| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
AS THE nation’s most valuable assets, youths are vital to its development and the strengthening of national unity, said Professor Datuk Dr Asma binti Ismail, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the President of the Asia-Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) yesterday, during the 9th Regional APUCEN Council Meeting hosted by the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).
“They need to be competitive in order to meet the current challenges of globalisation, and must be more involved in community activities and volunteerism,” she said in her welcoming remarks prior to the launching of an international seminar on youth education and community service themed ‘Belia Berwawasan Pemangkin Transformasi’ (Visionary Youths: Catalyst for Transformation).
Present as the guest of honour was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
“In accordance with this year’s theme, youth involvement – especially those involved in active community service while still at school – should also be nurtured,” said Professor Datuk Asma.
“This is because youths are considered as the main driving force behind a country’s success, in terms of economy, culture, education and religion.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his capacity as the guest of honour during the National Youth Education Seminar.
Welcoming remarks by Professor Datuk Dr Asma binti Ismail, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the President of the Asia-Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN). – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
“I believe that Bruneian youths frequently receive attention for their significant role in shaping the next generation.
“This means that quality youths are capable of generating and changing their paradigms and behaviour.”
Professor Datuk Dr Asma ended her speech by expressing hope that the seminar would inspire new determination among the attendees, to work for the positive development of their country.
Three presentations were then delivered by Professor Dato’ Dr Omar bin Osman, the former vice-chancellor of USM and former President of APUCEN; Professor Madya Dr Azman bin Abdul Rahman, a lecturer of Islamic Studies at the Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM); and Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, the Acting Ra’es of KUPU SB.
The main goal of the one-day seminar was to encourage and inspire the concept of community work among local youths, particularly through activities conducted by APUCEN.
The post Youth vital to nation’s development and unity: Professor appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.