Hosting the first edition of Rakan Muda Turun Kampus 2025 at UTAR

A major highlight of the event was the arrival of YB Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, the Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, who also delivered an impactful sharing session titled Youth in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities. Her presence symbolised the ministry’s strong support for youth development, and her session provided valuable insights into the current landscape and future possibilities for young Malaysians.

Distinguished guests who attended the event included Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR; Dato’ Ts Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia; and Puan Azura binti Abidin, Director General of the National Department of Youth and Sports (JBSN). Other notable attendees included Assoc Prof Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, Dean of the Faculty of Creative Industries at UTAR, along with guests from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, as well as UTAR deans, staff, and students.

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressed appreciation for the programme, calling it “an excellent platform for students to gain knowledge, express their views, and participate in discussions that will shape their future.” He also highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme, Youth in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities, emphasising the importance of equipping young Malaysians with the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of today’s world.

Program Rakan Muda Turun Kampus is a special initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) that allows students from institutions of higher learning (IPT) to express their aspirations and perspectives on youth and sports development directly to the top leadership at KBS. The programme aims to deliver up-to-date information on government policies, initiatives, and actions, particularly those related to youth and sports development. Additionally, it creates a platform for students to voice their opinions and suggestions regarding key youth issues, while also promoting the implementation of the Gaya Hidup Rakan Demokrasi lifestyle among students in both public and private institutions.

This year, a total of 10 Rakan Muda Turun Kampus programmes will be held across various campuses, with an estimated participation of 5,000 students nationwide. The programme features a range of interactive activities coordinated by the Youth Development Division under the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN). During the event at UTAR, YB Hannah Yeoh also took the opportunity to engage with students from various faculties and toured the campus facilities in Sungai Long.

The implementation of the Rakan Muda Turun Kampus initiative is envisioned to strengthen youth identity and unity among IPT students, foster cross-institutional collaboration, and provide a direct input channel for the Ministry in designing effective youth empowerment strategies.