Empowering youth to sustain growth

New Straits Times

13-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Advanced infrastructure, a plentiful workforce and a mature business ecosystem have made Selangor well-positioned to excel in innovation-based development.
Business and youth groups believe that Selangor's growth momentum would be accelerated even further with infrastructure and economic opportunities tailored to its youth.
The state broke its revenue-collection record last year by raking in RM2.85 billion and is the highest contributor to the country's gross domestic product, making it a key driver of the economy.
Experts say keeping Selangor's growth momentum going needs infrastructure and economic opportunities that empower youth.
Selangor Youth Community (SAY) chief executive officer Aiman Syafiq Nazri said proper access to facilities and services was vital in creating sustainable and inclusive communities.
"Reliable, safe and affordable public transport is essential to ensuring young people, particularly those from B40 backgrounds, can access education, work and community opportunities without barriers," he said.
Aiman cited the upcoming Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) as an example of forward-thinking infrastructure.
He noted that the Selangor government and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) had involved youths in its planning.
Beyond accessibility, Aiman also called for greater recognition of creativity as a cornerstone of youth empowerment and community wellness.
"This includes providing accessible creative spaces, affordable workshops and platforms for emerging talent, especially in areas outside major city centres," he said.
"Many young working individuals are facing burnout, and creativity offers a much-needed outlet.
"By embedding the arts within our social and development frameworks, we not only nurture talent but also build healthier, more resilient communities," Aiman added.
He cited SAY's Selangor Creative Arts Movement as a model initiative that supported grassroots artists and young creatives through photography challenges, street art and music festivals.
Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) national president Datuk William Ng said the association believed that every new development, whether commercial, housing or industrial, should include a space for youth.
"This could take the form of affordable business stalls, entrepreneurial incubation spaces, or skills centres.
"We need to view development not just from an economic perspective, but also from a social perspective, ensuring that young people have the space to try, fail, rise and succeed."
Ng said it was important to foster entrepreneurship among young people, highlighting the need for mentor-mentee programmes, micro grants and soft skills training, such as communication, leadership and critical thinking.
"Based on our estimates, between 18 and 22 per cent of the workforce in SMEs is made up of youth aged between 18 and 35.
"However, it is estimated that only about five per cent of all SME owners or operators are youths.
"This shows that many young people still do not see entrepreneurship as a primary career path."
Ng said initiatives such as licence exemptions for young entrepreneurs starting small businesses can foster even greater participation among the group.
Malaysia Youth Council information chief Syafiq Ridzwan Jamaluddin acknowledged the state government's efforts in setting up various initiatives for youths.
These, he said, were critical for fostering creativity, good mental health and social connection among the group.
"Let's see more safe spaces for youth, where facilities can promote and develop competencies and capacities, rather than just more shopping malls," he added.
He cited the Uram Extreme Park in Kazan, Russia, as an example of infrastructure that caters to both professional athletes and the general public.
The park features Olympic-grade training facilities alongside accessible areas for amateur enthusiasts, fostering community engagement and promoting youth development and empowerment.
Syafiq said empowering youth should include building ecosystems where they can continuously grow, innovate, lead and thrive across all levels of their environment.
"Planning must be guided by demographic mapping and sociographic surveys to ensure that projects align with the needs and aspirations of local communities, allowing for more positive and sustainable outcomes," he said.