What the Future Holds for Malaysians? - A program report

A more challenging world is upon us. The economic recession, inflation, global health crisis, conflict, and poverty seem uncontrollable. With the presence of a new pandemic of COVID-19, many issues and dire challenges arise without posing any signs. Moreover, it has also significantly shifted the world economy which opens up a new digital economy and economic impacts. Every nation has its own endless financial problems, and so does Malaysia.

But the genuine question that we should ask is, how do we mitigate these challenges? This leads to the below project explanation.

In parallel with the SDG theme month of August, UiTM Ambassador, Syed Fadzil Alhabshi had a new big task ahead that should be successfully fulfilled – create a program or activity that can help achieve the eighth sustainable goal, Decent Work and Economic Growth.

(Our posters, cool kan?)

Inclusive economic growth, labor productivity, and better financial policy are needed to secure a more vibrant and economically stable country. To prepare and realize all of these aspirations, strong support from all parties is needed to avoid prolonging the uncured diseases that plague this country.

Therefore, a special talk that comprised key speakers from different parties and political backgrounds was invited to share their views and aspirations – then come up with solutions to the problems related to economic issues such as job mismatch, unemployment, and low wages jobs suffered by the young generations. Eventually, four speakers had been finalized which were; YB Senator Wan Ahmad Fayhsal, Deputy Minister of National Unity, YB Lim Yi Wei, Selangor Assemblywoman, Adam Adli, KEADILAN Youth Leader, and Aliff Naif, IIUM Union President.

After a series of discussions, a specific date and place had finally been agreed upon. The event was held at The Biblio Café, Petaling Jaya, a small yet cozy book cafe that started opening its business around 2021 but now become one of the prominent bookstores in Klang Valley.

(the cafe was super packed!)

During the event, a few questions were asked to the speakers in terms of apprenticeship programs in the UK and the possibility of implementing a similar idea in Malaysia, the gig economy, and how the government should respond to their plights and concerns, as well as the strike among Food Panda and Grab riders due to lack of social protection and protections pay from these capitalists.

Different ideas and solutions were thrown up by all speakers but one thing they agreed on. A stable and concrete scheme must be drawn up so that these gig workers' rights are not taken away. The government must intervene as they are the representation of the people – “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Their actions and says matter.

(Students, activists and technocrats were among the audience)

Learning must be two-way communication. The audience was also given a chance to pose any questions and share their feedback about the program. Many questions were posed during the Q and A session as this was their time to speak up and share their ambition for the betterment of this nation. Questions on the internship allowance, social sciences students’ job prospects, and the cooperation among government servants with government ministers were among the controversial ones but positively responded to by the speakers.

Afterward, the session ended in harmony. Most of the audiences were delighted and elated with the program and hoped the series of talks would be continued. Surely, a small café could not provide a comfortable environment as the audience’s attendance outnumbered the early expectation. Maybe a bigger hall would be better off?

(I, in the middle, along with invited speakers)