Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is strengthening youth diplomacy and regional cooperation by empowering young people to become active contributors to sustainable development and cross-border collaboration, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Anak Bimol said.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, youth exchange programmes between Malaysia and Singapore should not be viewed merely as cultural visits but as structured leadership platforms that prepare young people to tackle regional challenges while strengthening bilateral ties. The initiative reflects the Youth and Sports Ministry's commitment to expanding youth internationalisation in line with the Malaysia MADANI Youth Development Model 2030.
"The exchange is far from a leisure excursion; it is a structured leadership development framework designed to groom, challenge and empower the next generation of regional changemakers," Bimol said at the closing ceremony of the Malaysia-Singapore Youth Leaders Exchange Programme (MSYLEP). The seven-day programme, themed "Environmental Awareness and Cultural Exchange," brought together youths from both countries to participate in dialogues and collaborative discussions focused on environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
Bimol highlighted that Malaysia and Singapore have long enjoyed strong bilateral relations, with people-to-people connections, particularly among young people, remaining the foundation of the enduring partnership. He expressed hope that the friendships forged during the programme would evolve into future collaborations and innovations benefiting both countries and the wider ASEAN region.
Youth internationalisation is a priority agenda for the ministry, implemented through the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) under two strategic pillars: championing global youth diplomacy and strengthening regional strategic alliances. These initiatives aim to provide Malaysian youths with greater exposure to international platforms while ensuring ASEAN youth voices are represented in discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global policymaking.
Bimol noted that Penang's unique blend of biodiversity and centuries-old heritage provided an ideal setting for participants to appreciate the close relationship between environmental conservation and cultural preservation. He emphasized that protecting the planet and preserving heritage are cross-border, cross-generational commitments, with youth actively shaping the sustainability landscape today.