THE Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) has initiated the ‘International Youth Conference 2021’, titled ‘The role of Youth in the Era of Industry 4.0’, for youths in Malaysia to engage in a fruitful sharing and discussion with their counterparts across the world.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said the conference would be instrumental in establishing and building closer relationships with the international higher education institutions and industrial partners to empower youth globally.
“This international conference will provide an opportunity for the youths in Malaysia as well as around the world to share their ideas and framework with regard to the role of youth in the era of Industry 4.0 from various angles and perspectives.
“We welcome youth, young researchers, professionals aged between 15 to 35 from all over the word to take part in this conference whereby your work will be recognised and rewarded.
“It features ‘Best Paper’ and ‘Best Poster’ awards as well as 30 ‘Best Presenter’ awards. Take this platform as an opportunity to interact and to build network,’’ said Gwee during the virtual launch of the programme via zoom today.
In view of the Industry 4.0, Gwee added that it was vital to upskill the youth so that they would be able to cope and adapt to the emerging technologies.
Meanwhile, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee reminded the youth that it was important for them to draw the expertise from individuals around the world in order to remain competitive.
“I believe this programme is one of the best initiatives to prepare a platform for information and knowledge exchange.
“It will give them a good exposure and learning experience from successful individuals and academicians.
“I hope that we can organise this international conference once again next year,’’ said Soon during his speech at the virtual launch of the ‘International Youth Conference 2021’.
Soon also said the state government would keep coming up with various programmes to ensure that the youths continue to grow despite the pandemic.
“This is the period where we must continuously guide our youngsters to develop themselves by providing them with opportunities such as this.
“We should not let this situation to inhibit their development,’’ said Soon while adding that youths should grab opportunities that come their way to keep developing their learning curve.
Also joining the virtual launch were Universiti Sains Malaysia associate Prof Dr Daisy Kee Mui Hung, STAR Scholars Network (USA) president Prof Dr Uttam Gaulee, Association of International Business and Professional Management (AIBPM), Indonesia director Prof Dr Liem Gai Sin, Penang Branch Campus Head of Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TARUC) associate Prof Dr Toh Guat Guan and UNITAR International University director for corporate relations Badrie Abdullah.
Among the other participants were Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) School of Business and Management dean Edward Soo, Batu Lanchang Vocational College Industrial Liaison & Training head of unit Oh Zi Jian, Tech Dome Penang CEO Khoo Boo Wooi and Big Domain CEO Henry Tye.
The keynote speakers for the programme which would be held officially on November 13 2021 via zoom are STAR Scholars Network (USA) vice-president Prof Dr Krishna Bista, Centre for Comparative and Global Education, India founding executive director associate Prof Dr Mousumi Mukherjee and International Youth Centre, Malaysia director Dr Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee. It will be broadcast on Youtube and Facebook live.
The topics for the paperwork comprise Youth and Industry 4.0, Youth Talent and Digital Talent, Youth Leadership, Cyberbullying Among Youth, Challenges facing Youth such as Depression, Bullying, Self-Harm, Teen Pregnancy, Suicidal, Youth Health, Youth Volunteerism, Youth Engagement, Career path for Youth tomorrow, Youth Learning and Education, TVET Education.
Registration is free for students (Malaysian and International). For non-student, a fee of RM30 for Malaysian and US$10 for international participants will be imposed.
Participants are required to register and make payment by Oct 31.
For further enquiries, please log onto to https://pydc.com.my/en/
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of PYDC