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EMPOWERINGMALAYSIA’S FUTUREPreparing The Youth For The Second Economic TakeoffPOLICY BRIEF

Muhammad Afiq Bin AbdullahExecutive Advisor of the Youth Economic Forum 2024Senior Vice President of StrategyPolicy and SustainabilityAmBank Group BerhadBSc (MMU), MESB (Imperial), PGDip(Oxford), PMP(PMI), ProfCert(Wharton)019 - 226 8511Afiq.abdullah@outlook.comAuthored BySyed Mohamed ArifPresident of the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association ManagerStakeholder’s & Industry ManagementUEM Edgenta BerhadDip (UiTM), BEng (Brunel), MSc (UCL)019 - 301 0088Syedmohamedarifsar@gmail.comEwanina EffandieDirector of Youth Economic Forum 2024Research OfficerMinister of Digital's OfficeBA (Sheff)ewanina.work@gmail.com1© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Executive SummaryThe Youth Economic Forum 2024 (YEF) is built around the theme "A SecondEconomic Takeoff: Malaysia’s Path to the New Economy." This theme encapsulatesMalaysia’s ambition to embrace emerging opportunities in the new economysectors, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, sustainability, andindustrial modernisation. The forum aims to discuss how Malaysia can leverage itsstrategic resources, emerging green and digital industries, and skilled talent topropel the country towards its second major phase of economic development.The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) focuses on transforming Malaysia’smanufacturing sector into a more advanced, high-value-added industry. The planoutlines Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in various sectors bymodernising its industrial capabilities and integrating value chains across SoutheastAsia. This involves enhancing economic complexity by shifting away from low-valueproduction to more innovative and sophisticated manufacturing activities. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines Malaysia’s efforts totransition towards a low-carbon, sustainable future. The NETR is a key componentof the country's aspiration to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.By focusing on key sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen technology,energy efficiency, and green mobility, the NETR aims to stimulate economic growthwhile ensuring environmental sustainability. However, a critical element remains missing: talent. While roadmaps such as theNETR and the NIMP provide strategic blueprints for economic growth, the questionarises — do we have sufficiently skilled talent to bring these ambitious plans to life?The success of these initiatives hinges on whether Malaysia can cultivate aworkforce with the expertise required to navigate and implement these high-techtransformations. Without a strong focus on developing and attracting top-tier talent,particularly in areas like advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and greenindustries, the realisation of these roadmaps may fall short of their potential.2© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

The Youth Context Malaysia's higher education system has achieved significant milestones over theyears, offering countless students the opportunity to pursue their academic andvocational aspirations. However, as the nation continues to evolve, the urgency tobolster support for students transitioning from secondary school to higher educationor vocational careers has become more apparent. This challenge calls for a reimagined support system that not only helps studentsnavigate their post-secondary options but also aligns their strengths and aspirationswith emerging opportunities in the job market. While Malaysia has made strides inpromoting entrepreneurship, there remains vast potential to further harness this as analternative career pathway, especially as the economy shifts towards high-value anddigital industries. Encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations could better prepare youngMalaysians for a dynamic, rapidly evolving job market.As Malaysia embarks on its second economic takeoff, spearheaded by EkonomiMADANI, the NETR, and the NIMP, youth policy resolutions must play a pivotal role.By providing enhanced career guidance, financial support, and skills developmentprograms, Malaysia can increase student engagement, cultivate entrepreneurialmindsets, and ensure that every young person is equipped to pursue fulfilling careers. 3© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

4© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

RESOLUTION 1To Develop an AI-based National CareerCounselling Platform for Post-SPM LeaversBackground88.7% of the upper secondary students displayed low abilities in locating andprocessing relevant education and career information. This phenomenon hastranslated into more than 180 000 SPM graduates not continuing higher educationand directly entering the workforce in 2021, affecting their long-term careerprospects and the supply of talent in various economic sectors. The uptake of the gig economy, appeal of social media influencer jobs anduncertainty of guaranteed career opportunities post-tertiary education are alsoamongst the top reasons over 390 000 SPM candidates are not interested inpursuing higher education. Furthermore, 39.5% of students are more inclined toenter the workforce post-SPM due to financial struggles as barriers to furthereducation. 