Youth lead the world
Photo Credit: imunews.imu.edu.my
Kwong Wah Yit Poh, 18 Aug 2016
The latest issue of Catholic paper Herald’s front page is about the Pope Francis attending the World Youth Day 2016 in Poland. The media reported that 3 million of people attended this one–week long event. The World Youth Day led by Catholic Church, started in 1985 where the event is held once every three years. Next event will be held in Panama, Central America in 2019.
The United Nation’s International Youth Day originated in United Nation Assembly in 1999, which is slower than the Catholic Church. United Nation Assembly set 12 August as International Youth Day. The theme for this year is: The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.
I read the United Nation Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s speech made in conjunction with the International Youth Day published in The Star. He gave a very important sentence: “If youth can die in wars, they can discuss peace.” He announced the setting up of a special consultative group formed by young people to brief the United Nation on how to promote peace and development.
Malaysia has fixed its Youth Day on May 15. I am unable to make many comments on this as activities and speeches are both unimpressive.
The World War II has destroyed the old economic order. After peace is restored new economic order is established. Similarly, a new global order is appearing in this era, going to replace the existing economic order. The fourth industrial revolution has arrived. The entire manufacturing and business models are undergoing thorough change. Our education system must be making relative revamp to new changes. Otherwise the competitive edge of a country may decline.
I once visited the Silicon Valley in San Francisco’s Bay Area and the Optics Valley in Wuhan, China. Those international corporations hire thousands of high-end technology experts attracting young people throughout the world to work there.
There are many Malaysians who seek for better job opportunities and economic encounter outside Malaysia. They are all over the world. It is a great challenge to draw them back to Malaysia and Penang.
Among 30 classmates of mine from primary school, 10 of them are working in overseas. More than 10 of them remain in other states in Malaysia. Another 10 remain in Penang. Among my secondary school classmates, many are in overseas and other states in Malaysia instead of remaining in Penang.
A good political system, fair economic opportunities, friendly migration system, education opportunities with global vision may lure talents back home. Penang, compared to other states, is more attractive to draw talents to return home. An optimistic expectation would be seeing them returning to serve Penang with their broad experience. Another practical version would be since they have opted to settle down in other places, they can also help Malaysia to open doors and market in overseas.
In this month I have attended two activities involving youth. I have also delivered speeches to youth leaders. One is the counselling session for new students studying in University of Malaysia while the other is secondary school youth leadership camp in Penang. I said the Penang state government intends to shape Penang into a vibrant, fun and positive city. The Penang Government has paired up with the private sectors to have famous mural, the Tech Dome Penang in Komtar, paradise, Entopia and others for youth to learn about latest updates and new technology.
After 10 to 20 years, the youth would be leading the society and the country. They can only shoulder the responsibility if they undergo good education and social experience.
Original Source: 青年领导世界
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