TN50 YOUTH CANVAS:

Youth Aspirations for Malaysia

towards 2050
©Ministry of Youth and Sports 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

TN50 Youth Canvas

ISBN 978-967-15695-0-4

Published by:
Ministry of Youth and Sports
No 27, Persiaran Perdana, Presint 4,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62570 Putrajaya

Tel : 03 8871 3333

E-mail : webmaster@kbs.gov.my
Website : www.kbs.gov.my
0-1

FOREWORD
YAB DATO’ SRI MOHD. NAJIB TUN RAZAK
PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

Assalamualaikum — greetings — to the youth and people of Malaysia.

Over the last 60 years, Malaysia has worked through challenges to become an independent nation.
During this time, all segments of society have come to enjoy the benefits of development: prosperity,
better health, and a better quality of life. As income gaps narrow and access to education grows,
participation in the economy grows with the nation’s wealth, bringing larger segments of society to a
higher standard of living. This is the product of the government’s persistent efforts to ensure that no
one is left behind, and that every Malaysian youth is fortunate to live in this prosperous land.

Moving forward, the world will continue to evolve rapidly and experience new and disruptive challenges.
Foreseeing these challenges, the government has taken action in launching Transformasi Nasional 2050,
or TN50, to chart the nation’s path towards ranking amongst the Top 20 countries in the world by 2050.

TN50 will be a new blueprint that includes a compilation of all the aspirations of Malaysia’s citizens,
especially the current generation of youth who will assume important roles (Khayra Ummah) by 2050.

The report, therefore, focuses on the aspirations of youth, and on the innovative grassroots ideas that
reflect their voices in realising our TN50 goals. This is the future of Malaysia that we envision together.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 0-2

TN50 will be a new blueprint that includes a compilation of all the

aspirations of Malaysia’s citizens, especially the current generation of
youth who will assume important roles by 2050.”

YAB DATO’ SRI MOHD. NAJIB

TUN RAZAK
PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
0-3
FOREWORD
DATO’ SERI DR. AHMAD ZAHID BIN HAMIDI
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
The passage in charting Malaysia’s vision for the rakyat has been a
meaningful and worthwhile. We must continue it with relentless passion,
effort and determination. It is for the present and future generation to
navigate the nation’s success. The youth is entrusted with steering this
vision from now on as their next generation will inherit a nation which
can stand tall with others, be it in economic progress, development or
racial harmony. By the year 2050, we hope they have already put in place
all elements that Malaysia could be proud of. It is from now on that they
must embark on a vigorous effort to elevate the country into a prosperous
developed and a highly-income nation.
Over the last 60 years, Malaysia has grown from a low-income economy
into a high-income nation by the year 2020. The great stride was filled up
with hardship and pain, and it was in slalom. The country must be brought
to a greater height, and the present generation, especially the youth, is
given the big task for their future generation.
The time has come for the rakyat to instil a forward-looking mind in bringing
up the best in them. The government has envisaged the move, and now it
is for the rakyat to grab whatever opportunity in uplifting their standard of
living and in preparing their next generation with a better and conducive
environment to live in.
We need to synchronize every effort. The civil and private sectors are the
pillars of development. With participation of the rakyat, Malaysia can
emerge as a resilient society. A stable and benevolent government must
be secured at all time to spearhead such an effort for the country and the
people. Politics is just a platform, stability is the determining factor.
Having come this far, we can’t afford to look back. Complacency will only
dampen our common dreams. Let us bear in mind that in this multiracial
country, the challenges are always there. It is our duty to minimise and
scrap it off. Do work together in making Malaysia as the world’s top 20
countries in terms of progressive, development and unity.
The future is yours, the present and future generation. This is your country,
and the future is for you to shape. We cannot allow the nation to fall
bequeath to an over-zealous implementation. Put all disagreements behind
our heads, and it is for us to move on and start laying out the map to
prosperity. Be positive.
Let’s hope for a better future. Let’s bank our hope on TN50 in realising
our aspirations.
Thank you.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 0-4

The future is yours, the present and future generation. This is your
country, and the future is for you to shape.”

DATO’ SERI DR. AHMAD ZAHID

BIN HAMIDI
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA
0-5
FOREWORD
YB KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN ABU BAKAR
YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTER
Bismillahirrahmahirrahim.
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Salam 1Belia 1Malaysia.
For me personally, the TN50 journey with Malaysian youths throughout
2017 has been an immensely satisfying experience. Wherever dialogues
have taken place, either in a live setting or online, young Malaysians have
shown their passion and desire to build the best future possible for our
country in 2050.
From the North to the South, from the Peninsula to Sabah and Sarawak,
almost 2 million Malaysian youths engaged with more than 60,000
specific aspirations received. The TN50 Youth Canvas is a collection of
these aspirations to uncover the Malaysia that youths want as we move
forward past 2020.
I believe that with passion and determination, we will be able to build
the Malaysia we want in 2050 - a global, equitable, sustainable, united,
accountable and compassionate society. Whether in the shape of the
economy and jobs, education, the social fabric, peace, sustainability,
governance and lifestyle, young Malaysians have shown that they want
what is best not only for their generation but also for those who come after
them. The TN50 Youth canvas shows that government efforts in building
a future from the bottom up is what we need to prepare Malaysia for any
challenge that comes her way.
As we move forward, it is my hope that the TN50 Youth canvas will be
the basis for two long-term legacies. Firstly, a government that always
gives space and opportunity for young people to voice their aspirations
and get involved in national policies and the direction the nation takes. A
forward-looking government must put the voices of those who will lead
in the future first.
Secondly and most importantly, that the TN50 initiative will become the
starting point of a young generation that will always be proactive in building
Malaysia’s future. Over the course of the TN50 journey, young Malaysians
have proven that they are passionate and ever-ready to achieve the
aspirations stated. The TN50 dialogue is but the beginning. I am confident
that young Malaysians will keep the fire burning and contribute proactively
towards building Malaysia’s future towards 2050.
Malaysia has always punched above its weight. However, our journey still
has some way to go. With TN50 proving the platform for young Malaysians
to develop the nation they want; this journey has the potential to be life-
changing for all of us.
Ayuh, bersama kita bina masa depan Negaraku!
 TN50 Youth Canvas 0-6

I believe that with passion and determination, we will be able to build

the Malaysia we want in 2050 - a global, equitable, sustainable, united,
accountable and compassionate society.”

YB KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN ABU BAKAR

YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTER
1-2 INTROD U CTION

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
2 ASPIRATIONS -
MAJOR THEMES 3 DYNAMIC ECONOMY,
FULFILLING WORK

1-1 Introduction 2-1 Introduction 3-3 Economic Structure

National Transformation in Six Universal Themes 3-27 Jobs & Work Culture
Context
From Overarching
Global Trends Shaping Our Themes To Focus
Future Areas
Listening to the Youth

7 RESPONSIBLE
STEWARDSHIP 8 EFFECTIVE &
ACCOUNTABLE
GOVERNANCE
9 A VIBRANT,
WINNING NATION

7-3 Environmental Protection 8-3 Government Accountability 9-3 Arts & Culture
7-27 Energy Security 8-27 Government Effectiveness 9-31 Sports
7-49 Food Security 8-51 Diplomacy, Defence &
Security
 Transformasi Nasional 2050: Youth Report 1-3

4 EDUCATION FOR
THE FUTURE 5 A FAIR &
COHESIVE
SOCIETY
6 A FOUNDATION
OF HEALTH &
WELLBEING

5-3 National Identity 6-3 Healthcare

5-27 Inclusive Society 6-31 Living Environment
5-45 Social Protection

10 CONCLUSION
11 APPENDIX
INTR DUCTION
GATHERING YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR THE FUTURE OF MALAYSIA
 1-1 IN TROD UC TION
How do we
want our lives as
Malaysians to
What do change?
we want Malaysia

1
to look like in What future
2050? should our
descendants
inherit?
INTRODUCTION

As the year 2020 approaches, one era of national

development closes and another begins. What should be
our next goal? How should we better prepare for ever
faster technological and societal change? How should we
shape our future?

These are some of the questions we face as a people and a nation as we
consider the next phase of Malaysia’s transformation. We continue to work
towards becoming a developed nation by the year 2020 and there will no
doubt be areas for further improvement. Nevertheless, the story of Malaysia
is one of constant transformation and thus, while we press on with the work
of today, we also begin to set our sights on the next 30-year horizon. Like the
mousedeer ‘Sang Kancil’, popular in Malay folklore for its resourcefulness,
we are a country that looks ahead, taking on ambitions and challenges
greater than our size.
In October 2016, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) was given a
mandate by the Prime Minister of Malaysia to begin a youth engagement
initiative throughout 2017 on ‘Transformasi Nasional 2050’ (TN50), the next
chapter of the nation’s transformation. It was the first time that a bottom-up
mass grassroots approach had been included in long-term policy planning.
Through diverse platforms, the Ministry asked Malaysia’s youth to envision
the country in 2050, to propose the changes they wanted to see or effect,
and to imagine the legacy they would be proud to leave behind for the next
generation. The response was deeply heartening.
Almost 2 million Malaysians were reached and over 60,000 distinct
aspirations received during the year-long engagement. The youth of
Malaysia recognised the centrality of their role in Malaysia’s next phase of

transformation. At 45 percent, Malaysian youth i.e. Malaysians between 18
to 40 years old, is the largest segment of the country’s population today.
They see themselves as designers, implementers and chief beneficiaries of
the country’s progress. They acknowledge that the nation’s future rests in
the hands of today’s young.
More than any other generation, today’s youth are considerably shaped by the
technology and information flows of the 21st century. These forces naturally
influence priorities and values. Like generations before them, Malaysian youth
today still want economic development and global stature for the country.
However, their definitions of success for the nation also place significant
emphasis on sustainability, societal cohesion and social justice1.
TN50 Youth Canvas 1-2
The forces shaping today’s youth also make for a faster changing world.
The processing speed of a mobile phone is over 1,000 times faster than the
computer unit which enabled the moon landing in 1969. By 2050, the world
will be vastly different from today. Malaysia has the opportunity to shape
the country’s future, or risk being driven to undesired directions.
Realising the rakyat’s aspirations and navigating the future is at the heart
of the TN50 undertaking. This report, the TN50 Youth Canvas, outlines the
findings of MOYS’ year-long youth engagement on Malaysia’s future and
serves as an important input into the nation’s planning for the next era of
national transformation. The future may be impossible to predict, but armed
with foresight and aspirations, the journey can be undertaken with purpose
and meaning.
 1-3 INTROD U CTION

“THIS NEW VISION

SHALL COME FROM THE
PEOPLE”
YAB DATO’ SRI MOHD. NAJIB TUN RAZAK
PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-4

“The era of
“...and this should
government knows
become our shared
best is over...”
vision with all
Malaysians.”

“There are two things that I want:

achieving a RM2 trilion economy
in eight years and Malaysia being
among the top 20 nations in the
world.”

“In the next 30 years, the

country will change radically. It
is high time we take a look into
the future, beginning with this
discourse so that we can build
the future together.”

“It is fitting that we start the

discourse with the youth, as we
are preparing the future for our
posterity.”

YAB Dato Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak

Perdana Menteri Malaysia
1-5 IN TROD UC TION

2 NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION
IN CONTEXT

The New Economic Policy and Vision 2020

have been vital in altering the country’s
socioeconomic landscape. TN50 is part of a
continuum, building upon the foundations of the
two national development policies.

THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (NEP)

1971 saw the introduction of the NEP to address the two most significant
challenges of the time: poverty and inter-ethnic inequality. The serious impact
on national harmony was a major concern, thus shaping the redistribution
principles of the NEP. A wide-range of affirmative action policies policies
and programmes was set out to eradicate poverty as well as to eliminate
the identification of race by economic function. Affirmative action was also
accompanied by measures towards greater industrialisation and job creation.

The NEP is widely deemed to be successful, reducing poverty from 49

percent in 1970 to 17 percent in 1990. It also lifted the levels of education,
skills, employment and income, particularly for the Bumiputera2. Apart
from increasing household incomes overall, the NEP also achieved the aim
of substantially reducing inter-ethnic disparities in education attainment,
employment and income.
NEW ECONOMIC POLICY
TN50 Youth Canvas 1-6

VISION 2020

TN50

VISION 2020 (V2020)

Vision 2020 was introduced in 1991, seeking to transform Malaysia into a There has been steady progress in achieving Vision 2020 goals. Poverty has
developed nation in its own mould. The vision encompasses nine areas: a been further reduced from 17% in 1990 to less than one percent in 20164.
country that would be united, ethical, tolerant, progressive, psychologically Per capita income has increased by approximately 130 percent since 19915.
liberated, democratic, caring, just, and prosperous3. The economy has increasingly diversified into services and continues to
grow high value-added subsectors.
Economic development was focused on driving higher private sector
investments as well as building new sectors such as automotives, ICT via
the Multimedia Super Corridor initiative and biotechnology via the BioNexus
Status initiative. The Education Masterplan was formulated to transform the
education system and a large-scale Government Transformation Program
was established to improve the performance of the public sector.
1-7 IN TROD UC TION

Bumi-Chinese Bumi-Indian

NEW ECONOMIC POLICY (NEP) Poverty rates (%) Ratio of Bumi household mean
income to other races (%)
6% r
ed
per a uction
The NEP was highly successful in bringing the 60 nnum 80
78
49%
poverty rate down from 49 percent in 1970 57 58
to 17 percent in 1990. Apart from increasing 40
60
41
household incomes, the NEP also achieved the 40
aim of substantially reducing inter-ethnic income 17%
20
disparity, achieved via significant improvements 20

in education and job opportunities.

