IYC Open Day 2026 Takes More Comprehensive Approach, Involves Various Gov't And Private Agencies

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The International Youth Centre (IYC) Open Day 2026 this year features a more comprehensive approach, with emphasis on value-added programmes covering employment opportunities, skills development, technology and education for youths.

IYC chief executive officer Dr Wan Ahmad Hazman Wan Daud said the difference was reflected in broader collaboration with government agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in addition to programmes tailored to the needs and interests of young people.

He said this included collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to help youths secure employment opportunities, including through the participation of seven to eight companies offering career opportunities and guidance on resume preparation.

"Besides organising programmes such as competitions, we also want to provide young people with opportunities to seek new employment, build their personal capabilities and learn how to prepare a CV.

"This time, it is more about adding value through things like this," he told Bernama at the IYC Open Day 2026 at the IYC Foundation in Bandar Tun Razak here today.

Apart from career-related aspects, Wan Ahmad Hazman said this year's programme also highlighted Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including drone technology and football robot exhibitions.

The programme also featured an e-sports competition in collaboration with the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), Jualan Rahmah in collaboration with the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Office, as well as free engine oil changes for 100 motorcycles in collaboration with the Malaysian Youth Council.

He said the IYC Open Day 2026 targeted between 3,500 and 4,000 visitors, up from about 3,000 last year, with participation from various states including Johor, Kedah, Melaka and Perak through the competitions and activities organised.

He said the approach was in line with IYC's aspiration to make the centre's facilities more accessible to the public so that it would not merely be seen as a building or government agency, but rather as a space that could be utilised by youths and the local community.

"We want our presence to be not only as a government agency, but also to be part of the community and benefit local residents. We want to bring the community together to see what we have to offer," he said.

Wan Ahmad Hazman said this also included efforts to empower the community through the Free Community Classes initiative, which began last August, particularly to help students from underprivileged families gain access to additional education.

He said the initiative now attracted nearly 100 students every Saturday and Sunday, compared with the initial target of 60, with classes covering History, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, as well as facilities such as free Internet access.

-- BERNAMA