Latest news with #R.Vikneswaran
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
National Youth Day Celebration To Showcase Elements Of ASEAN
GENERAL By R. Vikneswaran KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- The National Youth Day (HBN) celebration on June 13-15 will be unique as it will showcase elements of ASEAN, in line with Malaysia's Chairmanship of ASEAN 2025. The HBN Secretariat said the programme for the celebration at Dataran Merdeka includes the ASEAN Pavillion and ASEAN Concert to create the spirit of the ASEAN community and strengthen the culture of ASEAN countries among the youth. "The role of youth is seen as vital to strengthening ASEAN's regional network, particularly future collaborations in the fields of economy, leadership, education, technological innovation and social. In fact, youth can also act as junior ambassadors who can elevate the country's image globally,' it said in a statement. Themed "Yakin Boleh' (Believe You Can), the highlight of the 61st HBN celebration will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will officiate the event and present the 2025 National Premier Youth Award (APBN) on June 14. "The theme illustrates the confidence, capability and competitiveness of the youth in facing challenges, including that of the current digital era. This theme also aligns with the MADANI government's efforts to empower youths through various strategic initiatives as well as the values of confidence within the MADANI framework,' it added. With the targeted presence of 4 million visitors, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), through the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN), has activated the HBN celebration at the grassroots level by implementing the Semarak HBN initiative in 113 districts nationwide since May 15. At the national level, the Semarak HBN initiative has been further enlivened by the inclusion of the National Youth Convention; eSports games and activities; career and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) carnivals; as well as programmes on fitness, leadership, arts, music and culture and awareness of mental health and cyberbullying. Other programmes include the Suara Belia (Voice of the Youth) podcast; the recitation of the Malaysian Youth Pledge at various levels; the 2025 HBN Special Islamic Affairs Premier Forum; and the implementation of Special Friday sermons nationwide through the collaboration of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) and State Islamic Religious departments.
Barnama
24-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Promote ASEAN As Single Tourism Destination To Boost Regional Travel
By KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has called for a more integrated and aggressive push to promote ASEAN as a single, cohesive tourism destination — a concept that highlights the region as a unified travel experience — rather than marketing individual countries separately. MATTA President Nigel Wong Chun Teim said the 10-member regional bloc should capitalise on this approach to boost intra-ASEAN travel and attract more international tourists to Southeast Asia. 'In some places like Europe, we help promote ASEAN as a single destination while still highlighting each country's unique attractions. Travellers may enter through Malaysia or another ASEAN country, but Malaysia remains a key stop on their itinerary,' he told Bernama when contacted. Wong said coordinated efforts by ASEAN nations to present the region as an interconnected travel zone would not only enhance visibility on the global tourism map but also boost tourist arrivals, particularly to Malaysia. 'One of the key growth markets is intra-ASEAN travel. ASEAN should do more to encourage its own citizens to explore the region. Promoting this aggressively will benefit every member state and uplift overall inbound tourism,' he said. Wong noted that ASEAN continues to appeal to global travellers due to its favourable climate, rich cultural diversity, warm hospitality and affordability. However, he pointed out that poor regional and international connectivity remains one of the main barriers to tourism growth. 'Take Kuching, for example. It's geographically close to several ASEAN destinations, yet flight options remain limited. It's encouraging to see the government working with airline partners to expand connectivity within the region,' he said.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Expected To Lead Intra-ASEAN Trade Push As Chair
By KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Greater intra-ASEAN trade is essential to strengthening regional supply chains and economic resilience amid rising global uncertainty, an academic said ahead of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris senior lecturer Dr Norazlan Hadi Yaacob said deeper intra-ASEAN trade ties could help shield the region from external shocks caused by geopolitical competition and conflicts. 'Although ASEAN is projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, intra-ASEAN trade remains low at 22.9 per cent, far behind the European Union (EU), where internal trade exceeds 50 per cent,' he said in a special broadcast aired on Bernama TV ahead of the 46th ASEAN Summit. ASEAN, home to nearly 700 million people -- about nine per cent of the global population -- is currently the world's fifth-largest economy, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$4.1 trillion in 2024. Norazlan said over-reliance on external supply sources had left ASEAN economies vulnerable to disruptions and price shocks, particularly during conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war. He stressed that boosting trade within the region would enhance supply security. 'For instance, Thailand is a major paddy producer, while Malaysia and Indonesia lead in palm oil production. Strengthening such trade within ASEAN would help stabilise regional supply,' he said. He expressed confidence that Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship could act as a catalyst for greater regional unity and cooperation.