0 0

1970 1990 1970 1990

VISION 2020 (V2020)

GDP per capita (US billion) Services & Manufacturing Sectors
(% of GDP)
Becoming a developed country requires moving
e
up the value chain and developing an innovation-
rag
15,000
e
80 ave wth
1% al gro
u
driven and knowledge-based economy. Malaysia
rag ann
ave wth
6% al gro
u
has made some strides, progressively growing
ann 60 knowledge-based industries (services and
10,000 9,644
manufacturing sectors) from 67 percent of GDP in
40 67 78
1990 to 78 percent in 20156. GDP per capita has
5,000
2,440 also grown significantly from ~USD400 in 1990
20
to ~USD9500 in 2015, growing at an average rate
0 0 of six percent annually.

1991 2015 1990 2015

World Bank Data World Bank Data
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-8

TRANSFORMASI NASIONAL 2050 (TN50)

TN50 seeks to build upon the achievements of the NEP and V2020, but in
contrast to these plans, the approach towards TN50 is deliberately designed
to be more bottom-up, youth-led and globally driven.
BOTTOM-UP
TN50 begins with a national discussion between Government
and Malaysian citizens on the future of the country. Citizens’
aspirations will be one of the main inputs into the plans and
policies to be formulated for TN50.
YOUTH-LED
Everyone’s views matter but the TN50 engagement process
begins with the youth as the owners of this future. Significant
efforts have been and will continue to be made to engage
with youth through various platforms, while also including
contributions from other segments of society.
Over the course of the year, as aspirations were collected and analysed, it
became clear that the youth of Malaysia wanted TN50 to help prepare and
equip them for an uncertain future and a world that is changing faster than
ever. The youth have also expressed the desire for TN50 to deepen the social
and environmental aspects of development compared to previous national
plans. Moreover, the youth would like TN50 progress to be more robustly
tracked to ensure that there is accountability and that the programme is
oriented on achieving outcomes.
The youth of Malaysia acknowledge the great forces and changes that will
affect the country’s journey to 2050. The next section outlines some of the
global megatrends that were most frequently discussed during the TN50
youth engagement process.

GLOBALLY-DRIVEN
Throughout the TN50 national discourse, Malaysians are
encouraged to contemplate and advocate which specific areas
we should aim for to be a global model or a top-20 ranking
nation.
1-9 IN TROD UC TION

“THE FUTURE

3
IS NOW, AND
IT BELONGS
TO ALL YOUNG
MALAYSIANS- OUR
YOUTH IS READY
TO LEAD US INTO
THIS JOURNEY
TOWARDS 2050.”
KHAIRY JAMALUDDIN
MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-10

MALAYSIA MALAYSIA

TODAY 7
IN 2050 8
POPULATION

3
32M 41M

Population Size
GLOBAL TRENDS SHAPING
AGE
OUR FUTURE

28
years old
40
years old

Median Age

Over the next 30 years, Malaysia will URBANISATION

face a multitude of global and domestic

76% 85%

forces that will change the face of the

nation. Urbanisation rate

WORKFORCE
54% 64%
No one can predict the future but we can be certain that it will be a much different world than
today. The population will grow, albeit at a slower rate, bringing Malaysia’s total population size to
an estimated 41 million people by 2050. Malaysia will become an ageing society by 2050, with a
median age of 40 years compared to 28 years today. The high rates of urbanisation will continue,
with a projected 85 percent of the population living in cities and suburban areas by 2050; the vast
majority of people will have access to internet connection. The country’s GDP per capita is projected Women participation rate
to grow more than four-fold over the next 30 years, partly driven by an anticipated higher women’s INCOME
participation rate in the workforce. USD 11K USD 48K

These projected changes will have significant impact on how we live, work and relate to each other
in society. Many of the aspirations voiced by Malaysian youth reflected a desire to see a start in
getting ahead of these projections, from transforming into a health-minded society to address
the ageing population challenge, to making our cities and towns amongst the most liveable and GDP per capita
sustainable in the world.
CONNECTIVITY
The following global trends were also much discussed by Malaysian youth, forming the basis of 71% >90%
many aspirations and suggestions for action.

Internet penetration
1-11 IN TROD UC TION

SHIFTING GLOBAL EVOLVING SOCIETY

POWERS MODEL

GLOBAL US, CHINA AND INDIA WORLD POPULATION

FORECAST TO BE WORLD’S TOP

3 ECONOMIES
WILL HIT 9.8BN
IN 205011

AND
ASIAN ECONOMIES WILL
TRENDS
Islam is the fastest
ACCOUNT FOR OVER 50% OF growing religion 12
THE WORLD’S GDP BY 2050 9

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE

RAPID URBANISATION
EAST will rise in economic
with 35 MEGACITIES GLOBALLY
presence
BY 205013

ECONOMIC
BY 2050, 24%
Rising nationalism in the West may EMPOWERMENT
OF WOMEN OF MALAYSIANS
increase protectionism and reduce
WILL INCREASE WILL BE OVER
trade10 IN EMERGING THE AGE OF 6015
COUNTRIES14

What relationship will Malaysia have What provisions need to be in place to

with the US, China and India?
What will be Malaysia’s position in a
surging Asia?
How will Malaysia position itself in
relation to fast emerging economies
outside Asia?
What will be Malaysia’s response in a
world of heightened nationalism and
protectionism?
manage needs of an ageing population
like pensions and healthcare?
How should we plan our cities &
infrastructure?
How will we maintain peaceful co-
existence of many religions? How will
we manage extremism?
How will we improve women’s
participation, especially in politics?

How will we promote social cohesion

and inclusion for future generations?
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-12

CHANGING WORK & RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL

LEARNING MODELS CHANGE CHALLENGES

40% OF JOBS ARE AT RISK TECHNOLOGY will drive faster More extreme
of disappearing change in everything, from the WEATHER
due to automation16 economy to society PATTERNS and
CLIMATE CHANGE

DIFFERENT
SKILLSETS will be ROBOTS will Demand for natural resources
in demand in the become more is rising relative to supply,
future advanced and which is shrinking 19
pervasive 17
Rise of the
‘freelance’ economy
and decline of Data is hugely
full-time jobs accessible as internet
bandwidth grows by ENERGY DEMAND
50% per annum and is expected to rise
processing power
EDUCATION WILL BE a doubles every by 25% by 204020
LIFELONG process 18 months18

Which jobs will still exist in Malaysia How should we adapt the education How do we ensure environmental
by 2050? Which will disappear and system to better equip our youths for a implications are factored into economic
when? more technological world? decisions?

How to prepare and equip every citizen How to prepare for a future where How can Malaysia leverage technology
for the future? robots are everywhere? to advance the sustainable agenda?

What would working norms and
employment expectations look like?
How do we encourage and enable
individuals to adopt lifelong learning?
How do we prepare ourselves for
increased security concerns in the face
of greater data accessibility?
How should our values and ethics
evolve in a world with more technology
such as AI and biotech?
How should Malaysia ensure that
sustainable practices are a part of daily
life?
What energy mix will Malaysia rely on
by 2050?
 MOYS TN50 YOUTH
1-13 IN TROD UC TION ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
THROUGHOUT 2017

PHONE INTERVIEW
Phone interviews with youths to
obtain input on trend perception,
key challenges, aspirations as well

4
as awareness of TN50

TN50 WEBSITE & ONLINE SURVEY

Electronic platform/channels to
collect opinion data as inputs for
the formulation of TN50

LISTENING TO THE YOUTH

MIND DISCOVERY
MOYS-led interactive session with
select youths, to brainstorm key
long-term aspirations

“It is fitting that we start the TN50 MOYS-LED DIALOGUES

Dialogues organised by MOYS, open

discourse with the youth” to the general public to gather mass

aspirations

YAB Dato Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak,

Perdana Menteri Malaysia
PUBLIC-LED DIALOGUES
Dialogues organised by independent
groups, open to the general public to
gather mass aspirations or discuss
The national discourse that kicked off on 19th January 2017 with MOYS began a process of countrywide specific themes
engagement with Malaysian youth to hear and understand their aspirations for the next phase of Malaysia’s
development. MOYS sought to engage with youth from different backgrounds, from students to blue collar
workers to entrepreneurs, across different states, ethnicities and interests.
VOTE-IT & POST-IT BOOTHS
Interactive exhibits placed at
The Ministry and its supporting agencies adopted a three-phase framework in conducting the year’s youth dialogues and other locations to
engagement on TN50: mass aspiration gathering, refinement, followed by distillation and finalisation. MOYS elicit votes and views on specific
also actively encouraged youth to hold their own independent TN50 dialogues to discuss and debate their aspiration themes
aspirations for Malaysia’s future.

TN50 EXPRESSION SERIES

Campaigns and competitions calling
for diverse expressions of youth’s
TN50 aspirations including short
videos, essays, logo design etc.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-14

TN50 YOUTH AMBASSADORS

ARE COMPRISED OF
TALENTED AND PASSIONATE
YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES,
EACH CONTRIBUTING
TO THE NATION IN THEIR
RESPECTIVE FIELDS.
THE TN50 YOUTH
AMBASSADORS HELP TO
ENGAGE MALAYSIAN YOUTH,
INSPIRING THEM TO GET
INVOLVED AND REALISE
THEIR ASPIRATIONS FOR
THE FUTURE OF MALAYSIA.
 1-15 IN TROD UC TION

JANUARY APRIL
19 JAN 3 MAR 10-11 MAR 12 APR 22 APR
Dialog Perdana TN50 bersama Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Dialog TN50: Kementerian Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50
YAB Perdana Menteri Negeri Johor dan Sesi Mind Negeri Sarawak dan Sesi Mind Pertanian dan Industri Asas Negeri Kelantan dan Sesi Mind
Discovery Negeri Johor Discovery Negeri Sarawak Tani Discovery Negeri Kelantan

19 JAN 13 MAR 13 APR 27 APR

Pelancaran Kaji selidik Dialog TN50x: Young Corporate Dialog TN50: Pihak Pengurusan Dialog TN50: Guru Muda
laman web dan dalam talian Malaysians Kumpulan Wang Simpanan 1Malaysia bersama Kementerian
Pekerja Pendidikan Malaysia

6 MAR 24-25 MAR 14 APR 29 APR

Sesi TN50 Facebook Live Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50: Masa Majlis Pengumuman 13 Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Negeri
“Mindset” Depan Pertahanan Negara Duta Belia TN50 Kedah

8 MAR 27 MAR 15 APR 30 APR

Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Dialog TN50x: Aspirasi TVET Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Negeri
Negeri Perak dan Sesi Mind Negeri Melaka “Masa Depan Kerjayaku” Perlis
Discovery Negeri Perak
FEBRUARY

7 FEB 20 FEB 9 MAR 17 APR

Sesi Mind Discovery bersama Pegawai- Dialog Perdana “Perspektif Dialog TN50x: Usahawan Muda Dialog TN50x: Pelajar Kolej
Pegawai Muda Kementerian Belia dan Islam” bersama Jabatan bersama MaGIC Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Sukan, dan agensi di bawahnya Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (TAR UC)

16 FEB
Dialog TN50: Pertubuhan Belia MARCH 30 MAR
Dialog TN50: Kementerian
18 APR
Dialog TN50 : Bumiputera

MAY
dan NGO bersama Majlis Belia Kewangan Malaysia Bertaraf Dunia bersama
Malaysia TERAJU

18 FEB 23-24 FEB 19 APR 4 MAY

Mind Discovery Session at Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Dialog TN50x: Belia India Dialog TN50: Profesional Muda
KRM Klang Negeri Sabah dan Sesi Mind Industri Pembinaan bersama
Discovery Negeri Sabah Kementerian Kerja Raya

27 FEB 28 FEB 20 APR

Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Negeri Dialog TN50x: Dialog bersama Sesi Mind Discovery Negeri
Terengganu dan Sesi Mind Doktor Muda, Pelajar serta bersama Wanita
Discovery Negeri Terengganu NGO Perubatan dan Pergigian

20 APR 7 MAY

MOYS-LED
Dialog TN50: Kementerian Kerja Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50
Raya Malaysia Negeri Pulau Pinang

TN50 YOUTH
9 MAY
DIALOGUES IN Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Negeri
Sembilan dan Sesi Mind

