Izah Azahari
Youth who are “ready for the future” are those who dare to face change and explore new fields that boost the development of society and the nation, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad during the 17th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
In his welcoming remarks, the minister said ‘Future Ready Youth’ has been maintained from last year as the theme of the celebration this year, as it is still relevant and in line with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s hopes of seeing the country’s youth ready to face future challenges, especially as the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the development of the digital economy brings about new norms and changes.
The youth who are ready for the future can raise their living standards along with the development of the society and the country, said the minister.
Meanwhile, the minister shared that 90 per cent of the programmes in the action plan of the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035 have reached their implementation targets or are running continuously, as a result of “strong cooperation and high accountability through a national approach”.
He also shared the ministry’s involvement in the implementation of the five-year Youth Work Plan at the ASEAN level, confirmed at the ASEAN Youth Ministers’ Meeting and is expected to be presented to heads of state during the 41st ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Plus Three Summit later this year.
The implementation of the Work Plan will empower youth on the national level for development on an international level.
“With the implementation of programmes and activities, it is targetted that youth development measured by the Youth Development Index will increase to a higher level,” said Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi, adding that the goal is 75 per cent in 2023.
Meanwhile, the minister said this year’s National Youth Day celebration involved some 100,000 youth nationwide implementing activities throughout the year.
To further enliven the celebration this year, the minister said the National Youth Day Festival will also be implemented for the first time.
The five-month event runs until December and focusses on seven clusters – religion; leadership and youth identity development; volunteering and community; culture and arts; entrepreneurship; environment; and sports – that support the development and empowerment of the country’s youth.
