Education has the transformative power to open minds and hearts, foster values of respect, tolerance, and solidarity, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.
He said this during the Thirteenth ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Youth (AMMY XIII), held via video conference on Saturday.
The minister emphasised the importance of a high-quality education system in equipping youth with knowledge and skills to seize present and future opportunities. Expanding education to include cultural, historical, and social understanding of ASEAN can foster empathy, the foundation of a united society.
He highlighted the need for youth to actively address global challenges like climate change and poverty through shared experiences and collaboration. Strengthening support for youth-led initiatives and exchange programmes can enhance leadership skills and unity across the region.
Recognising the youth’s potential in mastering technology such as artificial intelligence and global networks, the minister said these tools have empowered young people to drive positive change and regional transformation.
To tackle youth unemployment, the minister proposed promoting youth entrepreneurship by creating a supportive ecosystem, improving digital platforms, expanding market access, and providing financing, mentoring, and incubation centres for youth-led small and medium enterprises.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of ASEAN nations to empowering their youth as catalysts for innovation and unity in the region.
During the meeting, ASEAN member states ministers and Plus Three Countries in charge of youth adopted Joint Ministerial Statement of AMMY XIII and Joint Ministerial Statement of The Ninth ASEAN Plus Three Ministerial Meeting on Youth (9th AMMY+3). The AMMY XIII and 9th AMMY+3 was attended by ASEAN member states ministers and Plus Three Countries in charge of youth, high-level representatives external partners and organisations.
Themed ‘Encouraging Youth’s Contribution Towards a Cohesive Society in ASEAN’, the AMMY XIII was chaired by Union Minister, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of Myanmar Minn Thein Zan and attended by ASEAN ministers responsible for youth affairs and their representatives as well as the Deputy-Secretary General of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin was also present.