2017 Discovery Negeri Sembilan

 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-16

JUNE SEPTEMBER
14 MAY 13 JUNE 13-14 AUG 5 SEPT 7 SEPT 8 SEPT
Dialog TN50x: Warga Malaysia Dialog TN50: Warga Sukan Makmal Percambahan Idea Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Ng
di Amerika Syarikat Belia TN50 Ganesh: Universiti Teknikal Jufitri: Universiti Sains Islam Yeen Seen: Universiti Malaysia
Malaysia Melaka Malaysia Kelantan

15 MAY 16 JUNE 28 AUG 5 SEPT 7 SEPT 30 SEPT

Dialog TN50x: Wanita Pemacu Dialog TN50x and the future of Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Ben Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog TN50x: TN50x: Where
Negara bersama MyWin Malaysia: The Corporate View Ganesh: Universiti Malaysia & Arthur: Universiti Malaysia Ganesh & Jufitri: International Aspirations Take Flight in
Academy Pahang Sabah Islamic University Malaysia Edinburgh

17 MAY 30 AUG 6 SEPT 8 SEPT

Siri Jelajah Dialog TN50 Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog Duta TN50 dengan
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Jufitri: Universiti Malaysia Ganesh: Universiti Sultan Dzameer & Faisal: Universiti
Lumpur Perlis Zainal Abidin Malaya

NOVEMBER
20 MAY
Sesi TN50 Facebook Live: AUGUST 6 SEPT
Dialog Duta TN50 dengan
8 NOV
Dialog TN50: Dialog TN50: Ke
YB Khairy Jamaluddin bersama Ganesh: Universiti Malaysia Arah Sistem Pendidikan Terbaik
Pereka dan Pelukis Muda Terengganu di Dunia bersama MOHE

21 MAY 6 SEPT 9 NOV

Dialog TN50x: Bersama Belia Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog TN50x: Bakat Muda Rangkaian
OKU Penglihatan Gabriel & Dr. Esther: Universiti Khazanah ‘Ke Arah Pembangunan

Malaysia Sarawak OCTOBER Malaysia Yang Holistik: Membina

Nilai Sejati’

22 MAY 17 JULY 6 SEPT 1 OCT 12 NOV

Sidang Media Khas Pengenalan Dialog TN50x: Profesional Muda Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog TN50x: Where Aspirations Dialog TN50 Etnik Sabah:
Duta-Duta Belia TN50 Siri Petronas Merencana Masa Dzameer & Zhariff: Universiti Take Flight: Reaching Out to Piba’asan Miampai
Kedua Depan Teknologi Mara First-Year Freshies in London

26
24 MAY
MEI 21 JULY 6 SEPT 10 OCT 13 NOV
Sesi
Taklimat
Majlis
kepada
Pelancaran
Royal Dialog TN50: Membina Dialog Duta TN50 dengan Dialog TN50x: Eksekutif Muda Dialog TN50: Prasarana
Kumpulan
MalaysianMasa
Navy Depan TN50 Generasi Kanak-kanak En. Hamid: Universiti Utara Touch ‘n Go - ‘Peneraju Negara
Gemilang Malaysia Tanpa Tunai’

25 JULY 20 OCT 14 NOV

Dialog TN50x: Generasi Muda Dialog TN50x: Where Dialog TN50x: Pemimpin
PNB Merakyatkan Pelaburan, Aspirations Take Flight in Generasi Baharu FELDA
Berkongsi Kemakmuran Jakarta ‘Aspirasi Menuju Tahun 2050’

30 JULY 24 OCT 15 NOV

Dialog TN50 with Ng Yeen Seen Dialog TN50: Kluster Keselamatan
bersama YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad
(TN50 youth ambassador) Zahid Hamidi, Timbalan Perdana
Menteri merangkap Menteri Dalam
Negeri
Dialog TN50x: Aspirasi Belia
CIMB ‘Meneraju Perbankan dan
Memacu Sukan di Malaysia’

JULY 29 OCT
Dialog TN50 Etnik Sarawak:
Randau TN50 Begulai Enggau
 1-17 IN TROD UC TION
A SLICE OF
MALAYSIAN
LIFE IN 2050
To encourage youth’s
thinking about the future,
five playful scenarios
were displayed by MOYS
as something to ponder
before the start of TN50
Youth Dialogues
EKONOMI & PEKERJAAN
1 Bangun pagi dan hantar anak ke sekolah.
Bilik darjah fizikal memupuk kemahiran
sosial, seiring pembelajaran atas talian.
Pelan pelajaran dikhususkan mengikut
keperluan individu.
2
Berbincang dengan guru tentang
minat baru anak untuk mencuba
sukatan STEM berkaitan sains
angkasa. Bersetuju membenarkan
anak untuk merancang pelan
pembelajaran denagn ‘AI’ Pakar Subjek
STEM Negara
Di tempat kerja, dengar taklimat
dari pembantu ‘AI’ tentang
perkembangan pasaran semalaman
serta senario-senario pergerakan
pasaran selanjutnya. Pertimbangkan
semua senario dan luluskan tindakan
pelaksanaan
Gunakan ‘kredit peningkatan
4 kemahiran’ (upskilling) dari Kerajaan
untuk mengikuti kursus pengurusan
‘AI’ atas talian
Hadir ke ceramah atas talian anjuran
5 Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)
untuk bertukar pendapat yang akan
diambilalih ‘AI’ terbaru dan langkah-
langkah persediaan
MASYARAKAT
Bangun pagi di kapsul mesra-OKU.
Setiap zon penempatan diwajibkan
mempunyai bangunan kediaman mesra-
OKU
2
Pergi ke tempat kerja dan hadiri
mesyuarat strategi sumber Manusia
untuk membincangkan tindakan bagi
menambahbaik perwakilan wanita dan
pencapaian metrik kepelbagaian lain.
Potensi untuk mendapat pensijilan
Syarikat Tauladan dari Kerajaan
Pergi ke portal data terbuka
3 masyarakat untuk menyemak taburan
penduduk termiskin di Malaysia dan
program-program bina diri sedia ada.
Cadangkan usahasama antara syarikat
untuk menambahbaik program yang
tersedia
Pulang ke rumah dan baca artikel
tentang usaha antara Kerajaan dan
NGO untuk membangun sistem
amaran awal radikalisme dan
pengganasan
Semak maklumat terkini di laman
5 web ‘Hari Akujanji’ di mana rakyat
Malaysia berikrar untuk menyumbang
masa dan pengetahuan mereka untuk
kerja amal. Sertai kumpulan amal
yang mengenal pasti dan membantu
golongan yang terpinggir

TADBIR URUS
Bangun pagi dan turun ke tingkat bawah
1 untuk memeriksa tanaman sayur-
sayuran di kebun komuniti
Ikut berita terkini tentang serangan
siber terbaru dan tindakan benteng
pertahanan siber Malaysia. Saring
berita melalui pembantu ‘AI’ supaya
berita palsu ditanda dan dilaporkan
Naik teksi tanpa pemandu ke tempat
3 kerja di Zon Perdagangan Bebas
Digital, di mana perjanjian strategik
ditandatangani bersama syarikat
e-dagang Asia yang berjaya
‘Hadir’ untuk perjumpaan atas talian
untuk membahaskan peraturan
perkebunan bandar bersama majlis
tempatan dan perkongsian data untuk
Dasar Keselamatan Makanan Negara
Pada penghujung hari, kongsikan
5 penyata karbon peribadi di laman
sosial- karbon-negatif hari ini! Jual
kredit karbon yang dikumpul kepada
rakan yang karbon-positif
KESEJAHTERAAN HIDUP
Kamar tidur berubah ke mod ‘bangun
pagi’ berdasarkan irama tidur. Dapur
pintar mula menyediakan sarapan pagi
Semasa sarapan, pembantu peribadi
2 ‘AI’ memberi pembacaan status
kesihatan terkini. Cadangan aktiviti
serta pemakanan diberikan. Amaran:
kurangkan pengambilan karbohidrat
Berjalan kaki dari rumah kapsul di
3 Bandar Malaysia ke terminal High
Speed ECRL untuk melawat pelanggan
di Kuantan, Pahang - perjalanan 20
minit. Dari terminal Kuantan, naik bas
pintar neutral karbon yang berhubung
secara digital dengan kenderaan-
kenderaan lain di jalanraya
Ambil bahagian dalam perbincangan
4 atas talian bersama penduduk Bandar
Malaysia lain tentang meningkatkan
tahap keselamatan dengan teknologi
pengesan pergerakan individu
Pada sebelah petang, naik hyperloop
dari Pahang ke Sabah untuk melawat
ibu bapa di perkampungan warga
emas. Berbual tentang rawatan
pengukuhan tulang belakang yang
mereka lalui menggunakan teknologi
nano
Bertolak dari perkampungan warga
6 emas dengan menaiki teksi tanpa
pemandu ke Sandakan melalui
Lebuhraya Pan Borneo untuk
menghabiskan masa hujung minggu
di salah sebuah hutan simpan di sana
TN50 Youth Canvas 1-18
BUDAYA
Bangun pagi dan pergi ke lapangan
1 terbang untuk menjemput kawan yang
datang ke Malaysia bagi menghadiri
acara Rainforest World Music Festival
2050
Bawa kawan bersarapan di kawasan
2 warisan, di mana rumah kedai lama
menjual juadah sarapan tradisional
seperti nasi lemak dan roti canai
Perkenalkan kawan kepada rakan
sesekolah, seorang pemain badminton
yang kini berlatih untuk merebut
pingat emas di Sukan Olimpik tahun
depan
Selepas sarapan, pergi melawat
4 galeri seni di mana kurator memberi
penerangan mengenai tema pameran
‘menerokai konsep kemanusiaan
dalam robot’ yang merupakan
kerjasama antara artis manusia dan
artis AI
Pergi ke kafe VR berdekatan untuk
5 bermain e-bola sepak, sambil
berhubung dengan pemain lain dari
seluruh dunia
Hantar kawan ke festival muzik
kemudian pulang ke rumah dan
sebelum tidur, tonton sebuah filem
terkemuka antarabangsa yang
dihasilkan oleh pengarah tempatan
1-19 IN TROD UC TION

PHASE 1:
MASS ASPIRATION
GATHERING
Gathering mass youth aspirations was the focus of early 2017. Multiple Expression series
public dialogues were organised, as well as a series of nationwide Outreach continued with the Expression series. These facilitated creative
expression-focused activities to understand the overall views and aspirations design and expression, including TN50 logo design, app design, Instagram
of Malaysians, particularly the youth, towards 2050. photo curation, a video competition and essay competitions.

Public engagement
Public engagement took various forms including open townhall dialogues
and workshops at state and district levels; topic-specific dialogues; social
media engagement by MOYS supported by TN50 Youth Ambassadors; and
online surveys. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of participants turned
up at each event, while the online followers of live-streaming videos of the
events numbered in the tens of thousands.
TN50 Youth Canvas 1-20
1-21 IN TROD UC TION

RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR TN50 CIRCLES OF

THE FUTURE
Published in all major newspapers in May 2017

PHASE 2:
REFINEMENT
The TN50 Circles of the Future were convened as focus groups to advance
the national discourse on TN50 aspirations. Circles members comprised
youth and non-youth subject matter experts, selected via a recruitment
process open to the public.

Five major categories of aspirations arose from the mass engagement with
Malaysian youth in Phase 1, which provided the basis for Circle discussions.
These categories or pillars were: Work and Value Creation; Living and
Wellbeing; Governance; and Society and Lifestyle. Each pillar comprised
‘hot topics’ that the public had repeatedly highlighted, which became the
topics for Circles discussion, refinement and development.

