Youths to lead the way

AS the nation keeps transforming and powering ahead, much of its hopes and dreams will lie with the younger generation. The youth of the nation will be tasked with the responsibility of taking the country into the future.

Beginning with the New Economic Policy (1971-1990), the country is approaching one developmental era, Vision 2020, and embarking on the next 30-year transformation horizon — National Transformation 2050 or TN50 — which will bring us among the top 20 ranked countries in the world in economic development, citizen wellbeing and innovation.

The Youth and Sports Ministry was tasked to conduct an extensive engagement with the youth, which it has done via dialogues, workshops and online channels.

Malaysian youth from all back- grounds responded with passion and hope for the future of their country, and their responses are outlined in the TN50 Youth Canvas, which documents the aspirations of almost two million people.

It is driven by five trends: society, environment, economy, technology and connectivity, and governance.

Youths want to see an equitable Malaysia which gives equal opportunity to all Malaysians and a country that practises sustainable usage of its resources. They also want to see a culture of moderation and dialogue, which refrains from destructive speech.

The youth also want to take ownership of life decisions. They want companies to recognise their corporate social responsibility, and government leaders and institutions to demonstrate accountability over their performance and duty.