Training up leaders of tomorrow
'Adun Muda Selangor 2025' offers young leaders a unique opportunity to simulate the work of a State Assembly member.
The two-day programme, which culminates today, is designed to provide participants with early exposure to the legislative process and enhance their critical thinking on government policies.
Taking place at the Selangor State Secretariat building in Shah Alam, the programme spearheaded by Selangor Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San and Deputy Speaker Kamri Kamaruddin is a collaborative effort with various organisations, including Rakan Muda (Rakan Demokrasi) and several youth-led non-governmental organisations.
It has a proven track record of success, with a former participant − Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim − now serving as Kota Damansara assemblyman.
The programme's core objective is to give youths, including women, Orang Asli, and persons with disabilities (OKU), a platform to engage with their assemblymen and contribute their ideas.
The initiative is a two-tiered approach, with an initial workshop for 112 participants, followed by an intensive two-day programme for the 56 finalists.
The participants, aged 18 to 35, are expected to debate individual motions on two key topics chosen from the semi-finals: 'Artificial Intelligence and Youths and Education'.
The programme also includes Mentor-Mentee sessions with real assemblymen, giving the finalists hands-on guidance.
The creation of a Selangor State Assembly Speaker's Challenge Trophy ensures that this important programme will continue to be a yearly event, fostering the development of talented young policymakers and leaders for years to come. — By SHEILA SRI PRIYA
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