Circles members met over the course of four months to deepen and crystallise
the ideas for TN50. In these in-depth discussions, Circles members worked
together to:

• Develop a vision statement and vision elements that captured the essence
of the aspirations for the topic
• Map out the change implications arising from the aspirations, in order to
clarify the social, economic, technological and political changes required
• Propose targets to achieve by 2050
• Identify potential initiatives to realise selected aspirations
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-22

5 YOUTH CIRCLES COVERING 16 TOPICS

WORK & VALUE LIVING &

GOVERNANCE SOCIETY LIFESTYLE
CREATION WELLBEING

Government
Economic Structure Healthcare National Identity Arts & Culture
Accountability

Government
Jobs & Work Culture Living Environment Effectiveness Inclusive Society Sports

Education for the Future Diplomacy, Defence & Social Protection

Security

Environmental Protection
Energy Security
Food Security
1-23 IN TROD UC TION

PHASE 3:
FINALISATION
The final phase of MOYS’ TN50 youth engagement initiative was focused on TN50 is a programme of and for the people. Through this process of
consolidating the aspirations gathered across all engagements and platforms. engagement, the Ministry of Youth and Sports hopes not only to spark
As part of this final consolidation, an online preview of the summary final discussion on the country’s next phase of transformation but to also get
report, the TN50 Youth Canvas, was published in November 2017 to collect Malaysian youth involved in designing, leading and owning the nation’s
final impressions and feedback as well as ideas towards realising the TN50 future. The journey begins with setting down hopes and aspirations for the
aspirations expressed. future, and the following chapter outlines the major themes of Malaysian
youth’s aspirations towards 2050.
The TN50 Youth Canvas was then finalised in two versions: this downloadable
long-form report as well as a summarised online version which captures
the highlights (please go to www.mytn50.com/youthcanvas). The TN50
Youth Canvas is aimed to serve as a record of the voices of youth for the
country’s future as well as an important input into the Government’s TN50
policy planning work in 2018.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 1-24

FOOTNOTES

1. TN50 youth aspirations gathered by Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS). (2017)
2. United Nations (UN). “Poverty Reduction Strategies in Malaysia 1970-2000: Some Lessons.” (2003)
3. Office of the Prime Minster of Malaysia. “Malaysia as A Fully Developed Country.”
4. United Nations (UN). “Malaysia Achieving The Millennium Development Goals: Successes and
Challenges.” (2005); Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Report of Household Income and Basic
Amenities Survey 2016.” (2017)
5. The World Bank. “GDP per capita (constant 2010 US$) Malaysia.”
6. The World Bank. “Services, etc., value added (% of GDP).”; The World Bank. “Manufacturing, value
added (% of GDP).”
7. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Current Population Estimates, Malaysia, 2016-2017.” (2017);
United Nations (UN). “World Urbanization Prospects: 2014 Revision.” (2014); Department of Statistics
Malaysia. “Labour Force Survey Report, Malaysia, 2016.” (2017); Trading Economics. “Malaysia GDP
Per Capita.”; Department of Statistics Malaysia. “ICT Use and Access by Individuals and Households
Survey Report Malaysia, 2015.” (2016)
8. United Nations (UN). “World Population Prospects: 2015 Revision.” (2015); United Nations (UN).
“World Urbanization Prospects: 2014 Revision.” (2014)
9. Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Asia 2050: Realizing the Asian Century.” (2011)
10. “Trump’s rise and Brexit vote are more an outcome of culture than economics”, The Guardian, October
28, 2016.
11. United Nations (UN). “World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100-
says UN.” (2017)
12. Pew Research Center. “Why Muslims are the world’s fastest-growing religious group.” (2017)
13. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Outlook on the Global Agenda 2014.” (2014)
14. Council on Foreign Relations. “Empowering Women in Developing Economies.” (2017)
15. United Nations (UN). “World Population Ageing.” (2015)
16. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Perspectives. “The Robotics Revolution: The Next Great Leap in
Manufacturing.” (2015)
17. Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA). “The Future of Work Automation: The Impact of IoT and Robotics.” (2015);
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Perspectives. “How Robots Will Redefine Competitiveness.” (2015)
18. Nielsen Norman Group. “Nielsen’s Law of Internet Bandwidth.” (1998)
19. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Publications. “Sustainable Answers: BCG Looks at Three Ways to
Manage Sustainability for the Long Term.” (2016)
20. ExxonMobil. “2017 Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040.” (2017)
02
CHAPTER

MAJOR THEMES:
ASPIRATIONS OF THE
MALAYSIAN YOUTH
FOR 2050
1
2-3 M A JOR THEME S
INTRODUCTION
Malaysian youth have spoken. For the first time in Malaysia’s history,
Malaysian youth were invited to shape Malaysia’s long term future, the
Malaysia that they want in 2050. Through a year-long series of conversations
and dialogues, they took up the invitation and expressed their greatest
aspirations, encompassing a wide range of themes. In voicing their deepest
and most earnest aspirations, they speak as members of their respective
generations, income class, ethnicity, religion, gender, locality and physical
ability, but through it all lies the common thread of being Malaysian with a
profound love for the country.
Our youth know that Malaysia has always punched above its weight. From
Independence to the present, Malaysia continuously declared and pursued
ambitious goals, from correcting the massive imbalances inherited from
colonialism to attaining the status of developed nation. As in any democratic
nation, there always will be vigorous debate on the rate of progress towards
achieving our ambitions. Nevertheless, we never stop moving and setting
our sights ever higher. As we join the ranks of developed nations in the next
few years, we anticipate the next target of becoming one of the world’s top
nations.
The youth also recognise the unique challenges of the era in which they live.
Technology is changing faster than ever before, causing greater economic
and jobs uncertainty. Society is becoming more polarised, driven in part by
social media and the divisive echo chambers it creates. Previous warnings
on the environment and climate change are becoming reality faster than
predicted.
As inheritors of the nation in 2050, the youth want a nation that can rise
above these challenges and emerge stronger. The youth want Malaysia to
be amongst top-ranking nations in innovation, economic competitiveness
and other key areas. They want a country that balances income growth with
sustainability and social inclusion. The youth also want a Malaysia that
has a place for all Malaysians, where stronger compassion, trust, collective
responsibility and harmony prevail.
Over the year-long TN50 youth engagement initiative led by MOYS, the
Ministry reached almost 2 million people and received over 60,000 different
aspirations. Across the diverse aspirations received, six major themes clearly
come through (Figure 1):
1 GLOBAL
2 EQUITABLE
3 SUSTAINABLE
4 UNITED
5 ACCOUNTABLE
6 COMPASSIONATE
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-4

“SAYA MEMPERKENALKAN TRANSFORMASI

NASIONAL 2050 ATAU TN50 BAGI MELAKAR
SEBUAH NEGARA BANGSA YANG UNGGUL,
AGAR MALAYSIA TERJULANG DALAM 20
NEGARA TERBAIK DI DUNIA.”
YAB DATO SERI MOHD. NAJIB TUN RAZAK
PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA
2-5 M A JOR THEME S

FIGURE 1 • SIX CROSS-CUTTING THEMES IDENTIFIED ACROSS ALL TOPICS

GLOBAL EQUITABLE SUSTAINABLE

• Have global champions in •N  o marked disparities in • Carbon neutral nation; energy

different industries development across regions mix mostly comes from
• Amongst top 20 in the WEF • Z ero deprivation according renewable sources
Global Competitiveness to Multidimensional Poverty • An energy efficient nation;
rankings Index energy Intensity Index of <1
• Amongst top 10 in the WIPO •A  mongst top 20 on the Haas • Amongst top 20 sustainable
Global Innovation Index Inclusivity Index cities globally

GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE INCLUSIVE SOCIETY SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES

Malaysian companies and brand names are world
leaders in a range of industries
GLOBAL MINDSET
Malaysia measures itself against the best, from
education to sports
GLOBAL IMPACT
Malaysia is a global spokesperson and leader,
making a difference around the globe
Everyone has the opportunity to participate in and
contribute to society regardless of ethnicity, gender,
age, location or physical ability
BALANCED DISTRIBUTION
Regional and rural-urban disparities are greatly
reduced
HIGH BASIC LIVING STANDARDS
No one falls below the line in any measure of
deprivation, poverty or social mobility
Malaysia increasingly adopts sustainable modes of
production, consumption, design and living
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION
Malaysia reverses the effects of pollution and
overdevelopment on habitats, forests, rivers and
seas
SUSTAINABLE OUTLOOK
Malaysians think long-term, not only about the
environment but also about energy security, food
security and economic planning
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-6

UNITED ACCOUNTABLE COMPASSIONATE

• No racial polarisation amongst
Malaysian citizens. People
share a strong national identity
• All Malaysians under 21 go
through a shared experience,
be it education or community
service
•Most Malaysians are tri-lingual
• Amongst top 20 country in
the World Justice Project in
Open Governance Index
• In the top 10th percentile of
Transparency International’s
Corruption Perception Index
• Amongst top 20 countries for
low prevalence of obesity
• Respect and courtesy are recognised
and upheld as core values by young
and old
• Malaysia’s religious and ethnic
relations are renowned for
moderation, critical thinking and
dialogue
• Religious piety and understanding is
demonstrated by upholding values of
compassion, mercy and justice

DIVERSITY CELEBRATED ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE EMPATHY

Ethnic and religious diversity of Malaysia is respected Leaders and civil servants commit to institutionalise
and appreciated and demonstrate accountability in delivering the
public trust
STRONG NATIONAL IDENTITY
Malaysians share a common bond and feel a strong ACCOUNTABLE PRIVATE SECTOR
sense of belonging Malaysian companies demonstrate their commitment
to the triple bottom line: profits, environmental
CLOSE INTERACTION impact and social responsiblity
Malaysians of all races and religions work, play, learn
and live together ACCOUNTABLE CITIZENS
Malaysians take personal responsibility for their
health, lifelong learning and civic participation
Malaysians try to understand alternative or
opposing views, refraining from polarising
statements. Malaysians want to build each other
up, not tear each other down
RESPECTFUL CONDUCT
Malaysians interact with each other respectfully.
Debates and social media exchanges are healthy
and constructive
DIALOGUE
Malaysians embrace a culture of moderation and
discussion
2-7 M A JOR THEME S

2 SIX MAJOR THEMES

2.1
GLOBAL

A NATION OF INNOVATIVE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL

GLOBAL CITIZENS

By 2050, Malaysia is a country driven by a global outlook and global
benchmarks in every area. Every economic sector, from agriculture to
manufacturing to services, is amongst the most advanced in the world by
2050. Malaysia fosters an open, globally integrated economy, as evidenced
by strong global partnerships and the emphasis on openness and competition.
Local businesses compete at global levels, developing into regional or global
champions across industries.
Malaysian companies become more multinational, adaptable and forward-
thinking, inspired by ingenuity and innovation to keep pace with global
consumer and technology trends. Organisations are supported by research
and development (R&D) institutions that collaborate globally to build
products and solutions for society. Global benchmarks, technology and
innovation are also deployed in governance, city planning, education and
even sports and culture.
The spirit of globalism and innovation also translates into a highly
entrepreneurial society. In 2050, Malaysians connect effortlessly across
boundaries, with an open, entrepreneurial spirit that makes positive
contributions to their communities. Entrepreneurship and problem-solving
skills are instilled from childhood, through experiential, project-based
learning. People have room, economically and socially, to experiment and
take risks in their pursuits.
Malaysians identify as members of a world community, focusing on solving
not just local but global problems. They participate in diverse, global
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-8

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

Have global champions in different

industries on the world-class stage

Rank among the top 20 in the WEF

Global Competitiveness Index

Among the top 10 in the WIPO

Global Innovation Index

An exemplar Muslim-majority country

that acts as mediator between Islamic
countries in dispute

Among the top 50% in terms of Total

Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity
(TEA) and Entrepreneurial Employee
Activity (EEA)

Malaysians hold leadership roles in

international organisations such as
networks and contribute to major global forums and humanitarian efforts. the United Nations
Malaysia cultivates a position that is open to the global community. It is
an important cultural hub in South East Asia, globally recognised for its
world-class creators in the creative industry. Malaysia is also a political
and civilisational hub, recognised as a leading Islamic nation and a centre of
Islamic civilisation. Malaysia creates and maintains strong diplomatic ties
with all countries around the world and plays an important role in multilateral
institutions. Closer to home, the nation is a key player in making ASEAN
integration a reality.
2-9 M A JOR THEME S

2.2
EQUITABLE

A LAND WHERE NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND

Over the long term, Malaysians strive to reduce inequalities by levelling
the playing field and enabling everyone’s participation in society. All
communities are strengthened and uplifted. The needs of marginalised
groups are addressed and the conditions created to improve their set
of opportunities, such as access to specific educational or employment
support. Social mobility and human dignity is enjoyed by all irrespective
of ethnicity, gender, age, location or physical ability. Obstacles to social
justice and inclusiveness, such as prejudice or discrimination in hiring, are
progressively eliminated.
Growth and development is well balanced, distributed fairly across
geographies. Disparities in infrastructure quality, connectivity, public services
and other fundamental needs are greatly reduced. Rural areas have good
access to health and education, enabled by technology. Cities are also
inclusive, designed to provide quality of life to residents of all income groups,
ages and physical abilities.
A strengthened and comprehensive social safety net is available to all who
need it. Malaysia sets a reasonable and broad definition for acceptable
minimum living standards and ensures that no one falls below the line, be
it for household consumption or shelter or education. Malaysia also ensures
that a system is in place to protect people from financial shocks, whether
sudden in nature such as accidents or natural disasters, or gradual in manner
such as job displacement due to disruptive technology.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-10

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

No marked disparities in Development

Index among regions in Malaysia

Zero instances (households) of

deprivation according to dimensions of
the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

