Make Your Voice Heard On Human Rights, Social Justice Issues & More At Youth P.A.C.T 2023
You'll also get the opportunity to speak and listen to many well-known activists, public figures, and politicians.
By Timothy Tuan — 18 Jun 2023, 06:06 PM
In January 2022, Taylor's College and the Malaysian Institute for Debate and Public Speaking (MIDP) banded to host Youth Partnership in Action to Change Tomorrow 2022 (Youth P.A.C.T)
Youth P.A.C.T 2022 aimed to bring young Malaysians together with youth leaders and change-makers to encourage action.
To say that the inaugural event was successful is an understatement. It engaged about 1,000 Malaysian youths in a series of constructive debates on nation-building, policy, politics, and social justice issues facing their generation.
Besides that, 15 youth organisations nationwide also took part in the event with hopes of achieving a better Malaysia.
This year, Taylor's College and MIDP are collaborating again to organise Youth P.A.C.T 2023, which will take place on 24 and 25 June
From 10am to 5.30pm on both days, Youth P.A.C.T 2023 is having an on-ground festival at Taylor's Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya.
This time, the weekend-long event will be featuring a series of forums, presidential debates, keynote sharings, workshops, film screenings and performances on critical human rights, as well as political and social justice issues of our generation.
There will also be booths by local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and chief sustainability officers (CSOs) with awareness campaigns, mental health screenings, collaboration opportunities, and many others.
Themed #BangsaMalaysia, the annual event aims to empower and inspire young Malaysians to become proactive agents of change
For this to be possible, Youth P.A.C.T 2023 is not only providing a platform for young Malaysians to be heard, but also addressing social issues affecting Malaysians from all walks of life, including Indigenous social affairs, youth concerns, and issues faced by people with disabilities.
In fact, many public figures, activists, and politicians will be there at Youth P.A.C.T 2023 to address these issues themselves:
- YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports
- YB Senator Fuziah Salleh, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost Of Living
- Katrina Jorene Maliamauv, Executive Director of Amnesty International Malaysia
- Heidy Quah, activist and founder of Refuge for The Refugees
- Dr Anthony Chong, Co-Founder, and Secretary of the Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies Association
- Dr Colin Nicholas, Founder of the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)
- Amani Williams-Hunt, Semai leader and advocate.
Besides that, attendees will also get to take part in dynamic workshops that cover essential areas such as leadership and communication skills, career development, digital literacy, as well as addressing crucial issues such as sexual harassment
These hands-on sessions will empower attendees to make a tangible impact and equip themselves with the tools and skills needed to drive positive change.
To allow attendees to gain deeper insights, every session at the event will come with an engaging Q&A session.
Youth P.A.C.T 2023 serves as an opportunity for Malaysian youths to think, evaluate, and speak out more effectively, especially since they are the leaders of the present and future
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim shares this sentiment too. In his compelling address at National Youth Day 2023, he emphasised the profound responsibilities and boundless potential that lie within the hands of young individuals.
He encouraged youths to think critically, evaluate their societal roles, and take proactive steps to contribute to their families and the nation. His speech serves as a reminder to all youths that they are not only the nation's future leaders, but also leaders of the present possessing the right to express their concerns and hold accountable those entrusted with the nation's progress.
Campus Director of Taylor's College Josephine Tan, said: "We are committed to being at the forefront of promoting youth leadership and development in collaboration with our longstanding partner, MIDP"
"Throughout our partnership, our core mission has been to empower young individuals by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape."
She added that their five-decade experience in the industry has allowed them to cultivate strong networks, which provided them with remarkable opportunities to collaborate with influential figures and thought leaders.
"These connections allow us to connect our students and youths with inspiring individuals who have the power to make a meaningful impact," said Tan.
As a leading institute for soft skills education in Malaysia, MIDP also believes that effective communication, critical and creative thinking, as well as constructive debates are important in advocating for a better Malaysia
Chief Executive Officer of MIDP Emellia Sharif stressed that today's youths face societal challenges, as they strive for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.
"Malaysian youths are truly a remarkable bunch. With social media, many of them have risen up to fulfil their rightful roles as community leaders, social justice warriors, and change-makers. Through Youth P.A.C.T, we want to acknowledge these young individuals, amplify their voices and most importantly, work hand-in-hand to create meaningful changes for our beloved country," she said.
She also shared that MIDP recognises that freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to dissent, are important components in any thriving democracy.
"Thus, we would like to provide a platform for our youths to share their views and experiences, alongside leaders and change-makers from older generations.
"They may not agree on things, but it's important that we showcase a sense of respect and camaraderie for each other, while sending a clear message of diversity, equality, and inclusion regardless of our backgrounds. After all, it takes a village to change the world, so every single voice counts," said Emellia.
Be the catalyst for Malaysia's future today! You can learn more and register for Youth P.A.C.T 2023 here.