28.4% of SPM graduates also believe that poor academic performanceshinder their chances of pursuing tertiary education.Malaysia needs at least 45% of the workforce to be highly skilled to compete onthe global stage. Only 24.7% of the Malaysian workforce consists of skilledworkers as of 2021, with the majority making up semi-skilled workers. Thesestatistics show that there is a need to drive youths to become part of the skilledlabour force to remain competitive amongst our neighbours.To ensure that Malaysia continues to develop highly-skilled professionals andnurture talents to drive progress in all economic sectors, the nation must invest inyouths pursuing higher education that aligns with their interests and socioeconomicneeds. By addressing uncertainty and providing personalised ways to guide them toresources, it is hoped that more youths would be inclined to continue highereducation after completing secondary education.Hence, this resolution aims to establish an online career counselling platform toprovide significant assistance for secondary school leavers to offer thempersonalised, structured guidance on their potential education and careerpathways.5© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Delivery MechanismResolution 1 | To Develop an AI-based National Career Counselling Platform for Post-SPM Leavers1. Personalised guidance through the AI-platform Through a renewed UPU Pocket application, students will have access to adigitalised, AI-driven psychometric assessment test that is upgraded from thecurrent paper-based test offered at schools. Possible new models of the test includethe RIASEC model (Holland Codes) which has been specifically designed to assistindividuals in selecting careers that are aligned with their personality traits.Based on the results post-assessment, the platform will offer personalisededucation pathways in Malaysia. The recommendations will be crafted byprofessional career coaches during the development of the model's database andfurther solidified by information updated by the Ministry of Higher Education(MOHE), TVET MADANI and other relevant agencies.This includes scholarship opportunities and financial assistance where relevant, aswell as the qualifications and prerequisites needed to further their education.Students have the opportunity to run the assessments multiple times to exploredifferent pathways and interests. 2. One-Stop AI-driven platform for career-related resource consolidationTo alleviate student concerns about career opportunities and improve access totrustworthy resources, this platform will act as a repository or directory for career-related information, tools and resources initiated by various government agencies.To ensure that students are sufficiently exposed to the job market and trendsbeyond the information provided by the government, this platform should also seekcollaboration with key stakeholders from the private sector such as LinkedIn,Glassdoor, and Jobstreet amongst others.3. Provision for students without stable internet access and accessibility issuesAcknowledging the digital divide and lack of internet access across Malaysia,especially in rural areas and amongst underprivileged communities, the platformshall offer an offline mode that has limited functions which still provide access tobasic key features until internet connectivity improves. Additionally, in areas whichare most underserved, in-person career counselling efforts are to be provided tostudents until full digital connectivity is reached across the country. In regards to literacy and language barriers, the platform shall primarily function inMalay and English languages, with the possibility of inclusion of other languagesincluding those from indigenous communities as the platform develops further. 6© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Impact to the Nation Potentially servicing over 350,000 SPMstudents annuallyIncreasing the number of youths pursuing higher education to meetnational talent demands: With improved access to career guidance, resources and tools, youthswould be more inclined to pursue higher education and become skilledworkers. Increasing our ratio of skilled workers is crucial to continuedriving plans such as the NIMP and the NETR forward in the upcomingyears to become a developed nation. Reduce skills and talent mismatch to minimise underemployment andunemployment rates: By improving the ability of secondary school students to locate andprocess information related to higher education and career pathways,youths will be more inclined to pursue jobs aligned and relevant to theirabilities and interests - potentially reducing the mismatch in the job marketand increasing overall job satisfaction. Key Stakeholders: Ministry of Education (MOE) Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Ministry of Finance (MOF) Educational InstitutionsCareer counsellors7Resolution 1 | To Develop an AI-based National Career Counselling Platform for Post-SPM Leavers© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

RESOLUTION 2Enhancing Learning-Industry Collaborationsthrough Student Apprenticeships focusing onGreen and Digital TrainingBackgroundTo enhance the effectiveness of internship programs for students, we either shouldbe extending the duration of internships or transitioning them to a cooperativeeducation (Co-op) model. This approach aims to provide students with deeper, morecomprehensive hands-on experiences, ensuring that the skills acquired duringinternships align with the demands of the labour market. In doing so, the goal is tobetter prepare students for full-time employment and to reduce the growing issue ofskill-related underemployment among graduates.Skill-related underemployment is a significant issue in Malaysia, reflecting a criticaldisconnect between the education system and the needs of the job market. In 2021,14.4% of graduates were considered underemployed due to skill mismatches, with34.4% unable to secure jobs aligned with their qualifications. Additionally, 33.9%of graduates were employed in semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs, highlighting theinadequacy of the current educational and training structures in preparing studentsfor the workforce.The employment rate for TVET graduates has reached record high percentages of97.4% in 2024, indicating a high demand for technical and vocational skillsamongst employers. