood with a microphone in hand at the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) 2024 to deliver a keynote that was part motivational pep talk, part economic TED talk. Let’s dissect this, shall we?
First on the agenda: preparing the youth for challenges and opportunities in what is known as the “emerging economy.” Now, if that sounds a bit like the universe’s way of reminding you to get your act together, well, you might not be far off! Johari expressed that Malaysia would “lead 10 countries” as it assumes ASEAN’s chairmanship next year. No pressure, right? I mean, it’s not like the whole region is holding its breath to see if the new guy can juggle. But really, he’s spot on—it’s time for youth to step into positions that matter.
With 680 million people in ASEAN, the collective future looks bright—if you can dodge the potholes of economic challenges along the way. As Johari pointed out, our “combined GDP is the fifth largest in the world,” which sounds impressive until you remember that we’re competing against places with exotic names and even more exotic business models. But hey, teamwork makes the dream work!
Leadership Skills: The New Black
Moving forward, Johari implores our young guns to cultivate leadership skills. Yes, you heard right! Leadership skills in a world where influence is often confused with social media likes. The youth are seen as the future—and they’re expected not just to fill roles but also to forge the path ahead like a bunch of economic trailblazers.
The YEF 2024 director, Ewanina Effandie, chimes in with a theme that might as well be the name of an indie band: “A Second Economy Takeoff: Malaysia’s Path to the New Economy.” Now that sounds all sorts of inspiring! Ewanina lays down the gauntlet: “The heart of any economic transformation is its people.” A bold claim, but isn’t it the people who often screw things up too? Just a thought!
Talent: The Currency of Transformation
But hang on! The pièce de résistance here is how talent is deemed the “final piece” needed for Malaysia’s economic takeoff. Great, so we’re not just filling seats in the job market; we’re supposed to be hopping in the cockpit of this economic jetliner taking off towards new horizons? Talk about pressure! But if you want to fly high, you better avoid those economic turbulence zones.
The president of the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association, Syed Mohamed Arif Syed Abdul Rahim, added that continuous learning is non-negotiable. So, dear youth, it’s time to dust off those neglected textbooks—failure to do so could lead to the world’s most devastating game of “Musical Chairs.” And we all end up in a timeout.
Engagement: The Heartbeat of Innovation
The forum brought together over 1,200 delegates, which is impressive until you realize that’s still only the number of people who attended that one time you went to a wedding and realized you didn’t know half the guests. The engagement of young professionals, students, and mid-career folks speaks volumes about Malaysia’s aspirations to transform its economic landscape—with panel discussions led by policymakers and industry experts. Because nothing screams “let’s innovate” quite like sitting in an air-conditioned room, right?
Folks, as Malaysia strives to morph into a high-income nation by 2028, the *grassroots* engagement at YEF 2024 made it clear: The youth aren’t just the future; they are the present, with a hefty side of “we have to get this right” urgency slathered all over it.
Conclusion: The Future is Unwritten
So what’s the takeaway? The youth of Malaysia are being called upon to not only embrace the impending economic challenges but to actively engage, learn, and transform. In a world where disruption seems to be the only constant, one can only hope those young minds dare to dream, as their futures—and quite possibly everyone else’s too—depend on it! After all, if you want to see change, you must be the change—or at the very least, kickstart the change with a power nap afterward!
KUALA LUMPUR: Youth must equip themselves to navigate the complexities of future challenges and harness the potential within Malaysia’s evolving economy, especially as the nation prepares to take on the esteemed role of ASEAN chair next year, emphasized Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
In a powerful keynote address at the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) 2024, hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Johari highlighted that ASEAN offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth and collaborative ventures, urging the youth to play an active role in propelling the nation’s development by stepping forward as leaders and entrepreneurs.
“It is essential to instill in the young minds and spirits of Malaysians that we are on the brink of leading ASEAN as chair next year… this pivotal role involves guiding ten countries in the region, and the expectations for us to excel are high. Young individuals must recognize the significance of this position and leverage it for their advantage,” he asserted.
“With approximately 680 million people in the ASEAN region, we are poised for a substantial economic transformation. The region is set for rapid growth that surpasses other global areas, as evidenced by our combined GDP, which ranks as the fifth largest in the world… It is vital that we capitalize on this situation, and to do so, we must arm ourselves with knowledge and establish essential connections,” he stated.
Johari, also the president of the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), underscored the necessity for youth to cultivate strong leadership abilities, as they embody the future generation entrusted with advancing the nation’s goals.
YEF 2024 director Ewanina Effandie elaborated on this year’s YEF theme, ‘A Second Economy Takeoff: Malaysia’s Path to the New Economy’, presenting it as a clarion call for youth to actively shape the future landscape of their country.
She addressed the importance of ensuring that roadmaps and investments lead to tangible economic advancements in Malaysia, highlighting that the youth must drive this transformative process.
“At the core of any economic transformation lies its people, which is where we all come into play. Malaysia’s prosperity in this new economic era hinges on cultivating talent that is suitably equipped for these changes. Our role as youth goes beyond merely filling roles; it encompasses the broader responsibility of shaping entire industries,” she remarked.
“Talent is a crucial factor that ignites this economic takeoff. While the government can devise comprehensive roadmaps, without the right caliber of talent, these ambitious plans can remain unfulfilled merely on paper. Skilled individuals are the key to transmuting these strategies into concrete outcomes that propel the economy forward,” she added.
