Youths as advocates of Sustainable Development Goals

28th May 2016 When Cynthia Gabriel, Founder of Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism
was asked about how youths can contribute to the global goals on other ways apart of voting, she
said It is important to start things small and simple, Volunteer in a non-profitable organization, becoming
a citizen journalist to be more alert towards your surroundings and influencing your own circle of friends in
a positive way.
She also emphasized that a lot of public institutions are succumbed by corruption. There is a lack of
accountability by public officers towards corruption that is happening within their circle.
The key to achieving the global goal of peace, justice and strong institution is to ensure that citizens have
an access to important information, in which public institutions should be transparent in disclosing them to
the public. She said with reference to the current information policy in Malaysia.
High skill sets and English proficiency as indicators of quality education
Philip Kimpton, Political & Economic Counsellor of the Australian High Commission highlighted
a very important weakness of our education system, Despite the heavy investment into the education
sector of Malaysia, there is a poor return on the quality of education.
In the long term, most of the jobs that exists today will be obsolete. Hence it is imperative for us to equip
ourselves with high skill sets. Quality education plays a part in this case to encourage people to improve
their own future. He advised to value education as a great enabler and drive to innovation and
technology, prosperity, and an efficient society.
Zaim Mohzani, Co-Founder of Nation Building School mentioned, Apart of people who are
fortunate like us who are sitting down here and listening to highly renowned speakers, it is essential that we
are able to connect youths who are left behind to opportunities that allows them to build themselves and
their leadership skills. This is already a form of reducing inequality.
Azrul Mohd Kalib, External Relations Manager at IDEAS (Institute for Democracy and
Economic Affairs) highlighted on a concerning fact that that youths today are less likely to write or
call public officials, attend rallies or work in political campaigns.
Touching on youth unemployment, he mentioned that poor command in English is a major factor to
consider. English is being viewed as a dirty language or better said a colonial language. We are being left
behind because of the deficit people have towards language other than our mother tongue. You may be
surprised that recruiters are a matter of fact, not cutting down on jobs, but maintaining or improving them,
but there is a lack of competent talent.
If there is one advise from your parents that you should ignore is that fact that they tell you that your job
in university is to study and nothing less. Invest in opportunities of engaging in conversations, and building
social skills. Be part of the discussion and narrative, and not take a passive role on how the country is
shaped.
Cynthia Gabriel, Philip Kimpton, Zaim Mohzani and Azrul Mohd Khalib were speaking in the
YouthSpeak Forum KL, powered by AIESEC in Malaysia, attended by 80 youths from various
universities, aimed at creating awareness towards youth involvement in realizing the UNs
Sustainable Development Goals.

About AIESEC in Malaysia

AIESEC in Malaysia is the local arm of the worlds largest youth run organisation. AIESEC in
Malaysia is present in 13 local universities nationwide. Globally, AIESEC is present in over 127
countries and territories and with over 90,000 members. Focused on providing a platform for youth
leadership development, AIESECs international platform enables young people to explore and
develop their leadership potential for them to have a positive impact on society.
Find out more at www.AIESEC.my
For further information, kindly contact Pravin Nair (National Director of Public Relations & External
Events Engagement, AIESEC in Malaysia) through:
H/P: 0124104294
Email: pravin.nair@aiesec.net