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also announced that thegovernment aims to produce 100,000 TVET graduates in the next 5 years.Data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics reveals a concerning trend: only 6.1%of Malaysian youths enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) institutions in 2022. This figure positions Malaysia behind regionalcounterparts such as Indonesia (12.8%), Singapore (23.8%), and South Korea(14.2%). Despite increased governmental efforts to promote TVET, there remains anotable gap in youth engagement with these educational pathways following thecompletion of their SPM.While there is a commendable increased focus on integrating technological aspectsinto the TVET curricula through the National TVET Policy 2030, current courses inTVET institutions only offer general technology and digital courses with minimalspecialisation in industry specific skills. There is also a significant lack of emphasison green skills, which puts graduates at a disadvantage as the economy has begunto shift and adopt more sustainability-related practices.To increase the appeal of TVET courses and ensure that TVET graduates arefuture-ready, as well as to ensure that students from higher learning institutionsmake the most out of their industry attachment programs, this policyrecommendation suggests enhancing learning-industry collaborations by expandingcurrent student apprenticeship programs to focus on green and digital training,exploring innovative methods of implementation and enhancing the industryattachment experience to provide maximum benefit to youths and the economy inthe long run.8© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 2 | Enhancing Learning-Industry Collaborations through Student Apprenticeships focusing on Green and Digital TrainingDelivery Mechanism1. Expanding the scope of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) toinclude green and digital skillsExploring the Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET (BILT) approach andcollaborative initiatives with key stakeholders in the green and digital industries. Toensure a diverse range of opportunities, SMEs and corporations alike should beinvolved in collaborations for practical training and placement.Increase the number of ministries involved in the TVET MADANI program. Currentlythere are 12 ministries, but does not include key ministries involved in green anddigital sectors such as the Ministry of Digital, Ministry of Energy Transition andWater Transformation, and Ministry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalSustainability. 92. Expanding the National Dual Training System (SLDN) to include sectors identifiedunder the NETR and NIMP The existing SLDN structure is ideal in exposing youths to the working industrythrough its 70%-80% practical attachment with an employer and 20%-30%theoretical learning in institutions. However, current modules are limited to 27 fieldsof technical skills, without any green or digital jobs. Hence, modules focusing onkey sectors under the NETR and NIMP should be developed and offered to youths.3. Improve institutions’ outreach through international TVET networks focusing onsustainability and technological advancementsMany Malaysian institutions providing TVET courses are not directly members ofkey international and regional TVET networks, with the exception of certaininstitutions such as Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) who is leading theTVET discourse in the country and region. This limits graduates visibility andopportunities for international collaboration in TVET institutions.The government should identify several local TVET institutions that focus on greenand digital skills and assist them in obtaining membership in relevant TVETnetworks. Some networks include UNESCO-UNEVOC’s BILT community whichfocuses on greening and digitalization thematic areas, Regional Association ofVocational and Technical Education in Asia (RAVTE), and SEA-VET. © 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 2 | Enhancing Learning-Industry Collaborations through Student Apprenticeships focusing on Green and Digital Training4. To extend internship opportunities and integrate them with industry placements,ensuring students gain experience in key sectors such as the green and digitaleconomy, thereby equipping them with relevant skills for emerging industriesInternships in Malaysia are not sufficiently equipping students with the necessaryskills to enter the workforce, contributing to a high youth unemployment rate. Foryouths aged 15 to 24, the unemployment rate stood at 10.6%, affecting 306,800individuals as of December 2023 . Many internships are short-term, offering limitedpractical experience that does not adequately prepare students for full-timeemployment in key industries like the green and digital economies. To bridge thisgap, longer, more structured internships integrated with industry placements areessential. The TalentCorp LiKES initiative, which provides a RM30 million matchinggrant for SMEs, aims to support such internships, promoting skill enhancement andbetter pathways to employment. Expanding these efforts across more industries,especially the green and digital sectors can help address youth unemployment andensure students are better equipped for the evolving job market. 105. Increase minimum internship duration and increase the minimum allowanceoffered for green and digital industries The National Structured Internship Program (MySIP) under TalentCorp offers adesirable double tax deduction incentive for costs related to taking on interns.However, currently it only mandates a minimum of 10 weeks for participatingorganisations to be eligible for the program, and a minimum of RM600.00 allowancefor master’s, bachelor’s or equivalent students. While the effort is commendable,more can be done to provide a more substantial and high-quality internshipexperience for incoming interns. First and foremost, the minimum internship duration for participating organisationsespecially in the green and digital industries should meet a minimum of 4 months(equivalent to about 16 weeks), as certain skills such as cloud computing may takeup to 4 months for employees to pick up while on the job. The stipend provided forinterns should also be commensurate with the level of study, as masters studentsmay have more