THE Penang government is committed to empowering youth in the state through the formation of the Penang Youth Committee.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the committee has officially been launched on April 30.
“The state government is keen for our youth to have a decisive say and to take a leading role in managing public affairs.
“As such, we have set up the Penang Youth Committee or ‘Jawatankuasa Belia Pulau Pinang’ in all the 40 constituencies across the state with the appointment of a pioneer batch of 400 young men and women who will run the show and manage their respective youth committees for the period from May 1 this year until Dec 31, 2023.
“The whole idea of this youth committee is we want our youth to discover their hidden talents, leadership qualities, enhance their level of competitiveness and competency and above all, to enable themselves to be of service to others in their local communities.
“After all, their involvement in community affairs especially in youth matters will be a determining factor in the direction where the state or the nation is heading.
“We also need to acknowledge that the task of nation-building and the future of our country rest squarely on the shoulders of our youth as well. Thus, this is why such committee is important,” Chow said in his speech during the one-day Pokemon Carnival at 1st Avenue Mall in George Town today.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling, 1st Avenue Mall project manager Stephen Tan and Penang Deaf Association (PDA) president Sideek Shahul Hamid.
Speaking about the programme, Tan said the one-day carnival features various activities and programmes such as hybrid esports competition, lucky draw, colouring contests and many more.
Meanwhile, Chow hoped that through such event, it could also encourage the people to embrace technology and advance as a nation.
“It is my sincere hope that through such hybrid event where players can play and compete physically as well as virtually from other parts of Malaysia, we can help to connect and understand each other, and also encourage each other to embrace technology and advance as a nation.
“Through these activities and games, you learn and develop real world skills, things like design, strategy, hand-eye coordination, and communication skills. You bond with your fellow teammates, your friends and your fellow Malaysians.
“At the end of the day, what truly matters are the camaraderie spirit you form with one another and the soft skills such as stress management, problem-solving and critical thinking that you gained through your interaction with others who share your interests,” added Chow.
At the end of the programme, Chow also donated RM3,000 through a mock cheque presentation to the PDA association which was represented by Sideek.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi