Latest news with #SelangorYouthCommunity


New Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Raja Muda of Selangor promotes youth empowerment, global collaboration in London
KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, brought together thought leaders, youth-focused institutions and members of the Malaysian diaspora to deepen international collaboration during his two-day working visit to London. The visit of Tengku Amir Shah, founder of the Selangor Youth Community (SAY), which began yesterday, also amplified SAY's mission of empowering young people. SAY, in a statement today, said the Raja Muda of Selangor yesterday led the Malaysian delegation to a high-level strategic meeting with King's Trust International (KTI), a global organisation founded by His Majesty King Charles III. "The meeting reaffirmed the partnership between KTI and SAY through the TEAM Programme Malaysia - a nine-week initiative designed to support at-risk youth, including young offenders, care leavers and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training). "Discussions centred on the programme's evolution since its launch in 2022, including impactful partnerships with drug rehabilitation centres and Malaysia's national employment portal, as well as sustainable funding through SAY's charity initiatives and municipal partnerships," the statement said. After having transformed the lives of over 460 young people in the last five years via the TEAM Programme, it said plans are in place to help 200 people next year, to be followed later by shorter interventions and expanding funding sources, supported by expected funding from HSBC. Tengku Amir Shah then visited Battersea Power Station to explore how heritage restoration can promote inclusive growth and sustainable jobs, emphasising the potential for blending community development with urban transformation, paving the way for future partnerships in Selangor and showcasing SAY's commitment to adapting global best practices locally. The delegation learned about BASE (Battersea Academy for Skills & Employment), a model that combines training, education, and industry collaboration to support underserved communities. He concluded his visit today after a Royal Dialogue Session themed "Leadership, Youth and Making an Impact" at the Malaysian High Commission in London, attended by Malaysian students, professionals and government representatives based in the United Kingdom (UK). The thought-provoking session offered guests the rare opportunity to hear directly from Tengku Amir Shah on his personal journey in leadership, the founding of SAY, and his vision for empowering the next generation of Malaysians, both at home and abroad. "Addressing structural challenges such as skill mismatches, mental health stigma and socioeconomic inequality, Tengku Amir Shah emphasised the value of resilience, purpose-driven action and cross-sector collaboration. "He also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora as bridges to Malaysia, bringing home fresh ideas, global networks and sustained partnerships. "High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar echoed these sentiments in his remarks, calling the event a timely reminder of the strength and reach of the Malaysian diaspora in shaping the nation's future."


The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tengku Amir Shah promotes youth empowerment, global collaboration in London
KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, brought together thought leaders, youth-focused institutions and members of the Malaysian diaspora to deepen international collaboration during his two-day working visit to London. The visit of Tengku Amir Shah, founder of the Selangor Youth Community (SAY), which began yesterday, also amplified SAY's mission of empowering young people. SAY, in a statement today, said the Raja Muda of Selangor yesterday led the Malaysian delegation to a high-level strategic meeting with King's Trust International (KTI), a global organisation founded by His Majesty King Charles III. 'The meeting reaffirmed the partnership between KTI and SAY through the TEAM Programme Malaysia - a nine-week initiative designed to support at-risk youth, including young offenders, care leavers and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training). 'Discussions centred on the programme's evolution since its launch in 2022, including impactful partnerships with drug rehabilitation centres and Malaysia's national employment portal, as well as sustainable funding through SAY's charity initiatives and municipal partnerships,' the statement said. After having transformed the lives of over 460 young people in the last five years via the TEAM Programme, it said plans are in place to help 200 people next year, to be followed later by shorter interventions and expanding funding sources, supported by expected funding from HSBC. Tengku Amir Shah then visited Battersea Power Station to explore how heritage restoration can promote inclusive growth and sustainable jobs, emphasising the potential for blending community development with urban transformation, paving the way for future partnerships in Selangor and showcasing SAY's commitment to adapting global best practices locally. The delegation learned about BASE (Battersea Academy for Skills & Employment), a model that combines training, education, and industry collaboration to support underserved communities. He concluded his visit today after a Royal Dialogue Session themed 'Leadership, Youth and Making an Impact' at the Malaysian High Commission in London, attended by Malaysian students, professionals and government representatives based in the United Kingdom (UK). The thought-provoking session offered guests the rare opportunity to hear directly from Tengku Amir Shah on his personal journey in leadership, the founding of SAY, and his vision for empowering the next generation of Malaysians, both at home and abroad. 'Addressing structural challenges such as skill mismatches, mental health stigma and socioeconomic inequality, Tengku Amir Shah emphasised the value of resilience, purpose-driven action and cross-sector collaboration. He also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora as bridges to Malaysia, bringing home fresh ideas, global networks and sustained partnerships. 'High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar echoed these sentiments in his remarks, calling the event a timely reminder of the strength and reach of the Malaysian diaspora in shaping the nation's future,' the statement said.