technical and subject matter knowledge as compared to studentsfrom bachelor’s degree. To ensure interns make the most out of their internship duration and developtransferable skills and knowledge that are aligned with economic goals, the MySIPprogram should consider adding modules for green and digital skills to becompleted by interns throughout their internship. Through collaboration withuniversities and industry players, this module can be developed and added as a KeyPerformance Indicator (KPI) for MySIP interns to complete and obtain additionalcertification at the end of the internship, adding value to their internship experience. © 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 2 | Enhancing Learning-Industry Collaborations through Student Apprenticeships focusing on Green and Digital Training6. Establishing a green and digital apprenticeship program for students pursuinghigher education Universities should explore apprenticeship programs with GLCs and corporationswithin the green and digital sectors to tailor industry attachment programs to alignwith industry needs and standards. To ensure that students are well-equipped with industry knowledge and distinguishthese apprenticeship programs from traditional internship experience, these specialapprenticeship programs shall employ a rotational method, in which students willget to experience 3 different departments in the organisation that they are attachedto for 6 months (2 months = 1 department). 11© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Impact to the Nation 12Resolution 2 | Enhancing Learning-Industry Collaborations through Student Apprenticeships focusing on Green and Digital TrainingEncourage more youths to pursue TVET-related courses by improvingcareer prospectsBy providing youths with industry exposure in high-demand industries,they are more likely to pursue TVET pathways post-secondary school.Through the training and qualifications provided, they would be preparedand more resilient against shifts in the job market. Increased practicalexperience also makes them highly valuable to employers. Ensure sufficient skilled workers to realise green and digital economyplans Aligning with the aspirations for the green economy and digital economylaid out by NETR and NIMP, providing industry exposure with a focus onupskilling youths in key sectors will ensure that Malaysia continues tosustain a competitive labour force. This would make Malaysia a desirablemarket for investments, ventures and collaborations.Key Stakeholders Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Ministry of Finance (MOF) All relevant ministries and governmentagencies Educational Institutions - TVETproviders Green and Digital Industry Employers © 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

RESOLUTION 3Skills Development Tax Relief for Green andDigital Training for Young ProfessionalsBackgroundMalaysia faces a critical shortage of highly skilled workers, with only 27% of the15.7 million-strong workforce classified as highly skilled, compared to the nationaltarget of 35%. This shortfall is particularly evident in the digital and green sectors,which are crucial for the country's economic transformation. Despite 65% ofemployers prioritising digital skills, only 19% of graduates feel adequately preparedfor these roles. This gap highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions toalign graduate capabilities with industry demands.Access to skills development opportunities remains a significant barrier for freshgraduates. Currently, only 36% of fresh graduates in Malaysia have receivedtraining opportunities, despite a strong interest in learning and developmentexpressed by 97% of the population. Financial constraints exacerbate this issue,with over half of Malaysians earning less than RM2,600 per month, making externaltraining programs unaffordable. As a result, many graduates are unable to pursuethe necessary upskilling independently, limiting their employment prospects andcareer growth.Globally, the future of work is set to be disrupted by rapid technologicaladvancements, with 70% of people feeling unprepared and 44% of workers' skillsexpected to become obsolete in the next five years. In this context, Malaysia cannotafford to lag in preparing its workforce for the challenges ahead. This resolution seeks to promote continuous learning and development among freshgraduates by offering a 'Skills Development Tax Credit' specifically targeted atgreen and digital training programs. This initiative is designed to incentiviseemployers to invest in reskilling and upskilling their workforce, thus helpinggraduates acquire critical skills required for the evolving demands of the moderneconomy. The goal is to bridge the skill gap in areas like digital technology andsustainability, thereby contributing to a highly skilled workforce prepared to meetfuture economic challenges.13© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 3 | Skills Development Tax Relief for Green and Digital Training for Young ProfessionalsDelivery Mechanism1. Partnership with Educational InstitutionsLocal Institutions: Collaborations with leading Malaysian universities andpolytechnics will ensure that training programs are tailored to the specific needs ofthe domestic economy, aligning closely with the country’s green and digitaleconomy roadmaps. These institutions will offer accredited courses, certificates,and professional development programs that focus on areas such as sustainabilitypractices, renewable energy, digital transformation, AI, and data analytics. Globally-recognised Institutions: For advanced or niche skill sets, partnerships withinternationally acclaimed universities and training providers will be established.These global institutions will offer online and hybrid programs that are relevant toMalaysia’s economic priorities.Innovative Learning Solutions: EdTech platforms will play a crucial role indemocratising access to high-quality education. By partnering with establishedplatforms like Coursera, edX, and local alternatives, this