Kaohsiung: National Chief Scout, Major General (Retd) Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Zin Bidin, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee during the 28th Asia-Pacific Scout Conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In a statement, Dr Mohd Zin affirmed his commitment to strengthening the Scout Movement across the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on enhancing governance under the APR Strategy Triennial Plan for 2025-2028.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this three-year strategic plan, crafted by the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee, aims to support leadership development, membership expansion, and youth programmes. Dr Mohd Zin expressed that his appointment is not only a proud moment for Malaysia but also a shared responsibility to create more opportunities for youth across the Asia-Pacific region to join the Scouts. He aims to broaden the reach into new countries in the South Pacific, Russia, and Central Asia.
Dr Mohd Zin also reaffirmed his commitment to empowering young people to become disciplined, skilled leaders, ready to tackle future challenges. Meanwhile, the Scouts Association of Malaysia (PPM) has congratulated Dr Mohd Zin on his appointment, recognising it as a significant milestone for Malaysia's leadership within the global Scout Movement. The association highlighted his leadership, approach, and commitment to youth development.
Dr Mohd Zin is a respected leader in military, academic, and health sectors, and serves as the first Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). His career includes serving as the Chief Medical Officer for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Malaysia and as Chairman of the National Sports Institute. He has received several awards, including the Fabulous Global Education Leaders Award (2019) and the Education Excellence Award (2015).
The week-long conference, attended by nearly 400 Scout members from 33 national organisations, is being organised by the General Association of the Scouts of China (Taiwan). The event aims to celebrate past achievements and lay the foundation for the future direction of the Asia-Pacific Scout Movement.