The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tengku Amir Shah promotes youth empowerment in London
KUALA LUMPUR: The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, brought together thought leaders, youth-focused institutions and members of the Malaysian diaspora to deepen international collaboration during his two-day working visit to London. The visit of Tengku Amir Shah, founder of the Selangor Youth Community (SAY), which began yesterday, also amplified SAY's mission of empowering young people. SAY, in a statement today, said the Raja Muda of Selangor yesterday led the Malaysian delegation to a high-level strategic meeting with King's Trust International (KTI), a global organisation founded by His Majesty King Charles III. 'The meeting reaffirmed the partnership between KTI and SAY through the TEAM Programme Malaysia - a nine-week initiative designed to support at-risk youth, including young offenders, care leavers and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training). 'Discussions centred on the programme's evolution since its launch in 2022, including impactful partnerships with drug rehabilitation centres and Malaysia's national employment portal, as well as sustainable funding through SAY's charity initiatives and municipal partnerships,' the statement said. After having transformed the lives of over 460 young people in the last five years via the TEAM Programme, it said plans are in place to help 200 people next year, to be followed later by shorter interventions and expanding funding sources, supported by expected funding from HSBC. Tengku Amir Shah then visited Battersea Power Station to explore how heritage restoration can promote inclusive growth and sustainable jobs, emphasising the potential for blending community development with urban transformation, paving the way for future partnerships in Selangor and showcasing SAY's commitment to adapting global best practices locally. The delegation learned about BASE (Battersea Academy for Skills & Employment), a model that combines training, education, and industry collaboration to support underserved communities. He concluded his visit today after a Royal Dialogue Session themed 'Leadership, Youth and Making an Impact' at the Malaysian High Commission in London, attended by Malaysian students, professionals and government representatives based in the United Kingdom (UK). The thought-provoking session offered guests the rare opportunity to hear directly from Tengku Amir Shah on his personal journey in leadership, the founding of SAY, and his vision for empowering the next generation of Malaysians, both at home and abroad. 'Addressing structural challenges such as skill mismatches, mental health stigma and socioeconomic inequality, Tengku Amir Shah emphasised the value of resilience, purpose-driven action and cross-sector collaboration. He also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora as bridges to Malaysia, bringing home fresh ideas, global networks and sustained partnerships. 'High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar echoed these sentiments in his remarks, calling the event a timely reminder of the strength and reach of the Malaysian diaspora in shaping the nation's future,' the statement said.


The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Selangor Raja Muda completes two-day working visit to London
PETALING JAYA: The Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has completed a two-day working trip to London, UK, where he met with various leaders, youth-focused institutions and members of the Malaysian diaspora. The two-day working visit, themed 'Leadership, Youth and Making an Impact', is aimed at deepening international collaborations and to amplify the Selangor Youth Community (SAY) mission of empowering the young people. 'The session offered guests the rare opportunity to hear directly from His Majesty on his personal journey in leadership, the founding of SAY and his vision for empowering the next generation of Malaysians - both at home and abroad,' said SAY in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). SAY said on June 3, Tengku Amir Shah led the Malaysian delegation for a high-level strategic meeting with the King's Trust International (KTI), a global organisation founded by King Charles III. 'The meeting reaffirmed the partnership between KTI and SAY through the TEAM Programme Malaysia - a nine-week initiative designed to support at-risk youth including young offenders, care leavers and youths not in education, employment or training. 'The discussions centred on the programme's evolution since its launch in 2022, including impactful partnerships with drug rehabilitation centres and Malaysia's national employment portal, as well as sustainable funding through SAY's charity initiatives and municipal partnerships. 'Also explored were future programme expansions such as shorter-format interventions and a broader local funder base, supported by the anticipated HSBC funding pipeline,' it said. SAY said over the past five years, the TEAM programme has transformed the lives of over 460 young people and it has plans to reach out to another 200 in the coming year through a structured six-month post programme support phase. Meanwhile, SAY said Tengku Amir Shah visited the Battersea Power Station which was hosted by the Battersea Power Station Development Company and it explored how heritage revitalisation can serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth and sustainable employment. SAY said the delegation was introduced to the Battersea Academy for Skills & Employment (BASE), which is a best-practice model that integrates employability training, education and industry collaboration to promote upward mobility for underserved communities. 'The visit offered valuable insights into integrating community development with urban transformation, while laying the groundwork for future collaborative initiatives in Selangor. 'Both engagements underscored SAY's commitment to benchmarking global approaches and localising proven models of social impact,' it said. SAY said on June 4, Tengku Amir Shah convened a Royal Dialogue Session, themed 'Leadership, Youth and Making an Impact', at the Malaysian High Commission in London, which was attended by Malaysian students, professionals and government representatives based in the UK. 'His Highness shared personal reflections on leadership, the founding of SAY and the importance of building dignified, inclusive platforms for youth. 'Addressing structural challenges such as skill mismatches, mental health stigma, and socioeconomic inequality, His Highness emphasised the value of resilience, purpose-driven action and cross-sector collaboration. 'He also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora as bridges to Malaysia, bringing home fresh ideas, global networks and sustained partnerships,' it said. 'His Excellency Datuk Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK, echoed these sentiments in his remarks, calling the event a timely reminder of the strength and reach of the Malaysian diaspora in shaping the nation's future,' added SAY. SAY said the multi-day engagement reinforced SAY's vision of developing an inclusive, globally-informed system that empower Malaysian youth. 'Whether through strategic programme delivery, learning from international benchmarks, or community engagement with Malaysians abroad, SAY remains committed to creating opportunities for young people to thrive - at home and beyond borders,' it added.


New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Empowering youth to sustain growth
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.