initiative will provide youngprofessionals with flexible, on-demand learning experiences.142. Tax Credit/Relief Mechanism: Up to RM 5,000 per youth per annumEligibility: Youth aged 18 to 35 who are either currently employed or seekingemployment can benefit from this scheme. Eligible courses will include thoserelated to digital skills (e.g., coding, data analytics, AI) and green economy sectors(e.g., sustainability, renewable energy), provided they are accredited by recognisededucational institutions or approved EdTech platforms.Tax Credit Process: Youth can claim the tax credit by submitting proof of theireligible expenses through the ezHASiL website, the official platform for managingpersonal tax matters in Malaysia. Receipts and relevant documentation (such asproof of enrolment and completion certificates) must be uploaded as part of the taxrelief claim process. © 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Impact to the Nation 5,000 young professionals yearly 15Resolution 3 | Skills Development Tax Relief for Green and Digital Training for Young ProfessionalsEnhancing Workforce Competitiveness and Boosting the Digital and GreenEconomiesThe tax credit initiative will incentivise continuous learning and upskillingamong young professionals, fostering a culture of lifelong development.By empowering individuals to enhance their skills in key areas, such asdigital and green technologies, Malaysia’s workforce will become moreresilient, adaptable, and competitive. In alignment with Malaysia's goals under the NIMP and the NETR, the taxcredit will play a crucial role in accelerating the country’s transition tohigh-value, sustainable industries. With this, it is hoped that Malaysia canposition itself as a regional leader in the digital and green economies,driving sustainable growth and enhancing its global competitiveness.Key StakeholdersMinistry of Higher Education (MoHE)Ministry of Finance (MOF)Educational Institutions and EducationTechnology Platform (EdTech)Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN)© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

RESOLUTION 4Creation of the National Youth Innovation Fundto Incubate Start-ups from Young Entrepreneursin the Green Economy and the Digital Economy BackgroundEntrepreneurial activity among Malaysian youths is gaining momentum, with theearly-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) rate for youths aged 18-34 reaching17.2%. Despite this development, Malaysia currently lacks a youth-dedicatedentrepreneurial fund to support these early-stage ventures, particularly in criticalsectors such as the green and digital economies. This gap highlights a missedopportunity to capitalise on the entrepreneurial ambitions of young people, many ofwhom are already contributing significantly to the economy. The percentage of self-employed graduates has risen dramatically over the pastdecade, increasing from 3% in 2010 to 20% in 2020. Similarly, the percentage ofgraduates involved in registered businesses grew from 0.5% in 2014 to 5.1% in2020. However, despite these gains, only 13% of self-employed graduatesattended an entrepreneurship course before starting their business, indicating alack of access to entrepreneurial education and resources. Moreover, Malaysia ranks only 58th in the Global Entrepreneurship Index, and thecountry scored a mere 12% in the Product Innovation sub-indicator, placing it 130thout of 137 countries. These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for targetedinvestments in entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors with high growth potentialsuch as green technology and digital innovation.There is a need to strengthen Malaysia's startup ecosystem by focusing on youths,particularly at the university or college level. By decentralising the ecosystem andembedding business acumen directly into the fabric of our educational institutions,we can instill entrepreneurial skills in young Malaysians. This approach formalisesalternative career pathways, ensuring that entrepreneurship becomes a viable andwell-supported option for our nation's future talents.16© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 4 |Creation of the National Youth Innovation Fund to Incubate Start-ups from Young Entrepreneurs in the Green Economy and the Digital EconomyDelivery Mechanism1. Partnership with Educational Institutions in Embedding Entrepreneurial Curriculum Universities offering the Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (and similar) programs willwork closely with students to ensure they receive comprehensive support in termsof business planning, market research, and financial management. Theseinstitutions will also provide access to innovation hubs and incubators, enablingstudents to collaborate, receive technical assistance, and scale their businesses.The creation of the fund at the national level will support business ventures byyouths and students in these programs and will be structured so that 60% of thedegree program involves students actively building and managing their company.Business performance, revenue generation, and impact on the digital or greensectors will be key components of their evaluation for the students to graduate fromthe degree program. 40% of the assessments will be based on financial,operational, and market performance, graded by educational institutions with inputfrom industry experts.172. Application and Selection ProcessStudents will submit detailed business proposals as part of their coursework, whichwill be evaluated by a panel consisting of educators and industry experts. Proposalsdemonstrating strong potential for innovation, marketability, and scalability in thedigital and green sectors will be prioritised.This initiative will primarily target the youth segment, with a focus on businessesthat align with the nation's green and digital economy roadmaps, the NETR and theNIMP. 