Perdana Fellows Alumni Association (PFAA) president Syed Mohamed Arif Syed Abdul Rahim urged the youth to actively embrace the opportunities available within the evolving economic landscape, emphasizing the necessity for adaptability and change to maintain relevance in new sectors.
“Continuous learning is paramount for us to stay pertinent in these newly emerging economic domains. This requires ongoing upskilling and reskilling, complemented by unwavering dedication, which is non-negotiable. YEF serves as a foundational first step for everyone to embark on this transformative journey,” he stated.
Connecting like-minded young professionals with industry pioneers, YEF 2024 underscores the theme ‘A Second Economic Takeoff: Malaysia’s Path to the New Economy’, signaling Malaysia’s ambition to harness opportunities in dynamic sectors such as the digital economy, green economy, and talent development.
Organized by PFAA and backed by YTL Power and YTL Group, the event drew over 1,200 delegates comprising young professionals, mid-career personnel, university and college students, as well as leaders from high schools.
The eighth edition of YEF features insights from industry experts in green economy, digital economy, and talent development sectors, along with policy-making discussions led by key figures including Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.
The forum aims to inspire youth to engage in evidence-based discussions that will redefine Malaysia’s economic terrain, aligning with the nation’s aspiration to achieve high-income status by 2028.
Interview with Tan Sri Johari Abdul: Insights from the Youth Economic Forum 2024
Editor: Good afternoon, Tan Sri Johari. Thank you for joining us today. Your keynote address at the Youth Economic Forum 2024 certainly stirred up a lot of dialogue. To start, can you share your key message for the youth of Malaysia as the country prepares to take on the ASEAN chairmanship next year?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: Thank you for having me. The crux of my message is that the youth must recognize their unique position as both leaders and change-makers in this pivotal moment for Malaysia. With ASEAN’s chairmanship comes a significant responsibility to guide ten nations toward collective growth. I urged the youth to leverage this opportunity to engage more actively in economic and diplomatic discussions, as their contributions will shape not only Malaysia’s future but that of the entire region.
Editor: That’s a powerful mandate. You mentioned the importance of leadership skills in your speech. What specific qualities do you believe young Malaysians should cultivate to lead effectively?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: Strong leadership today encompasses adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning. It’s not just about filling roles but about inspiring others and driving innovation. As we navigate the complexities of an emerging economy, leaders must also be visionaries who can foresee challenges and proactively address them. Encouragingly, many of our young individuals are already stepping into these roles, eager to make a difference.
Editor: The theme of “A Second Economy Takeoff: Malaysia’s Path to the New Economy” was highlighted at the Forum. How do you see this transformation taking shape, and what role do you envision for the youth in this process?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: This theme reflects our ambition for a fundamental shift in how we approach our economy. The youth are at the heart of this transformation. We envision them as innovators and entrepreneurs who harness technology and creativity to unlock new economic potentials. They need to engage in continuous learning and networking, as these will be crucial in driving practical solutions to the economic challenges we face.
Editor: You mentioned talent as the “final piece” needed for economic success in Malaysia. How can young Malaysians ensure they possess the talent required to propel the country forward?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: It starts with education and a commitment to lifelong learning. Young people should not only pursue academic excellence but also seek out diverse experiences, whether through internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurial ventures. The essence of talent lies in its application; being skilled is one thing, but being able to apply those skills in real-world scenarios is what will catalyze Malaysia’s economic growth.
Editor: In closing, Tan Sri Johari, what is your hope for the youth of Malaysia as we move toward this exciting economic future?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: My hope is that they embrace their role with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency. The future is unwritten, and they have the power to shape it. I urge them to dream big, engage deeply, and act boldly. If they can do this, I believe Malaysia will not just keep pace with the changes in our region, but lead into a promising future.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Tan Sri Johari. We look forward to seeing how the youth will rise to meet these challenges.
>Editor: Speaking of challenges, what are some of the biggest obstacles you believe young Malaysians will encounter as they step into these leadership roles in the emerging economy?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: One of the foremost challenges is adapting to rapid technological advancements. The pace of change in the job market is unprecedented, and staying relevant requires continuous upskilling and adaptability. Additionally, the youth must navigate the complexities of collaboration within the ASEAN framework, which involves understanding diverse cultures and economic landscapes. The ability to engage across borders will be paramount in harnessing regional opportunities.
Editor: You also spoke about talent being the “final piece” for Malaysia’s economic transformation. Can you elaborate on why this is so critical and how the youth can contribute to this aspect?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: Talent is indeed the linchpin in our strategy for economic growth. As we aim for a high-income status by 2028, we need skilled professionals who are ready to innovate and adapt to new sectors, such as the digital and green economies. Young Malaysians can contribute by actively seeking education and experience that aligns with these sectors. It’s essential for them to be proactive, seek out mentorship, and engage in programs that enhance their skills and networks.
Editor: what message would you like to leave with the youth of Malaysia as we look toward this promising yet challenging future?
Tan Sri Johari Abdul: My message is simple: be bold, stay curious, and embrace change. The future is unwritten, and your actions today will define the trajectory of not just your lives but Malaysia’s as well. Engage actively, learn continuously, and contribute meaningfully. The world is watching, and together, we can lead our nation toward an era of unprecedented growth and innovation. Thank you!
Editor: Thank you, Tan Sri Johari, for your insightful perspectives. Your encouragement for the youth to step up as leaders is certainly inspiring. We look forward to seeing how Malaysia evolves under their stewardship as ASEAN’s chair.
