IPOH, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- As the Perak Youth Council marks its 10th year, it must continue to evolve and be empowered to remain a platform that genuinely resonates with the hopes and ambitions of young people today.
State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah said the Council's journey over the past decade has brought meaningful shifts in how it operates and carries out its programmes.
"The increased allocation from the state government allows various activities and programmes to be carried out and opens up space for the Perak Youth Council to continue developing," he said during the closing address for the Fifth Session of the Perak State Youth Council conference here today.
Khairudin added that the next big step is the Perak Sejahtera ASEAN Youth Conference 2026, set to take place later this year, an event that promises to give Perak Youth Council delegates a whole new experience through engagement with youth from ASEAN countries and fellow council representatives from other Malaysian states.
"It will give our delegates a real chance to sharpen their leadership skills and raise the profile of the Perak Youth Council to a whole new level," he said.
Khairudin acknowledged that there are still gaps to be filled and room for improvement to keep the Perak Youth Council appealing and attractive to young people.
"Strengthening the Perak Youth Council must be seen as an ongoing process, one that evolves with the changing needs and aspirations of today's youth, in line with the state government's continued focus on youth development," he said.
Khairudin also expressed hope that the experience delegates have gained throughout their tenure with the Perak Youth Council would not end when their term wraps up this December.
"Even after you leave the Perak Youth Council, make full use of the platforms available to you and put the knowledge and skills you have built over these two years to good use. Keep giving back to your communities and to society," he said.
Delegates unanimously approved nine of the 11 motions tabled this session, leaving the other two open for debate.
Among the motions that got the green light: first-time pre-marriage incentives; strengthening rural mobility through public transport systems; boosting athlete development and welfare; green youth incentives; the Perak Youth Wellness Initiative; the Sustainable Young Farmers Initiative; Perak Bersih 2030; strengthening mosque management; and the Perak Youth Travel Card.
-- BERNAMA