3. Funding MechanismThe pool will source funds from Government Linked Investment Companies (GLIC),such as Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Employees Provident Fund (KWSP), andKumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP) amounting up to RM 100 million. The seed funding will range between RM50,000 to RM100,000 per start-up,depending on the strength of the business proposal and its alignment with digitaland green sector priorities.© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Impact to the Nation Building Future Unicorns of Malaysia18Resolution 4 |Creation of the National Youth Innovation Fund to Incubate Start-ups from Young Entrepreneurs in the Green Economy and the Digital EconomyBoost to Entrepreneurship and InnovationBy integrating startup creation into university curricula, the program willnurture a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of contributing toMalaysia’s economic growth in digital and green sectors.Job Creation and Economic GrowthThe student-led businesses will create job opportunities and fosterinnovation, contributing to Malaysia’s transition into a digital andsustainable economy.Promoting Green and Digital SectorThis initiative aligns with Malaysia’s goal of becoming a regional leader ingreen technologies and digital transformation, fostering environmentally-conscious start-ups.Key StakeholdersEducational InstitutionsMinistry of Finance (MOF)Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE)© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

RESOLUTION 5To Strengthen Majlis Perundingan Belia Negara(MPBN) to Cover Youth Policy Measures at theHighest Policy-making Levels (e.g., Policy Paperat the Cabinet Meeting) BackgroundEstablished in 1971, the MPBN serves as a pivotal platform for Malaysian youth tovoice their opinions and share the issues they face in all aspects with thegovernment. The council assemblies, held annually at three levels — district, state,and national — allow youth leaders to communicate their proposals andsuggestions.However, there is a missing piece within the MPBN or the Ministry of Youth andSports as a whole: a centralised division made up of youth leaders, specificallyfocused on reviewing national policies concerning the youth. The roles of Institutefor Youth Research Malaysia (IYRES), that resides in the Ministry of Youth do notextend to such functions as well. The objective of this resolution is to strengthen the role of MPBN and integrate thefunction of the National Youth Policy Review to ensure that youth-led initiatives andpolicies are aligned with Malaysia’s broader economic and strategic goals. Thecouncil will serve as a platform for young leaders to directly contribute to theformulation and review of national policies, particularly those aimed at addressingcritical issues such as youth unemployment, educational reform, and economicparticipation. By giving youth a direct role in shaping policies that impact their future, the councilwill foster greater collaboration between the government, industries, and theyounger generation, ensuring that youth aspirations are integrated into the nation’sdevelopment agendas.19© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Resolution 5 | To Strengthen Majlis Perundingan Belia Negara (MPBN) to Cover Youth Policy Measures at the Highest Policy-making Levels (e.g., Policy Paper at the Cabinet Meeting)Delivery Mechanism1. Appointment of Review CommitteeA Youth Policy Review Committee will be established within MPBN to oversee theevaluation and reporting processes.Members of the review committee will be appointed by the Ministry of Youth andSports, in consultation with MPBN’s leadership and key youth organisations.Appointees should include a diverse range of voices, such as youth leaders from allthe states and federal territories in Malaysia, youth associations, policy experts, andresearchers focused on youth issues.202. Annual Report Generation – To be presented to Malaysia Cabinet The review committee will be tasked with an annual reporting on the effectivenessof youth policies, including data collection through surveys, focus groups, andinterviews with youths and youth organisations.Reports will be submitted to the Mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri, offeringrecommendations for improvements, amendments, or new policies based on thefeedback gathered from youth stakeholders.3. Policy Impact EvaluationThe committee will use established metrics including, but not limited to,employment rates, educational outcomes, entrepreneurial success rates, mentalhealth statistics and the survey findings from the youth to gauge policyeffectiveness after its implementation.4. Other Research/Survey/Focus Group Discussion WorkThe committee will carry out surveys and focus group discussions to gathervaluable insights. The costs associated with this include conducting nationwidesurveys, organising focus groups, analysing data, and generating comprehensivereports. Additionally, the budget will cover workshops and policy review training foryouth participants, alongside capacity-building initiatives to ensure they understandthe policy evaluation processes.Collaboration with universities and youth organisations will be established to sourcedata and research on the effectiveness of policies. This partnership will enhance thequality and relevance of the findings, providing a well-rounded assessment of thecurrent policies in place.© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

Impact to the Nation 21Resolution 5 | To Strengthen Majlis Perundingan Belia Negara (MPBN) to Cover Youth Policy Measures at the Highest Policy-making Levels (e.g., Policy Paper at the Cabinet Meeting)Increased Youth Engagement in GovernanceYouths will have a direct role in policy evaluation and governancemechanisms, leading to greater feedback, improved democraticparticipation and a sense of ownership over policies affecting them.Enhanced Policy Responsiveness and EffectivenessThe review function will ensure that youth-related policies arecontinuously evaluated, allowing for adjustments that better addressevolving challenges and needs of Malaysian youths.Key Stakeholders Youth Associations and Organisations. For example: PFAA, MBM, MPPK andother youth organisations in MalaysiaMinistry of Youth and Sports (KBS)The Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia(PMO)© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

