By Muhammad Irfan
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 November 2021: A new youth development model will be launched in March next year to cater for the next decade of youth, Prime Minister, Dato’ Ismail Sabri Yaakob said during his speech when the launching of National Youth Day 2021 celebration on Saturday (30 October).
The New Youth Development Model (MBPB) 2030 to be launched next year aims to increase the government’s initiative to develop the Malaysian youth and nurture ‘Masyarakat 5.0’ in the country, he added.
“When implemented, MPBP 2030 will benefit the youth by increasing their socio-economic status via the creation of new job opportunities, education and skills.
“It will also strengthen youth support systems, especially relations with family, society and government agencies in their effort to nurture a more confident and active generation of youth who are resilient and capable of taking on challenges.”
The Prime Minister described Masyarakat 5.0 as a society that could prosper in both the virtual and physical world. As the country is heading towards that direction, he stressed that it is not enough to produce generations that are only smart to navigate the digital world, they also need to be able to adapt with technology which will complement the religious, cultural and civic values upheld by the Malaysian Family.
“I am highly confident in the youth’s capabilities to rise to this challenge, and data shows that the majority of them are already at the level of ‘Belia 4.0’. At this point, youth are already analytical, highly skilled and possess innovative approaches and emphasis on creative culture,” he stressed.
The government plans to strengthen their approach to achieve Masyarakat 5.0 via multiple initiatives including the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital), Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) policy and the National Digital Network (JENDELA) plan.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the government will amplify their efforts on the completion of infrastructure, digital services and job demands for the entire Malaysian Family, including the youth.
The proposed initiatives aimed to reduce the digital barrier and increase economic growth in the country.
He added that the government will keep on endorsing the spirit of volunteerism and emphasise mental health support post-COVID-19 pandemic era through various programmes such as the Mental Health Matters campaign, the Rakan Muda Comfort Room programme and the Young Minds social enterprise aiming at more than one thousand youth counsellors as trainees. ***
Source: Bernama