THE state government, through the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), is continuously assisting youth in the state to look for job opportunities in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee noted that the economic outlook, which has been badly affected due to pandemic since last year, is likely to be prolonged with yet another round of movement control order (MCO 3.0) recently.
“PYDC has therefore undertaken various initiatives to reduce the youths’ burden, especially noting their incomes have been badly affected.
“One of the initiatives carried out was the cooperation with five learning institutions in Penang to generate more career prospects for our youth.
“The institutions involved are Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Han Chiang University College of Communication, and SEGi College.
“Besides that, we are very concerned about our youths’ education. Hence, we will be having more engagements with other learning institutions in the future as well.
“Youths are considered to be one of our future ‘assets’. We are committed to empowering them. The ‘Youths for Future’ initiative needs a strong cooperation between state and industry players, learning institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector.
“I would like to thank PYDC for successfully organising today’s event.
“Last but not least, let us work hand-in-hand for our youths’ empowerment,” he said in his address during an-hour long virtual session in conjunction with National Youth Day today.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling shared similar view, saying youths are the pillar of the nation and its development.
“Today is a special day as we celebrate it in a meaningful occasion.
“Let us strive together for the sake of our youths,” she said.
Various issues were also discussed during the virtual session, including the challenges facing youths.
Youths’ representatives, who participated in the session, voiced their concerns about the online learning and mental health issues.
Soon understood the difficulties of online learning facing certain quarters but maintained that it was a new norm for everyone.
“Many parents and their children are still unable to adapt to this new norm as they still prefer physical interaction.
“However, due to pandemic, online learning is still needed to go on,” he added.
Among those present at the session were PYDC deputy general manager Ng Hooi Ting, PYDC director Lee Wei Seang, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and various youths’ representatives.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of PYDC