YOUTH ECONOMIC FORUM 2024PARTNERSPremier PartnerOfficial LearningPartnerOfficial EducationPartnerOfficial TelcoPartnerGold PartnersStrategic PartnersSilver Partners22© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES Ahmad, N. A., Ayub, A. F. M., & Khambari, M. N. (2019). Gender digital divide:Digital skills among Malaysian secondary school students. International Journal ofAcademic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 8(4), 668–687.Human Resource Management Academic Research Society.http://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/6692/Gender_Digital_Divide_Digital_Skills_among_Malaysian_Secondary_School.pdfAmran, M. A. Z. B., Khairul Akmal, S. N. A. B., Sapee-E, N. B., & Ahmad Dahlan, A.R. B. (2022). Skill Hub: A conceptual business model that gives job opportunities forfreelancers and B40 community. Journal of Information Systems and DigitalTechnologies, 4(2), 1–19.https://journals.iium.edu.my/kict/index.php/jisdt/article/download/293/208/2114Bernama. (2022, July 4). Malaysia Digital to boost growth of nation's digitaleconomy, says PM. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).https://www.mida.gov.my/mida-news/malaysia-digital-to-boost-growth-of-nations-digital-economy-says-pm/Bergson-Shilcock, A. (2020, May 20). Nearly 1 in 3 workers lack foundational digitalskills, new report finds. National Skills Coalition.https://nationalskillscoalition.org/blog/future-of-work/nearly-1-in-3-workers-lack-foundational-digital-skills-new-report-finds/Brower, T. (2022, November 6). 70% aren’t prepared for the future of work:Demands for upskilling surge. Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2022/11/06/70-arent-prepared-for-the-future-of-work-demands-for-upskilling-surge/Cheong Pui Yin, A. (2023, October 18). Budget 2024: Key highlights for SMEs &microentrepreneurs. RinggitPlus. https://ringgitplus.com/en/blog/budget-2024/budget-2024-key-highlights-for-smes-microentrepreneurs.htmlDepartment of Environment Malaysia. (2024, September 25). Sustainable School –Environmental Award Programme. Ministry of Natural Resources and EnvironmentalSustainability. https://www.doe.gov.my/en/environmental-award-sustainable-schools/Eddy, N. (2024, February 9). Inadequate tech training hinders talent development.Digital CxO. https://digitalcxo.com/article/inadequate-tech-training-hinders-talent-development/Ernst & Young. (2023, December). Over half of Malaysian employees feelgenerative AI will positively impact their work, but most underestimate the need forupskilling and reskilling. EY. https://www.ey.com/en_my/newsroom/2023/12/over-half-of-malaysian-employees-feel-generative-ai-will-positively-impact-their-work-but-most-underestimate-the-need-for-upskilling-and-reskillingFinancial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO). (2023). From classroom to career:Students’ transition from Form 5. FINCO. https://www.finco.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/From-Classroom-to-Careers_-Students-Transition-from-Form-5_FINCOs-Report_2023.pdf23© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES Focus Malaysia. (2024, August 29). Future skills for all: Upskilling Sarawak teachersand students with coding capabilities. Focus Malaysia.https://focusmalaysia.my/future-skills-for-all-upskilling-sarawak-teachers-and-students-with-coding-capabilities/Fore, P. (2024, April 17). 85% of people believe lifelong upskilling will be the newnorm, but barriers still remain to make it a reality, according to new ETS/Harris Pollresearch. Fortune Recommends. https://fortune.com/education/articles/ets-human-progress-report-exclusive/Hazim, A. (2022, July 27). Unemployed graduates fall 4.1%, while skill-relatedunderemployment widens 14.4% in 2021. The Malaysian Reserve.https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/07/27/unemployed-graduates-fall-4-1-while-skill-related-underemployment-widen-14-4-in-2021/Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF). (2020). Industry Training IntelligenceReport No. 3/2020: Training Inequality According to Job Levels.https://hrdcorp.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/3_2020_INDUSTRY-TRAINING-INTELLIGENCE-REPORT.pdfHusain, N. H., Mat Husin, M., Abd Kadir, F., & Nor Ashaha, N. S. L. (2024, April 23).Malaysia fails to meet 70 per cent TVET graduate employment target. Sinar Daily.https://www.sinardaily.my/article/217434/focus/national/malaysia-fails-to-meet-70-per-cent-tvet-graduate-employment-targetKamaruddin, H., Othman, N., Hassan, R., Zaki, W. M. D. W., & Sum, S. M. (2017).The government’s role in the importance of entrepreneurship education amongstuniversity students in Malaysia. In R. Benlamri & M. Sparer (Eds.), Leadership,innovation and entrepreneurship as driving forces of the global economy (pp. 575–584). Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-43434-6_49.Lee, H. A. (2020, June 18). Unemployment among Malaysia’s youth: Structuraltrends and current challenges. ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wpcontent/uploads/2020/05/ISEAS_Perspective_2020_65.pdfLembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia. (n.d.). Tax reliefs. Lembaga Hasil DalamNegeri Malaysia. https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/individual/individual-life-cycle/how-to-declare-income/tax-reliefs/Malay Mail. (2023, August 30). Abdul Karim: National Youth Consultative Councilset up to discuss issues, problems in youth development at national, state levels.Malay Mail. