The global pandemic did not stop the efforts of UTAR Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) from reaching a global audience by successfully organising the third International Youth Development Conference (IYDC) 2020 via virtual platform. Held from 21 to 22 November 2020 on Zoom and LinkedIn platforms, this year’s conference was also co-organised by IOI Properties Group Berhad.

Held for the third time since 2018, the first virtual conference saw more than 600 participants, including 221 international participants from China, Philippines, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico and Taiwan.

Themed ‘Resilient Youth in a Post-Pandemic World: Digital Transformation and Urban Living’, the virtual IYDC 2020 aimed at creating a greater platform for a larger number of students from different backgrounds and economies to learn and engage in the youth development programme. The two-day conference also aimed to instil the participants with valuable knowledge and understanding on the importance of digital transformation and urban living and how the transformation could be utilised to recover from the global pandemic and continue to grow.

Present at the virtual IYDC’s opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, General Manager of Group Corporate Communication and Sustainability of IOI Properties Group Berhad Kristine Ng, UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations-cum-Organising Chairperson of IYDC 2020 Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Keynote Speaker-cum-Vice President of Talent Development and Digital Entrepreneurship of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Dr Sumitra Nair, DSA Kampar Campus Head Chiang Jeng Fong, DSA Sungai Long Campus Head Loh Nyuk Leung, DSSC Kampar Campus Head Hee Chwen Yee, DSSC Sungai Long Campus Head Fook Oi Yee, sponsors, forum panellists, guest speakers and participants.

Speaking of the importance of digitisation in building responsible global citizens, Prof Ewe emphasised, “As a university “by the people, for the people”, UTAR has always believed in community engagement and enriching activities not only for the students in the university but also the public community. With this current pandemic and the challenges for the country and global economic outlook, many youths and graduates may face greater employment challenges and increased financial obligations. Therefore, this conference is most relevant for our youths who need to brace themselves for greater digitisation and transformation in their lifestyle and at their workplace.”

He added, “The International Youth Development Conference was first organised in 2018 with physical attendance on campus. It was a huge success and it became an annual conference attracting many local and international participants and speakers. Response and feedback were very good and now this is our third conference. I hope that participants especially our youths will build greater resilience to overcome challenges from information gathered at this conference and issues discussed at the Q&A sessions. Through this conference, I hope that participants will also be able to identify future skill needs, and hopefully discuss solutions to problems that will reflect long-term sustainability, and engage in meaningful discussions with the speakers, peers and professionals.”

The Vice President of Talent Development and Digital Entrepreneurship of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Dr Sumitra who was the keynote speaker, started the conference’s ball rolling with her keynote address titled “Digital Transformation”. Emphasising on the importance of digital innovation and competencies for the future workforce, Dr Sumitra in her address explained, “Digital innovation is recreating all sectors and changing the work landscape. Therefore, to ensure our youths from all over the world remains competitive, it is crucial for them to equip themselves with digital skills so that they are prepared and pertinent for the future.” She added, “In the current situation, digital transformation plays a crucial role in helping businesses and many other institutions to recover from the pandemic. By integrating digital technology into all areas of business, digital transformations fundamentally change how the world operates and deliver values to the world population.” The keynote address also touched on the aspects of digital entrepreneurship, digital economy, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data and etc and how all these aspects add values in the world of digital transformation.

The conference then was followed by a keynote forum titled “Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities”. The forum was delivered by three key panellists, namely Vice President Revenue of Billplz Ahmad Zakwan Mohamad Sharif, Founder of OXWHITE CK Chang and Regional Manager of Guidewire Software Don Tan. The forum was moderated by UTAR DSSC lecturer Yoon Seck Hoe. The one-and-half-hour forum highlighted the key challenges as well as the opportunities that one can gain from digitisation. The forum covered the definition of digital transformation from different contexts and views; how digital transformation impacts the lives of youth; the challenges faced by youths and the opportunities that can be seized by youths.

To provide a well-rounded view on the impacts of digital transformation and urban setting as well as to spur discussions, another keynote address was featured on the second day of the conference. The keynote address titled “Post-Covid 19 World” was delivered by Distinguished Academician Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor. Among the other key highlights of the conference was the second keynote forum titled, “Young People’s Empowerment in Post Pandemic Urban Setting”. The forum was delivered by four key panellists, namely Programme Executive of Think City Johor Bahru Gan Yi Reng, Co-Lead of Placemaking of Think City Eke Omardin, Vice Chair of MNS Selangor Branch Wong Ee Lynn and Chairman of MyPJ Jeffrey Phang. The forum was moderated by Assistant Manager of UTAR DSA Chow Keng Fatt.

Throughout the duration of the conference, participants were able to gain knowledge from the erudite speakers and trainers during the different talks and workshops. Parallel workshops such as “Digital Marketing” by Founder of Yellow Leads Ng Soon Sun, “Digital Freelancing” by Founder and CEO of BrandSight Digital Sdn Bhd Nicsman, “Personal Branding on Social Media” by Founder and Branding Coach of BrandtalkAsia Sdn Bhd Ian Lai, “Social Entrepreneurship” by Acting Dean, Professor and Programme Leader, BMgt (Hons) in Social and Business Sustainability, Tung Wah College (TWC) Prof Albert Chu-Ying, “Environment/Urban Nature Management Tool - Citizen Science Approach (iNaturalist app)” by Project Officer of The Rimba Project from Universiti Malaya Syuhada Sapno and “Post Pandemic: Why Equality is One of the Key Elements for Sustainable Development in Social, Economic and Environmental of the New Norm?” by Founder of theSDGs2030.com, Founder of SJ Consultancy and Management, Director of Marketing in Turf Resort Joyline Chai were also held with the purpose to provide hands-on developments for the participants.

Next on the agenda was the plenary sessions and concurrent talks which included “Future of Work Changes, Consequences & Choices: How to Future-proof Our Career” by Independent Board Director, CIMB Bank Berhad Chu Hong Keong, “The New Economy Landscape and Where the Opportunities Lie” by UTAR Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) Assoc Prof Dr Wong Chin Yoong, “Human-Wildlife Interactions and the New Normal: a Malaysian Tale” by Scientific Advisor and Council Member at Malaysian Primatological Society, and Co-founder and Advisor at Langur Project Penang Dr Nadine Ruppert, “Citizen Science” by UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology lecturer Tou Jing Yi, “Youth’s Responsiveness in Employees’ Rights and the Future of Jobs in a Post Pandemic World” by UTAR FBF lecturer Dr Claudia Lau.

One of the participants, Jerapat Deesamer from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand enthused, “It was an eye-opening experience for me. By joining the IYDC for the first time, I learned a lot of new insights regarding digital transformation and its challenges as well as impacts and opportunities that can be seized to grow further in my studies and future workplace.”

Another participant from UTAR, Sarah Xavier Anthony said, “The different background of speakers and panellists, who were experts in what they were doing, was an eye-opening experience. It gave me an insight into their careers and how they inspire youths like me to be a better person in the future while I prepare myself for the digital age. IYDC 2020 is certainly a great platform for all the participants to learn and progress as positive youths.”

At the closing ceremony, the Organising Chairperson Prof Choong enthused, “I am very pleased and thankful for your participation in this event, as this is our first virtual IYDC. It is indeed exciting to hold this event in a different setting due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but challenging times call for innovative solutions, and today, we are still fortunate to have the opportunity to gather and discuss virtually.” He added, “I hope you had an insightful session at this virtual conference. Once again, thank you for your participation and hope to see you all again next year.”