Scout Movement A Platform For Regional Diplomacy, Leadership Development

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- The scout movement offers more than just badges and campfires, it is a quiet but powerful engine of diplomacy and leadership across the region, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul.

He said that through scouting, young people are not only exposed to leadership skills but also to the cultural diversity, which helps shape a more cooperative and compassionate generation of future leaders.

Far from being merely about knots and survival, he said scouting brings together young people from across the region to learn about each other’s cultures and, in doing so, foster mutual respect and the ability to coexist.

“If our future leaders cannot understand their neighbours or recognise that no nation lives in isolation, then we are failing them. We must stand together to create a better, more connected world,” he told reporters here today.

Johari was speaking after officiating the closing ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Social Impact and Advocacy Workshop 2025, which was also attended by National Chief Scout Maj Gen (Rtd) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin.

A member of the National Scouts Council, Johari believes youth leadership must begin early in schools, through what he described as ‘scouting diplomacy’, a concept that should extend into community life and beyond.

“Regional cooperation through scouting is not a ceremonial exercise. It should be seen as a long-term investment in building global leadership that is inclusive, empathetic and prepared,” he said.

The four-day programme, which began Thursday, was co-organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (Asia-Pacific Region) and the Malaysian Scouts Association.

More than 50 participants from 15 national scout organisations across the Asia-Pacific region took part in the workshop, which focused on strengthening leadership, expanding social awareness and designing inclusive, sustainable solutions.

Meanwhile, National Chief Scout Major General (Rtd) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin said the scout movement is ready to accept Year One students with a syllabus and curriculum specially designed to suit their developmental stage.

He said that although a programme known as Pengakap Lebah is already available for children aged four to nine, their participation usually stops upon entering Year One, as the school uniformed unit system only begins in Year Four.

He said this gap has resulted in Year One to Year Three pupils missing the opportunity to officially join any clubs or uniformed bodies in school despite already showing potential to be guided.

“I hope the government will consider changing the policy to allow Year One pupils to join uniformed bodies. The Scouts are already prepared with a syllabus and curriculum that are tailored for Year One to Year Three pupils,” he added.

On Thursday, Polity’s executive chairman, Nurul Izzah Anwar, proposed that Year One pupils be allowed to join the scout movement as an early effort to instil leadership values, discipline and team spirit among the younger generation.

-- BERNAMA