Reforms To Strengthen YPM, Empower Youth Programmes Nationwide - Ahmad Zahid

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today presented several reform agenda proposals for the MARA Education Foundation (YPM) to empower its role so that it remains relevant and has a high impact on youth development in the country.

Ahmad Zahid, also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said one of the key proposals is to increase the number of YPM Squad members to more than 2,000 people nationwide, with Johor being one of the main drivers of its implementation.

"In addition, attention must also be focused on the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) via close collaboration with institutions under MARA, such as GIATMARA, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA (KKTM), Institut Kemahiran MARA (IKM) and Universiti Kuala Lumpur.

"Johor, with its industrial ecosystem, need to be an example to other states in upholding TVET as the pathway of the future,” he told a media conference after officiating the launch of the state-level 2025 YPM Squad at the Larkin Indoor Stadium today.

Over 5,000 participants attended today's programme, comprising young volunteers, the MARA community, local leaders, as well as government and private agency representatives.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Ahmad Zahid also suggested that YPM expand its targeted assistance to youth in rural and remote areas by using data and grassroots collaboration so that the aid reaches those truly in need.

He added that support for the YPM Secretariat and Sabahat YPM at the state and parliamentary levels also needs to be increased so that they will be more proactive in carrying out well-organised and impactful activities.

"Believe me, this YPM reform is not just a plan on paper, but a strong commitment to building a generation of youth who are big-hearted, highly knowledgeable and of noble character.

"If we succeed in implementing these measures, I am confident YPM will continue to serve as a platform to shape young Malaysians into future leaders who are courageous, resilient and capable of leading the nation and its people boldly on the world stage,” he said.

The establishment of the YPM Squad is the foundation's strategic initiative to empower youth as agents of social change, education and community development through the "youth for youth” approach. 

The launch also witnessed the presentation of a mock cheque for RM1.8 million from the Johor government to YPM as a commitment towards empowering youth education and development.

-- BERNAMA