Top 20 cities on Haas Inclusivity Index

Rank among the top 20 in the Oxford

Economics Global Index of Employee
Diversity

100% of the population are financially

prepared for old age

100% of the population are protected

against financial shocks, from illness,
disability or forced unemployment

Top 20 country in the Social

Progress Index

Improved income distribution with

GINI coefficient of 0.3 or lower
2-11 M A JOR THEME S
2.3
SUSTAINABLE
A COUNTRY THAT SAFEGUARDS ITS NATURAL RESOURCES
By 2050, Malaysians emphasise sustainability in all decisions. Sustainability
is ingrained in policies, business plans and personal decisions, as reflected
by the country’s increasingly sustainable modes of production, consumption
and living. As a result, Malaysia is amongst the top countries in the world
in terms of net carbon balance.
The nation’s energy comes primarily from renewables, and energy efficiency
is a priority for all Malaysians. Malaysian cities and villages are amongst
the healthiest and ‘greenest’ in the world – clean, low-impact, with excellent
air and water quality. Rural and semi-rural areas are fully equipped with
amenities and infrastructure that can generate a sustainable living, yet retain
their unique identity. Sustainable practices are ingrained in the behaviour of
all Malaysians, who make informed decisions on their levels of consumption
and strive to minimise waste.
Malaysia prioritises environmental preservation, from forests to seas.
Over the long term, Malaysia strives not only to preserve but to reverse
environmental damage from previous generations, putting in place
reforestation and regeneration programmes that return the natural
environment as close as possible to its former state.
The sustainability outlook transcends environmental issues to all areas of life.
This includes issues such as food security, where Malaysia as a nation strives
to achieve true nutrition self-sufficiency by optimising food production
methods and making urban farming mainstream. Economic sustainability
is also a priority, where concerted efforts are taken to reduce the risks and
swings from commodity dependency, towards increasing complexity and
innovation in the economy.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-12

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

A carbon neutral nation, with

a majority renewables energy
production

An energy efficient nation with

energy intensity index of <1

Have global top 20 sustainable

cities with low waste generation
per capita, top-rated air and water
quality and extensive green space
per capita

Zero net deforestation

Forest-related industries generate

sustainable revenues and income

Malaysia is self-sufficient in all

major food groups

Top 10 of the Economic

Complexity Index
2-13 M A JOR THEME S

2.4
UNITED

A PEOPLE UNITED IN DIVERSITY

Malaysia’s diversity is seen as a source of strength and unity by 2050.
Malaysia’s multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-faith society
is valued, celebrated and defended. Malaysians appreciate their nation’s
unique history and heritage, understand the contributions made by all groups
and are conscious of the care needed in maintaining unity and harmony.
Malaysians strive to protect the country’s unique diversity from prejudice,
intolerance and extremism.
Malaysians of all races, religions and backgrounds work, play, learn and live
together peacefully. Malaysians share a strong common bond and strive to
build mixed communities that are cohesive and resilient. Diverse groups of
citizens achieve greater things together — in school, work, business, sports,
the arts, governance, politics and all other areas.

Malaysians have a strong sense of identity as citizens of Malaysia. Malaysians

of all backgrounds feel a deep sense of belonging to the country, knowing
that each has a stake in the country’s future. Malaysians are loyal to the
country and are proud to be Malaysians.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-14

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

Zero racial polarisation amongst

Malaysian citizens

All Malaysians under 21 go

through a shared experience,
be it education or community
service

Most Malaysians are trilingual,

with Bahasa Malaysia as a
shared and uniting language

National schools are top choice for

parents

Malaysians work, live, learn and

play together
2-15 M A JOR THEME S
2.5
ACCOUNTABLE
A NATION OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND INSTITUTIONS
By 2050, accountability is a principle adhered to at every level of society,
where institutions, organisations, companies and individuals acknowledge
their respective duties and take responsibility for their decisions and actions.
In public administration, leaders and civil servants commit to institutionalise
and demonstrate accountability in delivering the public trust, including
increasing openness and transparency in government decision-making. All
levels of government, from federal ministries to local authorities focus on
delivering citizen-centric governance with a culture of full accountability
for the outcomes. The government conducts itself with the highest level
of integrity and maintains a zero tolerance policy to corruption. In turn,
Malaysians exercise their duty as citizens, holding government accountable
and giving constructive input on government policies and services.
In the private sector, Malaysian companies demonstrate their commitment to
the triple bottom line: profits, environmental impact and social responsibility.
GLCs in particular, demonstrate their accountability in serving the national
interest by becoming socioeconomic multipliers and drivers of long-term
economic growth, alongside privately owned companies and entrepreneurs.
At an individual level, Malaysians take personal responsibility for their health,
learning, finances and civic participation. Malaysians own their health and
understand the significance of diet choices and active lifestyles. They are life-
long learners who shape their learning experiences to become independent
and adaptive individuals. Malaysians also understand the importance of
financial planning and strive, as much as they can within their capacity, to
make provisions for their health coverage and old age. In civic participation,
Malaysians ensure that civil liberties and freedoms are defended yet used
responsibly. Malaysians are also accountable for their actions in public,
upholding values such as timeliness, cleanliness and consideration for others.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-16

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

Rank amongst top 20 countries in

the World Justice Project in Open
Governance Index

Rank amongst top 10 percentile

in Transparency International’s
Corruption Perception Index

All Malaysian companies have a

corporate social responsibility
policy

Malaysians are life-long learners,

accountable for their own life-long
education

Every Malaysian has retirement

savings

Rank among the top 20 countries

for low prevalence of obesity
2-17 M A JOR THEME S

ASSOCIATED TN50 TARGETS PROPOSED

BY YOUTH

Respect and courtesy are

recognised and upheld as core
values by the young and old

2.6
Malaysia’s religious and ethnic
relations are renowned for
moderation, critical thinking and
dialogue

COMPASSIONATE
Religious piety and understanding
is demonstrated by upholding
values of compassion, mercy and
justice
A SOCIETY WITH HEART AND
HUMANITY

By 2050, Malaysians feel that they are a part of a compassionate society
with a caring collective spirit. Malaysians view social challenges such
as family breakdown, societal alienation and other social problems to be
as important as economic and political ones and strive to resolve them
collectively.
Malaysians show empathy, doing their best to understand opposing or
alternative views by putting themselves into another’s shoes. Malaysians
also strive to understand the deeper causes of social issues, focusing on
solution to build each other up, not tearing each other down. Empathy is
nurtured in schools and higher education institutions through thoughtful
learning experiences. Sermons in mosques, churches, temples and other
places of worship promote empathy, compassion and understanding.
Malaysian culture emphasises etiquette and respectful conduct. Malaysians
are considerate in their day-to-day decisions and actions, particularly when
others are likely to be impacted. They respect one another and behave
considerately towards shared spaces and property. Despite differences in
opinions or beliefs, Malaysians interact and relate well to each other, able
to debate constructively and courteously both offline and online.
Dialogues are commonplace. Beyond inter-ethnic and inter-faith dialogues,
Malaysians embrace a culture of moderation and discussion on other topics,
to listen and speak together in a continual effort to understand and reach
solutions.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 2-18

3 FROM OVERARCHING THEMES

TO FOCUSED AREAS

The above six themes characterise the variety of youth aspirations received
throughout MOYS’ year of TN50 youth engagement. The chapters that
follow categorise and describe these aspirations by subject matter, for ease
of reference amongst policymakers and fellow Malaysians.

Aspirations on the economy and the landscape of work are the subject of
chapter 3, Dynamic Economy, Fulfilling Work. Aspirations on how Malaysians
prepare for the world of work and the education system overall are outlined
in chapter 4, Education for the Future.

Aspirations for the type of society Malaysia should nurture are captured in
Chapter 5, A Fair and Cohesive Society. Youth aspirations for how we live,
in terms of our health and our urban or rural surroundings, are taken up by
Chapter 6, A Foundation of Health and Wellbeing.

Aspirations on how we manage our resources and our state of the union
are the respective topics of Chapter 7, Responsible Stewardship and 8,
Accountable and Effective Government. Finally, aspirations on how we play
and express ourselves through arts, culture and sports are captured by
Chapter 9, A Vibrant, Winning Nation.
03
CHAPTER

DYNAMIC ECONOMY,
FULFILLING WORK
Malaysia’s economy has grown rapidly since Independence, becoming highly trade-driven and
diversified. Nevertheless, Malaysian youth aspire to see greater economic transformation towards
2050. The youth want a more innovative, vibrant and technology-driven economy, comparable
to those of top-ranking nations.

Malaysian youth also anticipate that changes in technology and society will alter the nature of
jobs and work in the future. While the economy undergoes transformation, the youth want to
be assured that the workforce will be sufficiently prepared and their well-being protected. The
youth also want a greater sense o purpose regarding work, with a society that prioritises job
fulfilment and impact.

This chapter outlines Malaysian youth aspirations across two areas:

3-03 ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

3-27 WORKFORCE & JOBS

3-3

ECONOM C
STRUCTURE
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-4
3-5 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

SECTION OVERVIEW: ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

A trade-driven economy gradually moving up the A high-value, globally integrated economy

value chain
• An economy predominantly
comprising high value-
generating activities, driven by
ECONOMIC technology and innovation
ACTIVITY
• Malaysia is firmly integrated
in global value chains,
achieving scale and
competitiveness supplying to
customers around the world

Economy driven primarily by large enterprises, A vibrant entrepreneurial landscape

with high degree of government ownership Thriving and world class companies, from SMEs to large enterprises
across private and state-owned enterprises

• Malaysia’s business start-up • The government is focused

scene is active and vibrant. on nurturing a conducive
INDUSTRY Each sector has a healthy mix environment for business,
STAKEHOLDERS of companies competing for providing fair and transparent
customers regulations

Increasing concerns over impact of economic A balanced socioeconomic foundation

growth on social inclusion, inequality and
• A society that is dynamic, • A society that values
Malaysia’s ecological balance globally minded and economic growth,
entrepreneurial human development and
environmental protection
PEOPLE AND equally
SOCIETY
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

BE A HIGHLY
ENTREPRENEURIAL
SOCIETY,
RANKING AMONG
THE TOP 50%
IN TERMS OF TOTAL MALAYSIA PRODUCES
EARLY STAGE GLOBAL
RANK AMONG THE RANK AMONG TOP 10 IN THE ENTREPRENEURIAL
CHAMPIONS
TOP 20 THE TOP 10 IN THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITY2 (TEA) AND AND WORLD-
IN THE WEF GLOBAL WIPO COMPLEXITY ENTREPRENEURIAL RENOWNED BRAND
COMPETITIVENESS GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX1 EMPLOYEE ACTIVITY3 NAMES IN A RANGE
INDEX INDEX (EEA) OF INDUSTRIES

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

MOONSHOT INDUSTRIES: CREATING GLC TRANSFORMATION,

NEW INDUSTRIES FROM NATIONAL OBJECTIVES THE NEXT PHASE

A pioneer industry development program aimed at systematically An extension of the GLC Transformation program to
building new economic activities and advancing technology frontiers to improve the performance of the next 20-30 largest
support the achievement of a clear TN50 ‘moonshot’ objective such as government-owned and government-linked companies.
becoming a carbon neutral nation or attaining food self-sufficiency.
3-7 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia’s economic structure continues to shift

towards higher value activities. Rapid global
changes require us to evolve much quicker.

Malaysia’s growth has been driven from changes in its economic structure.
Since gaining independence, the country has continuously engineered
sectoral shifts, diversifying from agriculture to manufacturing and services.
Combined with a greater emphasis on trade, these economic shifts have
greatly improved Malaysians’ standard of living.

However, different challenges lie ahead. Megatrends such as the rise of

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation as well as shifts in the world’s
economic and geopolitical landscape are set to transform the world economy
and Malaysia’s position within it. Compared to previous decades, these
changes are unfolding at a faster rate and will require Malaysia to adapt its
economic structure quicker than ever before.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-8

2 MALAYSIA TODAY

Since the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Malaysia’s GDP has grown from
USD2.5 billion to USD296 billion4 in 2016, achieving the status of a middle-
income country. Today, the country enjoys strong economic fundamentals
including steady GDP growth5 and relatively low unemployment rates6,
interest rates7 and inflation8. Central to this growth is the transition to
becoming a trade-focused and open economy. The trade-to-GDP ratio is
148% and roughly 40% of Malaysian jobs are linked to export activities9.
Malaysia’s exports are increasingly complex, rising from 37th place in 1995
to 23rd in 2015 on The Atlas of Economic Complexity Index. This measure
reflects the knowledge in a society that gets translated into the products
it makes. The most complex products are sophisticated chemicals and
machinery, while the world’s least complex products are raw materials or
simple agricultural products. Malaysia’s progress in this measure bodes
well for its future, as the country looks towards improving productivity and
moving further along the value chain.

