Special lecture by Khairy Jamaluddin on Malaysia's outlook

Front row, from left: Ms Teen Soh Hong, Dr Tan, Dr Chin, Prof Faidz, Mr Khairy, Datin Paduka Tan, Dr Yap and Mr Kenneth Lee with UTAR staff and students

UTAR hosted a special lecture by former Malaysian Minister Mr Khairy Jamaluddin on 13 August 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. Titled “Where is Malaysia going towards and Malaysia’s outlook by 2050?” the lecture was part of the Tun Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies (TCLC) Lecture Series.

Mr Khairy Jamaluddin, who served as the Minister of Health, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, drew from his extensive political experience to provide insights into Malaysia’s potential future development. His talk explored the technological, economic, and socio-political challenges the country may face as it approaches 2050.

TCLC Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Chin Yee Mun welcomed Mr Khairy Jamaluddin to UTAR and expressed gratitude for his willingness to share his insights on Malaysia’s future. Following that, Dr Chin highlighted Malaysia’s progress over the past 67 years of independence, noting significant population growth, economic development, and increased life expectancy. Dr Chin emphasised the importance of Mr Khairy’s lecture in providing valuable perspectives on Malaysia’s future trajectory.

During the lecture, Mr Khairy discussed Malaysia’s current political stability and economic recovery, highlighting these factors as crucial to the nation’s positive outlook. He also addressed the importance of translating economic growth into tangible benefits for the people, especially in the context of high inflation.

Mr Khairy’s diverse career, which spans journalism, investment banking, entrepreneurship, and significant government roles, provided attendees with a well-rounded perspective on how Malaysia can navigate its future. The lecture offered a valuable opportunity for students, faculty, and the broader community to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that Malaysia might encounter in the coming decades.

The event attracted over 200 participants, including UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, United Malacca Berhad Chairperson & Non-Independent Non-Executive Director Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Institute of Social Economic Research Head Dr Yap Hon Lun. The talk was moderated by TCLC Research Fellow Dr Tan Sing Pei.

Dr Chin delivering his welcome remarks

From left: Dr Yap, Dr Chin, Datin Paduka Tan, Mr Khairy, Prof Faidz and Dr Tan

Mr Khairy delivering his insights on Malaysia’s future

Attendees during the talk sessions

Mr Khairy answering questions during the Q&A session

Q&A sessions