Symposium highlights youth and social problems

The Department of General Studies of UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) organised the Symposium on Youth and Social Problems on 15 August 2023 at Sungai Long Campus. Themed ‘Understanding the Challenges Young People Face in 2023 and Beyond’, the symposium aimed to promote intellectual discourse on youth issues, address youth dilemmas and propose remedies for the problems.

Dr David Tneh welcoming the participants and panellist speakers

FCI Dean Dr Tneh Cheng Eng welcomed the participants and said, “I would like to extend my congratulation to the organising committee members, panellists and participants for the success of today’s symposium. I’m sure the esteemed panellists will enlighten us with their thoughts and insights. This topic is interesting because the youth will inherit our country in the future. They are the leaders; the front-line leaders of a country. I hope today’s symposium can uncover the essence of the problem of the youth not only in Malaysia but also in the international arena.”

Emeritus Prof Osman presenting his keynote speech

The symposium featured Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Osman Bakar from the International Islamic University Malaysia. He presented a keynote titled “Understanding the challenges of the contemporary youth generation”. Emeritus Prof Osman spoke about the need to understand the meaning of healthy youth culture, the soul and psychology of youth and the special characteristics of their generation, the age-old challenges to the youth, and the need to strengthen resilience to face current challenges and the minds of the youth so that they have a vision for their future.

He said, “Resilience among youths can be strengthened through formal and non-formal education, empowering the culture of knowledge by seeking knowledge that is useful and knowledge for changing needs; providing sufficient opportunities for youth to achieve their ideals of healthy youth in line with their respective interests and abilities.”

Emeritus Prof Osman added, “We are living in a fast-paced world filled with rapid changes along with unlimited data to be digested. Thus, one needs to know how to balance between tradition and modernity.”

Mr Soon sharing his thoughts on how knowledge can change oneself

Mr Soon Koi Voon from the International Network of Engaged Buddhists shared his thoughts on thriving in an ever-changing world, gaining knowledge and wisdom, developing value systems and other relevant topics on assisting youth to become a better version of themselves. He said, “We need to look into how we can support the youth in what they want to be and not be judgmental of what youth are expected to be. We should learn from each other despite being in different age groups. Do not forget tradition despite learning modernism.”

The symposium was followed by a panel discussion among Assoc Prof Ts Dr Jessica Ong Hai Liaw from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia; Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad from Universiti Putra Malaysia; Ms Azmariana Azman from TNB Research Sdn Bhd and Mr Krishna Kumar Illangovan from StoriesofTM. The discussion was moderated by Dr Charanjit Kaur.

Dr Charanjit Kaur, who is also the event’s director, mentioned that youth-related matters might not always receive the same level of attention as other subjects considered more immediate or pertinent by society. This could stem from the belief that these issues are of lesser urgency or predominantly impact a specific demographic. Moreover, there could be misunderstandings characterising youth concerns as inconsequential or restricted to surface-level matters. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognise that youth issues encompass a broad spectrum of significant subjects, including education, employment, mental well-being, social equity, climate change, and more.

As a response, the initiative aims to bridge the generational gap. It extends an inclusive invitation to both older and younger generations to come together and discuss the pressing challenges that affect the youth. This platform seeks to create an environment where meaningful dialogue can occur, transcending differences between generations.

Seated, from left: Mr Krishna, Ms Azmariana, Dr Charanjit, and Assoc Prof Mohd Mursyid with Assoc Prof Jessica Ong (top right - joining through Zoom)

Assoc Prof Dr Jessica Ong presented a research topic titled “Incorporating the human dimension, military mindset and patriotism” where she shared the introduction to patriotism, the Malaysian army, basic military training, patriotic education, social identity theory, cultivation theory and other related topics. She said, “Education and military training are both important aspects in preparing individuals to serve the country and promoting the spirit of patriotism.”

Ms Azmariana shared her experience as a researcher while working on the research titled “The existence of NEET groups among Temiar indigenous youth in Nenggiri, Gua Musang, Kelantan”. Azmariana shared about the concept of NEET whereby there is a proportion of young people who are not in education, employment, or training to the population of the corresponding age group. She said, “It is imperative to stay neutral and see the world from their perspective to know what they need and want. There is a need for the indigenous youth to gain further exposure for self-growth.”

Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Mursyid presented a research topic titled “Understanding the 'rempit' phenomenon among youth: challenges and opportunities”. He said, “There are 3.5% of unemployment rates in Malaysia in May 2023. Seven per cent of youth aged between 15 to 30 years old are unemployed as of May 2023. Six thousand three hundred and eight individuals were arrested under Section 42 Road Transport Act 1987. The ‘rempit’ phenomenon can be intervened by creating an action development plan to be included in the act related to youth development, establishing a motorcycle academy for youth in each district, implementing a motoring coaching module and training related to motoring technology and creativity and creating a special space for motorcycle art activities.”

Mr Krishna shared his personal experience as he spoke on the “Factors of social environment, family relationships, the influence of mass media and mental health which are major contributors to social symptoms among youth”. In his sharing, he said, “Each of us is different, we need to find out what our paths are and what we are good at, as well as, the roles we play in society. It is important to know how to uplift yourself when you face challenges and obstacles in life. It is not the end if you fail; do not let the challenges stop you from growing. Find the solution to the problem, learn from it and contribute back to society.”

The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session.

Department of General Studies Head Ms Ira Meilita binti Ibrahim, Mr Soon, Emeritus Prof Osman, Dr David Tneh and Dr Charanjit during the opening of the symposium

Participants enjoying themselves

Group photo among panel speakers and organising committee members

Participants listening attentively to the speaker