Latest news with #RakanMuda
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Youth and Sports Ministry revives Rakan Muda initiative to empower Malaysia's youth with modern activities, tech focus
JOHOR BAHRU, May 25 — The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is set to revitalise the Rakan Muda initiative, first introduced in 1994, with the aim of nurturing a new generation of youth equipped with the knowledge and skills aligned with their individual passions and interests. Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Management Services Division undersecretary Richard Barahim said that plans to actively revive the Rakan Muda programme across its 10 existing focus areas were initiated in 2023, but the ministry is now intensifying efforts to implement them fully this year. 'The idea had already been conceived, but there was no suitable platform for its execution, until we identified the Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR), which proved to be a fitting avenue, especially with the increased involvement of youths,' he said. 'The implementation of PMR, organised by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU), is considered comprehensive. In addition to attracting youth participation, it also brings together various ministries and government agencies,' he told reporters at the Johor PMR 2025 at Toppen Shopping Centre here today. He added that KBS also plans to modernise the Rakan Muda by incorporating activities that align with current trends and technological advancements to ensure it remains relevant to today's youth. 'At KBS, we want to assure the public, especially youths, that Rakan Muda is still active and very much alive. We are committed to keeping it relevant by introducing activities that reflect current interests and technological developments. 'The Rakan Muda programme encompasses a variety of focus areas, including self-reliance, environmental appreciation, entrepreneurial spirit, fitness, arts and culture, innovation, volunteerism, rural development, and community engagement,' he said. This edition of the PMR, led by the KBS, offers a diverse lineup of activities aimed at empowering youth and graduates, including career opportunity showcases, talent discovery programmes, and eSports competitions. Notably, this edition of the PMR coincides with the state-level National Youth Day celebration today, further amplifying the voices and potential of youth. — Bernama
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Rakan Muda to be strengthened to boost youth potential, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to strengthen the Rakan Muda Programme to enhance the potential of Malaysia's youth, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said the programme had shown a positive impact with the participation of 2.2 million youths last year, including over 317,000 who took part online. "As of April 2025, a total of 119 Rakan Muda Secretariats at higher learning institutions have been established and are actively operating, a significant increase compared to only 89 secretariats in 2024," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 8). Ahmad Zahid also said he chaired the Cabinet Committee on Youth Development meeting at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Thursday, which focused on implementing youth-centric programmes through the Rakan Muda platform. He said several decisions were made during the meeting, including the National-level Youth Day celebration which would take place from June 13 to 15. He explained the state-level celebrations would be held on May 17 and 18, while the district-level Semarak programme would take place on May 15. Ahmad Zahid noted that the Youth and Sports Ministry, as the secretariat of the committee, has played an active role as coordinator and advocate by presenting social issues affecting youth that require attention and cross-ministerial cooperation. As an initial step, the Youth and Sports Ministry will strengthen strategic collaboration with the National Anti-Drugs Agency through more focused prevention and early intervention programmes. Malaysia's position in the Global Youth Development Index has also improved, rising to 35th out of 183 countries in 2023, compared to 50th out of 181 countries in 2020. At the Asean level, Malaysia climbed to second place out of 10 countries in 2022, up from third in 2016. – Bernama