FIGURE 1 • MALAYSIA ENJOYS STRONG ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS

STABLE GDP GROWTH LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATE LOW, STABLE INTEREST RATES LOW AVERAGE INFLATION

Annual change (%) Unemployment rate (%) OPR rate (%) Annual change (%)

9 3.5 3.4 4 4
3.1 3.3
7.0 3.3 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.5
5.3 5.5 6.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 2.5
6 4.7 5.0 Ø3
4.2
3.0 2 2
3.0
3 2.9

0 2.5 0 0
2010 2012 2014 2016 2010 2012 2014 2016 2010 2012 2014 2016 2010 2012 2014 2016

Source: World Bank Databank “GDP Growth (annual %)” (2016); Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Principal statistics of the labour force” (2016); Bank Negara Malaysia. “Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) Decisions & Staement” (2017);
World Bank Databank. “Inflation, Consumer Prices (annual %)” (2017)
 3-9 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

However, challenges remain in sustaining economic growth. As Malaysia

looks towards 2050, it faces the risk of remaining in a middle-income trap, GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN (GVC)
with traditional economic engines slowing10 while global competition for
markets, capital and talent intensifies. Malaysia risks falling behind in
WHAT IT ISa
overall competitiveness, recently declining from 18th (2015-2016) to 25th
Companies used to make things primarily in one country. The rise
(2016-2017) position in the Global Competitiveness Report which is an
of globalisation has changed that. Today, a single finished item may
area for concern11. The nation’s productivity growth has also been slow,
betheproductofmanufacturingandassemblyinmultiplecountries,
due to relatively low levels of automation as well as continued reliance on
with each step in the process adding value to the end product.
cheap foreign labour. In addition, there are growing concerns that Malaysia
may be experiencing premature deindustrialisation. Since reaching peak
International production, trade and investments are increasingly
industrialisation in 2000, in terms of value added to goods and services,
organised within global value chains (GVCs). Over the past decades,
Malaysia’s high- and medium-tech manufacturing contribution has declined
value chain activities such as design, production, marketing,
without being replaced by a significant expansion in modern services (Figure
distribution and more have become increasingly dispersed around
2)12. Rather, Malaysia appears to have reverted to processing its agricultural
the world.
and mineral resources, particularly palm oil and petroleum13. In 2016, the
combined export value of oil & gas and palm oil was 21% of total exports
WHY IT MATTERSb
compared to 14% in 201214.
• GVCs are a powerful engine of productivity growth, job creation,
and increased living standards
• Countries that embrace them grow faster, import skills and
FIGURE 2 • MALAYSIA MAY BE EXPERIENCING PREMATURE technology, and boost employment
DEINDUSTRIALISATION • GVCs provide countries the opportunity to ‘leapfrog’ their
development process, achieving scale and competing at a global
Manufacturing value-added Services value-added as % level
as % of overall GDP of overall GDP a. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). ‘Introduction to GVCs’.
October 6, 2015
(%) (%)
b. The World Bank. ‘World Bank Brief: Global Value Chains’, July 16, 2015

30 50
26 44
24 41
As the pace of globalisation increases, Global Value Chains (GVCs) are
becoming increasingly complex and important, with 60% of global trade
20 comprising trade in intermediate goods and services in 201315. Malaysia’s
participation in GVCs has declined, however, since 2000 – in contrast to
25
almost all other countries in the region16 (Figure 3). There is speculation
10 that GVCs may contract in the future due to the expansion of localised 3D
13 printing17 as well as the potential for heightened protectionism and reverse
10
High-and
medium-tech 14 14 Modern outsourcing by Western economies18. Malaysia will need to anticipate such
services
manufacturing scenarios but for the medium term, GVCs will continue to be a major mode
0 0 of production in the world economy and a key lever for Malaysia to achieve
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2005 2011 scale and competitiveness beyond the domestic market.
-1994 -1999 -2004 -2009 -2014 -2010 -2016

Source: Khazanah Research Institute. “The Times They are A-Changin’: Technology, Employment, and the
Malaysian Economy” (2017)
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-10

A nimble, innovative and dynamic private sector will be needed to drive
future economic growth. The Malaysian government has long emphasised
the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards
achieving sustainable economic growth. There is still much room for
improvement here as Malaysian SMEs contributed only 37% of GDP19
in 2016, compared to 50% of GDP in Singapore20. To encourage further
progress, SME Corporation Malaysia launched the National SME Masterplan
2012-2020 with the target of increasing SME contribution to GDP to 41%
by 2020, on par with many developed countries21.
Nevertheless, as remarked by several observers, the degree of government
ownership over the Malaysian economy is relatively high. Government’s
share in the Kuala Lumpur Index (KLCI) increased from 44% in 2011 to 47%
in 2015. Giving room for a dynamic and entrepreneurial private sector will
require, amongst others, clearer measures towards reducing government
ownership of the economy, as outlined in the New Economic Model and the
ETP’s Strategic Reform Initiative. The environment also needs to encourage
greater entrepreneurship. Although Malaysia has made great strides to
support entrepreneurship, the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)
found that amongst countries surveyed, Malaysia had the third lowest rate
for starting a new business (TEA22) and the second lowest rate for practicing
intra-preneurship i.e. entrepreneurship within one’s job (EEA23). This may be
partly attributed to Malaysia being a highly risk averse society24. To thrive
in the knowledge economy of the future, Malaysia will need to continue its
efforts to inculcate an entrepreneurial culture and create entrepreneurs who
can adapt to the changing times.

FIGURE 3 • PARTICIPATION IN GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS

Change in total GVC participation (% of gross exports) between 2000 and 2011 Forward participation Backward participation Overall participation

Increased participation
15

10

Decreased participation
0

-5

-10
India Korea Japan Brunei Thailand Vietnam Hong Indonesia China Philippines Singapore Malaysia ASEAN E,SE Asia
Kong
Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) -WTO. “Trade in value-added Database (TiVA)” (2015)
3-11 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

MAJOR NEAR-TERM ECONOMIC

TARGETS
ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME
(2010-2020)
OBJECTIVES:
• Transform Malaysia’s economic sectors structure and grow
domestic consumption
Looking towards 2050, several megatrends are expected to drastically
TARGETS:
transform Malaysia’s economic structure. The rise of Artificial Intelligence
• Services to account for 65% of GDP
(AI) and automation will impact all economic sectors, redefining the nature
• Domestic private consumption to account for 59% of GDP
of jobs and the skills required. The growth of fintech innovations such as
cryptocurrencies is also set to change how businesses work and how
transactions are completed around the world. 11TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2016-2020)
Moreover, Malaysia needs to consider shifts in global power, as the USA, OBJECTIVES:
China and India are expected to become the three largest economies by • Malaysia to achieve advanced economy status by 2020
205025. Global trade dynamics will change and Malaysia’s trade ties with
these countries will become more important. At the same time, Malaysia TARGETS:
may look towards expanding connections with the Middle East and Africa, • Malaysia to have a national per capita income of more than USD
whilst maintaining important intra-ASEAN trade agreements26. $15,000 a year

Another megatrend to consider is global human mobility. Mobility of talent MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY BLUEPRINT
will become even more fluid and more Malaysians will become part of the
global talent pool. The rise in human mobility provides both opportunities (2017-2020)
and costs for Malaysia, and our immigration policies moving forward need
to be carefully considered to find the optimum balance. OBJECTIVES:
• Raise productivity by building a workforce of the future, and
Malaysia’s current challenges and the emergence of the aforementioned boosting digitalisation and innovation
global megatrends have shaped youth’s aspirations for Malaysia’s economic
future. The following sections outline Malaysian youth’s aspirations on TARGETS:
Malaysia’s economic capacity, business landscape and socioeconomic • National labour productivity growth of 3.7% per annum.
model.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-12

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Malaysian youth’s aspirations on the country’s economic development centred

on increasing the level of competitiveness and innovation in each economic
sector towards generating higher-value jobs with higher wages. The youth
aspire to see Malaysia become an economic powerhouse, driven by a dynamic
private sector as well as fielding several globally successful companies and
brand names. At the same time, the youth also hope for a balanced economic
model, where growth also ensures a more even distribution of economic gain
and incomes across classes and geographies.
3-13 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

COMPETITIVE & PRIVATE SECTOR ENTREPRENEURIAL BALANCED

GLOBAL
INNOVATIVE DRIVEN SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT

“This nation becoming one “Tingkatkan ekonomi industri
of the five most competitive kecil dan sederhana ke
nations in the world” peringkat global. Tidak hanya
Johor tertumpu di Malaysia sahaja”
Penang
“Economic sectors like
medical services and “Malaysia to produce products
finance to be assisted by that are globally recognised”
Artificial Intelligence” Negeri Sembilan
Sabah
“Syarikat-syarikat tempatan
“Persekitaran kerja menjadi brand yang besar
yang kompetitif dan dinamik dan ease of doing business
serta menggalakkan mesti lebih baik”
gaya pengurusan moden Johor
dan kreatif”
Putrajaya “To see Malaysia develop
a specialty which is world
“Malaysia to be the hub of renowned, like Germany
technology in industry 4.0” and vehicles”
Johor Sarawak
“Malaysia to move towards “Pasaran Malaysia menjadi
a cashless transaction lebih kukuh, maju dan muncul
nation.. Through cashless sebagai pasaran serantau”
transaction we can capture Kelantan
the data and have better
tax systems” “Malaysia as trade hub with
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue easier and greater access to
the ASEAN market”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“Be a private sector
driven economy and no
longer government
dependent economy”
Selangor
“Menarik pelabur asing
dan galakkan sektor swasta
mewujudkan peluang
pekerjaan”
Kedah
“Lebih banyak industri swasta “Entrepreneurship is widely
yang memberi peluang
pekerjaan dan peningkatan
gaji minimum Malaysia”
Perak
“A Malaysian economy
led by the private sector that
promotes the growth atau tenaga mahir di bidang
of people’s wealth and
wellbeing”
INTAN Dialogue
“Youths to become “Kestabilan ekonomi.
job creators through Kurang jarak perbezaan
entrepreneurship” antara golongan bandar
Perak dan luar bandar”
Terengganu
“Golongan belia
pada tahun 2050 lebih “Perancangan pembangunan
berminat menceburi yang komprehensif, yang
perniagaan berbanding dapat meningkatkan
dengan makan gaji” pembangunan di bandar
Perak dan di luar bandar tanpa
mencemarkan alam sekitar”
Perak
adopted by all citizens”
Sarawak “Sustainable
economic development
“Dapat mengembangkan - low impact on the
idea kreatif, bakat dan environment especially the
potensi keusahawanan ecology system”
sebagai penjana ekonomi Civil Servant Dialogue
industri seglobal” “Ekonomi yang mantap.
Dialog Usahawan Zero kemiskinan”
Sabah
“Mewujudkan ekonomi
setempat melalui “Sebuah negara yang dapat
keusahawanan dengan menjaga kebajikan rakyat,
memberi peluang kepada pastikan jurang antara
belia di rantau” rakyat tidak terlalu luas”
Sabah Dialog Wanita
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-14

HIGH-VALUE GLOBALLY INTEGRATED

& HIGH INCOME
Deeply integrated in global
Economic sectors driven by technology value chains
and innovation

3.1
ECONOMIC STRUCTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
A High-Value, Globally Integrated Economy

By 2050, Malaysian youth aspire to see a competitive and

innovative economy, with economic sectors that predominantly
produce high value-added goods and services. In deeper
discussions, the TN50 Circles of the Future (Circles) also
highlighted the importance of global integration in relation to
this aspiration, given the limitations in the size of Malaysia’s
domestic market.
3-15 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E
A HIGH-VALUE &
HIGH INCOME ECONOMY
The youth envision an economy that rapidly shifts
towards the production of high-value goods and
services over the next few decades. Established
activities in agriculture, manufacturing and
services are driven to move up the value chain
by increasing the use of technology such as AI and
robotics as well as investing in design and R&D.
At the same time, the youth also want to see the
Government continue to support the development
of new knowledge-driven sectors such as digital,
bio and green industries, particularly activities
that would help Malaysia achieve strategic long-
term objectives, high income jobs and produce
global winners.
For established or ‘brownfield’ activities, the Circles
hoped to see greater economic complexity27 and
value-add in areas where Malaysia already has a
strong competitive advantage and global presence
such as oil & gas and palm oil. Moving these
sectors up the value chain would also include
encouraging the companies in these sectors to
create new related and spinoff industries28.
To support productive forays into new or
‘greenfield’ industries, Circles members
aspire to see a number of well-run ‘moonshot’
programmes within the public sector as well as
the private sector. Circles members hope to see
such programmes aimed at developing pioneer
industries to support the achievement of national
‘moonshot’ goals or highly ambitious strategic
objectives, such as becoming a carbon neutral
nation or attaining full food self-sufficiency29. As
part of these programmes, Circles members also
hope to see the establishment of complementary
and dedicated R&D centres in the same vein as
the USA’s Defence Advanced Research Projects
Agency or DARPA to help direct investments in
new technology development (refer to case study
on page 3-16).
A GLOBALLY INTEGRATED ECONOMY
In discussing aspirations for Malaysia’s future
competitiveness and innovation, Circles members
highlighted the importance of global markets as
a key driver. Serving global markets will enable
companies to achieve scale and critical mass,
allowing for optimal and cost-efficient methods
of production while diversifying sources of income
beyond the domestic market. Serving global
markets will also push Malaysian companies to
become nimbler, responding quickly to changes
in market trends and customer demands.
As such, Circles members hope to see Malaysia
becoming even more integrated and embedded in
global value chains in the future. Young economists
and entrepreneurs in the Circles sessions look
forward to even greater trade facilitation as
well as changes in regulations to reduce non-
tariff costs such as licensing requirements. At
the same time, they also wish to see Malaysian
companies making the best possible use of free
trade agreements (FTAs) that have been signed.
Some futurist scenarios project a reduction in
global value chains due to the advent of new
technologies such as AI, automation and localised
3D printing which could replace goods that are
imported today. While there is no clear view as
to the likelihood of this scenario, Circles members
agree that Malaysia and its enterprises should be
prepared, potentially designing and establishing
an early warning system to anticipate fundamental
changes in global value chains to enable forward
planning and timely response.
The Circles members anticipate a rise in cashless
transactions and cryptocurrencies30 as more of
Malaysia’s economy becomes digitally based and
globally integrated. Alongside the benefits of ease
of transaction, Circles members also recognise
potential risks such as the loss of oversight on
potentially suspicious economic transactions.
Therefore, the Circles hope to see cashless
policies be accompanied with strong regulatory
safeguards in place. Clear regulations and policies
would also be critical to maintain personal
security and privacy in a cashless world where
all individual purchases are trackable.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-16

CASE STUDY

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FROM STRATEGIC NATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

THE DEFENCE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA) IN
USA

The USA’s military defence research programme, DARPA, was created
in 1958, to produce breakthrough technologies for national security.
DARPA’s research has gone beyond its main goal of producing game-
changing military capabilities to benefit civilian sectors through the
development of foundational technologies such as the Internet and
the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Technology Transfer (STTR) program in 1992a. These programs
provide opportunities for small businesses to participate in Federal
Government-sponsored R&D or work together with national research
institutions on research projects. This increases private-sector
commercialisation of innovations derived from federal R&D, thereby
increasing productivity and economic growth.