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/30/abdul-karim-national-youth-consultative-council-set-up-to-discuss-issues-problems-in-youth-development-at-national-state-levels/88007Malaysian Business. (2024, May 3). Only 36% Malaysian employees receivingadequate training opportunities: Addressing and understanding the upskilling needsof employees. Malaysian Business. https://malaysian-business.com/index.php/wordpress/item/8839-only-36-malaysian-employees-receiving-adequate-training-opportunities-addressing-and-understanding-the-upskilling-needs-of-employees24© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). (2021, August).MYFUTUREJOBS: How it started. MIDA. https://www.mida.gov.my/myfuturejobs-how-it-started/Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). (2022, December 2). TVETfor sustainable talent development. MIDA. https://www.mida.gov.my/tvet-for-sustainable-talent-development/Masterson, V. (2022, April 5). Upskill for green jobs of the future. World EconomicForum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/04/upskill-for-green-jobs-of-the-future/Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2015). Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025(Higher Education): Executive Summary. Ministry of Education Malaysia.https://www.um.edu.my/docs/um-magazine/4-executive-summary-pppm-2015-2025.pdfNehrus, V., & Mardhiah, A. (2024, April 24). Developing skilled Malaysian workforcein the modern world. The Malaysian Reserve.https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/04/24/developing-skilled-malaysian-workforce-in-the-modern-world/New Straits Times. (2019, September 11). How Malaysian students make decisionson tertiary studies. New Straits Times.https://www.nst.com.my/education/2019/09/524414/how-malaysian-students-make-decisions-tertiary-studiesOh, E. C. K. (2024, March 5). Young and jobless in Malaysia. Channel News Asia.https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/malaysia-jobless-unemployment-youth-young-people-graduates-political-stability-4169011Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM). (2021). Financial literacy landscapereport 2021. Financial Education Network. https://www.fenetwork.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/PIDM-FinLit-Landscape-Report-FINAL-2021.pdPertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO). (2020). PenjanaKerjaya hiringincentives program and training program: Frequently asked questions. Ministry ofHuman Resources. https://www.rurallink.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/A3-Penjana-Hiring-FAQ.pdfPollack, E. (2012, October 10). Counting up to green: Assessing the green economyand its implications for growth and equity. Economic Policy Institute.https://www.epi.org/publication/bp349-assessing-the-green-economy/Rohiat, M. A., Lai, C. S., Yunos, J. M., Ibrahim, B., Salleh, K. M., Rahim, M. B.,Rozali, Z., Hamdan, N., & Janis, I. (2023). The best practices of McDonald’sMalaysia: A case study of the National Dual Training System. Journal of TechnicalEducation and Training, 15(1), 204-214.https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.01.018.https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JTET/article/view/1350525© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES Sinar Daily. (2023, October 11). PLKN 3.0: Apply soft skills to create youthcompetitiveness. Sinar Daily.https://www.sinardaily.my/article/210359/focus/national/plkn-30-apply-soft-skills-to-create-youth-competitivenessSuhaimi, S. (2023). Breaking barriers: Exploring the landscape of youthentrepreneurship in Malaysia. Khazanah Research Institute.https://www.krinstitute.org/assets/contentMS/img/template/editor/Views%20Youth%20Entrepreneurship_v7.pdfSyed Azhar, S. N. F., Mohammed Akib, N. A., Sibly, S., & Mohd, S. (2022). Students’attitude and perception towards sustainability: The case of Universiti SainsMalaysia. Sustainability, 14(7), 3925. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073925.The Edge Malaysia. (2020, November 6). MySTEP short-term employmentprogramme to be introduced. The Edge Malaysia.https://theedgemalaysia.com/article/mystep-shortterm-employment-programme-be-introducedThe Economist Impact. (2023, July 3). Bridging the skills gap: Fuelling careers andthe economy in Malaysia. The Economist.https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/talent-education/bridging-skills-gap-fuelling-careers-and-economy-malaysiaThe Star. (2023, January 31). Over RM5mil set aside for 12,450 graduates inProtege programme. The Star.https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/01/31/over-rm5mil-set-aside-for-12450-graduates-in-protege-programmeThe Star. (2023, May 24). Almost half of SPM students from 2021 session chosenot to further studies, says Fadhlina. The Star.https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/05/24/almost-half-of-spm-students-from-2021-session-chose-not-to-further-studies-says-fadhlinaThe Vibes. (2023, November 16). Malaysia to work with Google on skillopportunities for 300,000 by 2026. The Vibes.https://www.thevibes.com/articles/business/99972/google-malaysian-govt-on-strategic-collaboration-skill-opportunities-for-300000-by-2026United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2019). Youth entrepreneurship inAsia and the Pacific. United Nations Development Programme.https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/publications/RBAP-DG-2019-Youth-Entrepreneurship-Asia-Pacific.pdfWan Usamah, W. A. (2023). The internship experience and its returns: Effects onyoung bachelors’ employability. Khazanah Research Institute.https://www.krinstitute.org/assets/contentMS/img/template/editor/The%20Internship%20Experience%20and%20its%20Returns%20-%20Wan%20Amirah%20Wan%20Usamah.pdf26© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.

REFERENCES Yeap, C. (2023, August 21). The state of the nation: Upskilling, high-valueinvestments are better options to lift wages than 45% labour income share target.The Edge Malaysia. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/678726Yong, B. P. P., & Ling, Y. L. (2023). Skills gap: The importance of soft skills ingraduate employability as perceived by employers and graduates. Online Journal forTVET Practitioners, 8(1), 25-42.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/36981256927© 2024, Perdana Fellows Alumni Association. All rights reserved.