^{(From Left to Right) Mr Beh Zeng Kang, Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad, Mr Mahmood Razak Bahman, Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Puan Zarina Abu Bakar, Ms Nina Adlan Disney, and Ms Norhayati Jantan.} 


PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The Perdana Discourse Series 23 on "The Power of Youth: Building a Better Future in the Face of Economic and Environmental Challenges" that was held on 3rd December 2023 at the Perdana Leadership Foundation was a resounding success, igniting insightful conversations and inspiring reflections on the pivotal role of youth in shaping a sustainable future. More than two hundred and fifty participants attended the event including tertiary students, academicians, and members of the public.    

In the opening remarks, Mr Mahmood Razak Bahman, Alternate Trustee, Perdana Leadership Foundation and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd remarked that “As climate change and digital disruptions change the natural and business landscape of the world, what will the future be like for the young people who will inherit it, and - more importantly - how can youth play a role in shaping what happens today and tomorrow to ensure a better future?”.

The keynote speaker, YBhg Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, introduced the concept of VODCA – Vulnerability, Obsolescence, Disruptive, Collapse, Anthropocene. This framework encapsulates the multifaceted changes that have emerged in the wake of global challenges. The first facet, Vulnerability, underscores the universal susceptibility to the repercussions of major upheavals such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Moving forward, the looming specter of Obsolescence prompts contemplation on the evolving nature of relevance, emphasising the imperatives of adaptability and continuous learning. The term Disruptive encapsulates the challenge of navigating an environment where traditional norms and frameworks may no longer suffice. Beyond the immediate context, the concept delves into the larger canvas of the Anthropocene era, marking a critical juncture where human actions significantly impact and alter the natural world. Within this narrative, the notion of a dehumanised world emerges, highlighting the paradoxical role of human beings in both contributing to and undermining their humanity. Tan Sri Dzulkifli's sharp observations call for a deep understanding of these dynamics, especially on the part of youth, to foster resilience and navigate towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.
 
Following the keynote session, the discourse continued with a lively panel session. Ms Norhayati Jantan, Senior Director, National Account Statistic Division, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), elaborated on key youth statistics and trends, especially in education and employment. Ms Nina Adlan Disney, Executive Director, LeapEd Services, pointed out how youth need to be empowered via a better education system that moves away from rote learning towards more interactivity. The final speaker, Mr Beh Zeng Kang, Environmentalist & the first Malaysian ASEAN Youth Champion shared his own experience as a youth environmentalist and the challenges he faced along the way. He encouraged young people to step out of their comfort zones and engage more with the community. The moderator, Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad, Associate Professor, Department of Professional Development & Continuing Education (JPPPL), Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), artfully managed the session, including the Q and A with the audience where the panellists were asked on education policies, youth employment prospects and entrepreneurship, as well as leadership.

The discourse monograph will be published next year. Click on this link for the official photos of the discourse:  https://bit.ly/PerdanaDiscourseSeries23

The Perdana Discourse Series debuted in 2004 and seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange and dialogue between experienced leaders and young Malaysians.

The Perdana Discourse Series is organised by Perdana Leadership Foundation and is fully sponsored by DRB-HICOM Berhad.

About Perdana Discourse Series (PDS):

Perdana Discourse Series is a half-day event where a prominent presenter will speak on a pre-determined topic addressing its definition and identifying issues, policies, and strategies. Discussions and issues arising from the discourse will be documented and published in monograph form. The Discourse has previously dissected topics such as National Unity, Social Re-engineering, Political Stability, Economic Development, Affirmative Action, International Relations, Education, and Leadership.

About Perdana Leadership Foundation
www.perdana.org.my

The Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2003 to document, disseminate, research, and archive materials related to the past Prime Ministers of Malaysia, and nation-building. The Foundation intends to become the premier institution for the study of Malaysia’s Prime Ministers and the central resource centre for research into national stewardship as well as a platform for reflection, debate, and discussion with distinguished figures in Malaysian leadership. Our Honorary President is the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. To date, we have digitised more than 250k materials which are available through our website www.perdana.org.my.
 
About DRB-HICOM Berhad
www.drb-hicom.com
DRB-HICOM Berhad is one of Malaysia's leading organisations listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia. As a local group of companies, it plays an integral role in supporting Malaysia's transformation into a competitive, knowledge-based, and high-income nation. With over 80 operating companies, the Group provides employment to some 45,000 people. The Group's business activities are organised under six core sectors - Automotive, Aerospace and Defence, Postal, Banking, Services, and Properties. We draw our strength from being a diversified yet integrated Group. Today, DRB-HICOM remains one of the most established listed companies thanks to a progressive and committed approach to its diverse portfolio. It has the advantage of being able to capitalise on synergistic opportunities, making it an important contributor to national development and economic growth.

Source: Perdana Leadership Foundation

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nurul Humaira Kamarulzaman
Designation: Executive, Events and Publications
Tel: 03 - 8885 8960
Email: humaira@perdana.org.my, nhkperdana@gmail.com  
 
Name: Muizzuddin Munir
Designation: Coordinator, Communications and Publications
Tel: 03 - 8885 8979
Email: muizzuddin@perdana.org.my, muizmunir2@gmail.com 

--BERNAMA