At the same time, DARPA played a pivotal role in creating a Such programs have contributed to the development of global industry
thriving SME ecosystem with measures such as the Small Business leaders such as Apple, Compaq and Intelb.
Innovation Research (SBIR) Program in 1982 and the Small Business

a. DARPA, “How to Participate in DARPA’s SBIR and STTR Programs: Program History”
b. The Economist, “Startup myths and obsessions”, Febuary 3, 2014
3-17 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

DYNAMIC COMPANIES ENABLING

AND ENTREPRENEURS GOVERNMENT

Economy is driven by dynamic Government excels at main role

world-class companies, from SMEs to of providing a conducive and
large conglomerates, whether GLC transparent business environment

3.2
or privately owned

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
A Vibrant Entrepreneurial Landscape

By 2050, Malaysian youth hope to see and be a part of a vibrant

entrepreneurial culture, populated with dynamic companies and
entrepreneurs, and supported by an enabling government. In
discussing this set of aspirations, Circles members also debated
the merits of government ownership and how it may affect the
attainment of a truly entrepreneurial economic landscape.

DYNAMIC COMPANIES AND ENTREPRENEURS
Broadly, Malaysian youth aspire for a vibrant
economy populated with companies and
entrepreneurs that are dynamic and world-class.
Size and ownership structure should not be a
limiting factor; several youth in fact expressed
their hopes to see Malaysian SMEs and GLCs
thriving in highly competitive global business
environments and becoming regional or global
leaders.
In further expansion of this point, Circles members
highlighted the importance of ensuring a level
playing field. Each sector or industry should
have a healthy mix of companies competing for
customers and no market-distorting advantages
should be granted to state-owned or state-linked
companies, except for activities involving national
security or social inclusion31. Circles members
also hope to see more rigorous performance
management of state-owned and state-linked
companies, with clear and decisive consequences
for underperformance such as closure or
privatisation. Recognising the political challenges,
Circles members emphasise the importance
of identifying the implications of closure or
privatisation early, such as the scale of potential
staff layoffs, and addressing the challenge head-
on, for example by providing retraining and work
placement assistance.
Producing dynamic world-class companies,
particularly in new knowledge-driven
sectors, requires an active business start-up
scene. Malaysian youth, particularly young
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-18
entrepreneurs, aspire to see an environment that
truly supports new start-ups and hardworking
SMEs32. for example through initiatives such as
the planned Digital Free Trade Zone in Kuala
Lumpur and multiplying them across Malaysia.
Youth also see a role for large enterprises in
supporting start-ups and SMEs by proactively
building business alliances and developmental
partnerships. In relation, Circles members hope
that large enterprises would use their influence
and reach to advocate for policies and regulations
that would benefit companies large and small such
as better trade terms or staff upskilling support.
3-19 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E
A BUSINESS-ENABLING GOVERNMENT
Malaysian youth affirm the government’s central
role in shaping the economic environment and
have expressed their aspirations for a government
focused on providing conducive and transparent
business operating conditions. Many called
for improvements in regulations and better
performance in business-facing government
departments to reduce the cost of doing business
and to combat anti-competitive practices such as
price fixing and market collusion.
Regarding restrictive regulations, Circles
members expressed particular concerns on
Malaysia’s bankruptcy laws which are perceived
to be too punitive against entrepreneurs and
business owners. Acknowledging the Bankruptcy
(Amendment) Bill 2016 as a step in the right
direction, the Circles advocate more balance
in bankruptcy laws to encourage greater
entrepreneurship, allowing entrepreneurs the
chance to start over and learn from their mistakes.
The Circles also supported phasing out measures
that discourage competitiveness, such as broad
procurement quotas or criteria that benefit
established companies. With the exception of
clear cases requiring affirmative action, the Circles
aspire for a business environment based primarily
on market forces where businesses compete on
merit and capability.
To youth, a business-enabling government is
also one which has genuine understanding and
empathy for the challenges faced by business
owners. Disruptive technologies such as AI and
robotics are expected to further increase the
scale and complexity of challenges, particularly
for small business owners. As such, the youth
hope for government policy and regulations
that are continuously informed and updated
from the ground up through open channels of
communication with the business community.
Young entrepreneurs in particular hope to
see more effective business support services,
designed with a deep understanding of business
owners’ constraints and delivered by responsive
government officers.
In tandem with aspirations for a business-
enabling government, the youth also debated
government’s role as strategic shareholder in
the economy. In deeper discussions, Circles
members expressed their aspiration for greater
divestment or dilution of shareholding by the
government particularly in companies with no
strategic or security rationale. As a related point,
Circles members also highlighted the need
to allow domestic funds greater flexibility to
invest in foreign markets which would address
overvaluations in the Malaysian stock exchange,
thereby improving investor appetite for potential
government divestments.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-20

DYNAMIC SOCIETY BALANCED SOCIETY

A society that is performance driven, A society that values socially and

globally minded and entrepreneurial environmentally sustainable development

3.3
ECONOMIC STRUCTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
A Strong Societal Foundation

Transforming the nation’s economic structure requires a

supporting societal foundation. By 2050, Malaysian youth
aspire for a performance-driven and ambitious society to drive
economic change. The youth also want this dynamism to be
tempered with consideration for long-term sustainability, where
socioeconomic distribution and environmental preservation are
highly valued and consistently addressed.
3-21 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E
DYNAMIC SOCIETY
Malaysian youth aspire for a performance-driven
society, where citizens care about creating value
and producing good work. Discussing this point
further, Circles members envision a society that
generally rewards merit and quality of work,
where people understand that successes and
opportunities are available to those who add
value, regardless of background, gender, ethnicity,
religion or physical ability.
Malaysian youth also wish for this spirit to extend
towards having a global mindset, with a society
that is ambitious about gaining experiences
abroad and competing in the global arena. Related
to this aspiration is a more open world view; some
youth wished for a societal shift in welcoming
a diverse and multinational workforce, though
without denying opportunities for Malaysian
workers. In being more open to a multinational
workforce, the youth would also like to see basic
rights respected and protected for all workers.
Finally, Malaysian youth would like to see the
development of a more entrepreneurial society,
where entrepreneurship traits such as informed
risk-taking and resourcefulness are nurtured from
a young age. In several dialogues, many youth
expressed the desire for an education system
that inculcates an entrepreneurial mindset in
young individuals and teaches entrepreneurship
knowledge such as financial literacy and
fundamental business understanding. Taking
this further, the Circles members would like to
see employers across public, private and social
sector organisations encourage their workforce
to practice entrepreneurship within their
organisations by empowering employees to make
decisions and encouraging them to think outside
the scope of their work.
BALANCED SOCIETY
For Malaysian youth, the aspiration for a
meritocratic and competitive society should not
come at the expense of social justice. The youth
also want a country that ensures everyone has a
fair start in life through universal access to high
quality education, starting from early childhood
education (for more details, please refer to the chapter
on education). Similarly, Circles members also
expressed concerns that a high-value economy
may be accompanied by greater workforce
displacement. They hope for a comprehensive
social protection system to support a displaced
workforce such as employment services, job
training and social assistance (for more details,
please refer to the chapter on society).
Ultimately, by 2050, Malaysian youth aspire for
a Malaysia that values economic growth, human
development and environmental protection
equally. In deeper discussions, Circles members
highlighted the possibility of the country taking
up and committing to alternative measures of
development such as the Doughnut Economics
Index33, which measures success in terms of both
human development and ecological management.
Such measures could focus our attention and
resources, as a country, on providing Malaysians
with social essentials while ensuring that we
do not exert too much pressure on Earth’s life-
supporting systems.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-22

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Moonshot Industries: Creating new industries from national

objectives
GLC Transformation, The Next Phase
This initiative proposes to extend the highly successful GLC Transformation
Proposed by TN50 Circles members from the ‘Economy and Work’ stream, Program which ended in 2015, to improve the performance and value
this initiative aims to develop new and cutting-edge industries that support creation of the next 20-30 largest government-owned and government-
the achievement of key TN50 ‘moonshot’ goals or national strategic linked companies. As shown by the G20 or the original 20 largest GLCs that
objectives. For instance, if Malaysia were to set out a TN50 ‘moonshot’ goal participated in the pioneering program, the impact from improving such
of becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2050, the necessary technologies and sizeable companies will not only have impact on their competitiveness and
industries towards delivering this goal should be identified, such as relevant global market presence, but would also benefit nation-building, employment
greenhouse gas removal technologies or clean energy generation, supported and corporate inclusivity.
by effective greenfield industry development measures. A ‘moonshot’ goal of
achieving full food self-sufficiency would see Malaysia potentially cultivating Several learnings and best practices from the GLC Transformation Program
industries around land optimisation or even developing alternative proteins. can be applied to bring the next batch of GLCs to another level. The
Program would also be updated, given the tougher operating conditions
For each ‘moonshot’ goal, a taskforce is proposed to lead the initiative, and technological disruptions in today’s economic landscape. Management
organise resources and implement policy measures such as building and board performance would be enhanced and a greater emphasis on
infrastructure, providing access to capital and exemptions from select performance instituted whilst at the same time, clarifying and strengthening
taxes. To ensure transparency and effectiveness, the taskforce should be the GLCs’ social and national responsibilities.
set up with appropriate governance structures such as an independent board
populated with the right expertise from public, private, research and social
enterprise sectors. Circles members also emphasise the importance of taking
a portfolio approach to industry development, allowing and enabling multiple
companies in the same field to compete rather than creating individual
‘champions’. Taking inspiration from USA’s DARPA, a dedicated R&D centre is
also proposed to coordinate government investments into related ‘moonshot’
technologies. These technologies, in turn, should be made accessible for
commercialisation to all local enterprises.
3-23 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 3-24
3-25 ECONOMIC STRUC TUR E
FOOTNOTES
1. Reflects the knowledge in a society that gets translated into the products it makes. The most complex
products are sophisticated chemicals and machinery, while the world’s least complex products are raw
materials or simple agricultural products.
2. Percentage of the adult population aged between 18 and 64 years that are in the process of starting or
who have just started a business.
3. Percentage of the adult population aged between 18 and 64 years who as employees have been involved
in entrepreneurial activities
4. World Bank Databank “GDP, current US$” (2016)
5. The World Bank. “GDP Growth (annual %).” (2016)
6. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Principal Statistics of Labour Force, Malaysia, 2016.” (2016)
7. Bank Negara Malaysia. “Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) Decision & Statement.” (2017)
8. The World Bank. “Inflation, consumer prices (annual %).” (2016)
9. The World Bank. “Malaysia Eyes Improved Performance in International Trade and Logistics.” (2016)
10. The World Bank. “Malaysia Economic Monitor: The Quest for Productivity Growth.” (2016)
11. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018.” (2017)
12. Khazanah Research Institute. “The Times They Are A-Changin’: Technology, Employment, and the
Malaysian Economy.” (2017)
13. VOX EU. “Policy-induced premature deindustrialisation in a high-income aspirant: Malaysia.” (2015)
14. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Malaysia Time Series Data: External Trade.” (2016)
15. World Trade Organization (WTO). “International Trade Statistics 2013.” (2013)
16. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “Trade in Value-Added (TiVA)
Database” (2015)
17. ING. “3D printing: a threat to global trade.” (2017)
18. “Reshoring Is More Than a Buzzword”, Forbes, July 25, 2015.
19. SME Corp Malaysia. “Small and Medium Enterprises 2015” (2016)
20. Department of Statistics Singapore. “Singapore Economy Infographic” (2015)
21. SME Corp Malaysia. “SME Masterplan 2012-2020” (2012)
22. Refers to individuals that are in the process of starting or who have just started a business.
23. Refers to the development of new activities for an individual’s main employer.
24. IOR Global Services. “Malaysian Cultural Worldview and Business Practices.” (2017)
25. World Economic Forum (WEF). “The world’s 10 biggest economies in 2017.” (2017)
26. Ministry of International Trade and Industry. “Intra-ASEAN trade seen to hit 30% by 2020” (2015)
27. Amount or intensity of knowledge involved in the production of a good or service
28. For example: oil & gas companies spinning off subsidiaries that work on carbon emission reduction
technologies
29. Circles members also advocate the setting of ‘moonshot’ goals as part of the TN50 policy plan, to be
developed in 2018
30. Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that is designed to be secure and, in many cases, anonymous.
This includes Ripple, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, and Litecoin.; Source: “What is cryptocurrency,
how does it work and why do we use it?”, The Telegraph, January 8, 2018
31. For example, subsidisation of specific services to rural areas as opposed to blanket subsidies or tax
preferences granted to the company
32. Issues disproportionately affecting start-ups and SMEs include access to credit, recruiting skilled workers,
securing technology, access to inputs and access to export markets
33. “Finally, a breakthrough alternative to growth economics – the doughnut”, The Guardian, April 12, 2017.
34. Deloitte. “2016: Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index”
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-26
3-27

