Two youths to represent Malaysia in the Telenor Youth Forum 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: After an intense selection process, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (“Digi”) has chosen its two participants to represent Malaysia in the upcoming Telenor Youth Forum (TYF) 2018 in Oslo, Norway.

Felicia Yoon and Rachel Loh will join other accomplished young leaders from seven of Telenor’s markets across the world for the sixth installment of TYF, a six monthlong global programme designed and hosted by Telenor Group and the Nobel Peace Centre.

This year’s delegation will be challenged to address inequalities in health through the use of digital technology.

Digi’s head of Sustainability, Phillip Ling said.

“This year’s Telenor Youth Forum aims to bridge health with technology by leveraging on the power of mobile network and digital innovation to reduce inequalities in health as well as the access to health services.

“We’re excited for both Rachel and Felicia to use their experience in championing their own causes here in Malaysia, to contribute and share ideas with their peers at the forum.

“They are both passionate about effecting change in the world, and we are positive that this experience will only enhance their passion and energy to address the much needed social change further.”

Yoon, 28, is one of the co-founders of social enterprise Arus Education, which focuses on providing education to underprivileged students with digital skills, empowering them to find solutions instead of waiting for it to come to them.

“I’m looking forward to sharing what I already know, as well as what my students have created,” she expressed.

At the same time I want to listen to what others have to say and see what I can bring back to my country, my students – I’m constantly looking for better ways to engage with my students and the exchange of knowledge will be very useful,” she expressed.

Psychology final-year student Rachel Loh, 21, is the Chief Strategy Officer at Rice Inc, a social enterprise that aims to tackle food insecurity and farmers poverty.

They are currently running a pilot project in Myanmar which looks into ensuring farmers are not shortchanged and are able to use the existing technology provided by Rice Inc to eradicate poverty where they can.

“I am really passionate about reducing inequalities, and for me, to gain exposure to international ideas at the forum – to work with them and connect with industry experts to tackle these social issues are some of the things I am most excited about,” she elaborated.

The duo edged out the competition of 90 other participants and will head to Oslo, Norway on December 8-11, 2018 to work with their assigned teams.