Subang jaya: Scout leaders in the Asia-Pacific region have been urged to strengthen unity, clarify their roles, and uphold good governance as they implement the region's new three-year strategic direction. Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee (APRSC) chairman Mej Gen Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin emphasized the importance of cohesive efforts by the newly elected leadership to drive the development of Scouting across the region, which is home to nearly half of the world's youth population.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, speaking at the Asia-Pacific Scout Committee and Sub-Committee Induction Training in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Mohd Zin highlighted that the induction marked not just an orientation session but the beginning of a new era for regional leadership under the 2025-2028 term. He stressed the necessity for a mature and responsive leadership approach in the post-pandemic environment, focusing on the needs of young people. He noted that the Asia-Pacific, being the largest and most diverse Scouting region globally, should view its diversity as a strength rather than a challenge.
Mohd Zin outlined seven strategic priorities that will guide the region's work over the next three years. These priorities include strengthening growth through wider outreach and community engagement, enhancing leadership training, and modernizing youth programs to incorporate elements such as environment, STEM, climate resilience, SDGs, humanitarian skills, and leadership development. Empowering young people to take meaningful roles in decision-making was also highlighted as a central priority.
He further stated that governance must be enhanced to strengthen the confidence of partners and donors, with safety, diversity, and inclusion being expanded as non-negotiable priorities. Building organizational capacity in areas such as training, legal governance, and disaster preparedness was also emphasized as crucial.
Mohd Zin also stressed the need to strengthen regional identity and increase the Asia-Pacific region's influence in global Scouting. He called for stronger collaboration across all committees and subcommittees, reminding leaders to align structures, avoid working in silos, and set measurable targets with transparent monitoring. He urged the leaders to serve with capability and passion, carrying their mandate with courage and responsibility.