J BS & WORK
CULTURE
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-28

K
3-29 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

SECTION OVERVIEW: JOBS & WORK CULTURE

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Many jobs still labour intensive and low Jobs are skills- and knowledge-intensive
value-added
• Most jobs generate high added • Workers are supported in
value and income upskilling to higher-value jobs

• Jobs are in synch with a tech-

driven economy, with people
JOBS OF THE effectively working with AI,
FUTURE robotics and other technologies

Workplaces are becoming more flexible and
inclusive particularly in newer companies, but
many are still hierarchical and rigid
WORKPLACES
A progressive work culture in all workplaces
• Malaysian workplaces recognise • Malaysian workplaces are
the link between worker well- inclusive, harnessing the
being and productivity potential of all including the
elderly and disabled

Many young Malaysians are following their
dreams or strengths but for most, job prestige is
prioritised rather than satisfaction or impact
ROLE & MEANING
OF WORK
Work is enjoyable and meaningful
• Society places greater value on
job satisfaction as well as the
impact and quality of work
• Malaysia can sustain a social
protection system with a
good basic income, allowing
workers to devote more time to
volunteerism and social work
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-30

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

MALAYSIAN WORKFORCE
HAS ACCESS TO
HEALTH, DISABILITY
AND UNEMPLOYMENT
RANK AMONG THE TOP 20 RANK AMONG THE TOP 20 IN THE
INSURANCE,
IN THE OXFORD ECONOMICS GLOBAL WORKFORCE
INCLUDING THOSE WORKING
GLOBAL INDEX OF HAPPINESS INDEX IN INFORMAL SECTORS OR THE
EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY GIG ECONOMY

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

SAFETY NET FOR GIG ECONOMY WORKERS FAMILY FIRST INITIATIVE

Structured safety net and protective measures A comprehensive set of family-friendy measures,
for freelancers and contract workers, from healthcare which complements and improves the various measures offered today
insurance to support for training including parental leave as well as incentives for employers to offer
flexible working arrangements and nursery facilities
3-31 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

1 INTRODUCTION

The nature of jobs and workplaces in Malaysia

needs to change to support faster economic
transformation as well as youth’s values and
motivations.

The Malaysian economy has grown and diversified into increasingly higher-
value sectors, underpinned by technological advancement and an increasingly
skilled workforce. The nature of jobs and workplaces changed, becoming
more white-collar and giving more emphasis to academic qualifications.

The prevalence of automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future will
change the nature of jobs yet again; this section outlines youth’s aspirations
to be work-ready for such a future. The youth also hope that the changing
nature of jobs will accompany changes in Malaysia’s work culture, where
job satisfaction, worker well-being and inclusiveness is prioritised.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-32

2 MALAYSIA TODAY

Malaysia’s economy is progressively moving up the value chain. Nevertheless,

the bulk of jobs and employment today is in labour intensive sectors at 50%,
compared to 32% and 16% in knowledge-intensive sectors and capital-
intensive sectors respectively1. This productivity profile and the nature of
jobs is expected to change significantly over the next decades.
Advances in robotics, AI and machine learning are ushering in a new age
of automation. In manufacturing, this wave of automation dubbed Industry
4.0, is expected to boost productivity across all of Germany’s manufacturing
sectors by 90 billion to 150 billion or 3-5% of Germany’s GDP over the next
five to ten years2. Industry 4.0 is expected to generate USD450 to USD780
billion per year in China or 4-7% of China’s GDP by 20253. Malaysia’s
automation rates are lower than manufacturing powerhouses such as Korea,
Japan and Germany4 but as Malaysian companies seek to compete regionally
and globally, adoption of automation will increase.
While the economic benefits of automation cannot be denied, concern is
rising that human workers may be displaced as jobs are phased out. Today,

FIGURE 1 • MALAYSIAN LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY AND GDP GROWTH

Labour productivity, GDP/worker (‘000s RM/worker) Labour productivity GDP GDP (RM Bn)

100,000 1,100
1,000
80,000 900
800
700
60,000
600
500
40,000 400
300
20,000 200
100
0 0
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Source: EPU, DOS, RMK11, RMK10, RMK9, RMK8

Note: CAGR starts a year before the RMK period to take into account the growth in the first year of the RMK.1995-2015 data from DOS in chart at current prices. GDP values are based on 2010 prices, EPU. Employment growth
RMK-11 target based on estimation from RMK-11 Appendix, A5-2, RMK11 targets are obtained from RMK11 document
3-33 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

FIGURE 2 • SECTORS AT RISK OF AUTOMATION BY 2030

Percentage (%) of jobs Less at-risk sectors At-risk sectors

100

80

60

40

20

0
Whosale Manufac- Agricul- Construc- Accomo- Admin Transpor- Public Education Human Others Total
and turing ture tion dation and tation Admin Health
Retail and Food Support and and and Social
Trade Service Service Storage Defense Work
Activities Activities Activities

1. Others include: Mining & Quarrying, Electricity, Gas, Steam, and AC Supply, Water Supply, ICT, Finance & Insurance, Real Estate Activities, Professional, Scientific and Technical Analysis, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation,
Other Services, Activities of Household as Employers, Activities of Extraterritorial Org and Bodies. Definition from Department of Statistics, Malaysia
Note: At risk sectors are detailed in “Future of Employment” by Frey and Osborne
Source: Department of Statistics, Malaysia; Oxford Martin School-Citi CPS Report, Technology at Work v2.0

jobs in sales, financial services and the legal profession are already being
automated. By 2030, up to 65% of Malaysian jobs are at risk of automation5
(Figure 2) with the percentage expected to increase by 2050. While new
jobs and fields will emerge, the type of skills demanded will also change
accordingly. The rate of this change will require the current and future
workforce to reskill or upskill consistently throughout their working years.
The effects of automation, AI and technology innovations are also set to
change the workplace. These shifts are already visible; the workplace is
becoming more mobile6, standard working hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
are disappearing7 and freelancing is becoming the norm8. Malaysia is already
starting to see the move towards a ‘gig economy’, with companies such as
Uber and Grab providing workers with the ability to work on demand. These
shifts, however, can result in exclusion from employee benefits, inconsistent
incomes and limited career prospects. Norms in worker protection will need
to evolve to accommodate new ways of working.
Demographic shifts are also having an impact on work culture. As Millennials
and Generation Z digital natives enter the workforce, they bring a very
different set of values and expectations compared to previous generations.
Young employees are more difficult to retain as job hopping becomes the
norm. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates that the average worker
today stays at a job for 4.4 years, while the expected tenure for younger
employees is half that9. Millennials are also increasingly taking up side jobs
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-34

to earn additional income or pursue an area of interest10. Millennials and

Generation Zers are not receptive to performing repetitive tasks, as they get FIGURE 3 • MALAYSIA’S DEMOGRAPHICS BY 2050
easily bored, and many opt for entrepreneurship and self-employment over
traditional corporate employment11.
Malaysian population by age (million people)

By 2050, Malaysia’s workforce may shrink as the country becomes an ageing 60

society, with 21% of the total population being 40 years and above (as shown
in Figure 3). Given rising life expectancies, measures are necessary to ensure +0.8% CAGR %
41
that a growing proportion of senior citizens can continue to contribute to 40 35
Malaysia’s economy. Women also remain a relatively untapped resource; % 31 3.4
+2.2 5 9
female participation today is low in comparison to ASEAN neighbours12 and 23 3
8 12 1.9
average OECD benchmarks13, especially in senior and mid-management 20 1 7
positions. The government continues working to change this outlook, with 14 5
1 14 14 13 -0.4
measures to increase the number of women in the workforce and in decision- 2 10
making roles in the corporate sector14. 6
0 8 8 8 7 -0.3
6

As Malaysia moves towards 2050, the role of work may be completely

1980 2000 Today 2025 2050
transformed. Today, the role of work is primarily to provide an income.
Widespread automation and AI, however, may push the world towards
60+ 40-59 15-39 0-15
a post-work society, where a basic income is provided by the state and
work becomes primarily about exploring interests and self expression. This
Source: UN World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision
extreme scenario may only occur in the far future, beyond 2050, but the
underlying values on the role of work could shift more towards impact and
job satisfaction.
3-35 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Malaysian youth’s aspirations on jobs and the working environment covered

a wide range of topics. Many aspired for good job opportunities, working
with technology rather than against it. Many also had hopes for a change in
Malaysia’s workplaces and working norms, with greater emphasis on worker
well-being and development. Ultimately, the youth want better societal values
and priorities towards work in the future work in the future, where work is
enjoyable and meaningful.
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-36
3-37 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E
SUFFICIENT JOB
OPPORTUNITIES
“More job opportunities for qualified local
graduates to reduce unemployment”
Putrajaya
“Jaminan pekerjaan untuk para
generasi masa depan”
Langkawi
“Peluang pekerjaan yang banyak
di kawasan pedalaman”
Perak
“Peluang pekerjaan yang mampu
menonjolkan kepakaran yang ada
dalam semua bidang”
Dialog MOA
“To be able to get jobs based on
technical skills and not just
academic skills”
Selangor
HIGH-INCOME JOBS
“To ensure that fresh graduates are able to
become high income earners within 2–3 years”
Dialog Belia India
“Peluang pekerjaan untuk rakyat Malaysia
dengan gaji yang setimpal”
Sarawak
“Lebih banyak bidang pekerjaan
berpendapatan tinggi”
Wilayah Persekutuan
“Memajukan dan meningkatkan
pendapatan pekerjaan pertanian”
Kedah
“Structured pay for skill workers based
on their level of competency”
CIDB Dialogue
“Dapat menetapkan standard gaji pelajar
berkemahiran dalam kerajaan dan swasta”
Sabah
USE OF TECHNOLOGY
“Farmers to be well supported with
the right technology”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“Teknologi yang moden supaya
memudahkan kerja”
Melaka
“Penggunaan auto-clerk tanpa kerani
di pejabat dan tiada lagi pekerjaan driver
dengan menggunakan auto-pilot”
Kelantan
“Menyediakan tempat bekerja tidak tertakluk
kepada masa dan tempat kerja tetapi boleh
menggunakan teknologi di mana-mana
sahaja asalkan mencapai prestasi utama”
Kedah
“With technology, there should be flexible
working hours to reduce traffic congestion.
Companies can still be productive even if
employees are given flexible working options
as long as they meet their targets”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue

FULFILLING CAREERS
“Aspire for Malaysians to have access to
sufficient tools and techniques to find the
best career path for themselves”
Young Professionals Dialogue
“Meningkatkan kemahiran,
pengetahuan dan memupuk minat bekerja
bukan sekadar memenuhi statistik
pengurangan kadar pengangguran”
Putrajaya
“Malaysia yang kaya dengan impian, negara
yang rakyatnya mengejar impian dari kecil”
Terengganu
“All jobs are valuable. All skills are valued.
If I have a son that wish to build furniture, I
hope he will be seen as a valuable member of
society, contributing in what he does best”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue
“Supaya golongan belia dan fresh graduate
dapat peluang pekerjaan seperti yang
diminati, dalam bidang yang diambil”
Dialog UTM
“Bakat istimewa dihargai dan dikenalpasti
untuk setiap warga Malaysia”
Putrajaya
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-38
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES WORKER PROTECTION &
WELL-BEING
“To have the concept of retirement to “Better social security system that is able to
be refined, and for old people to be able to look after pensioners and retirees”
work after their retirement age” EPF Dialogue
EPF Dialogue
“Saya mahu berkerja di Malaysia
“Fair job opportunities to yang mempunyai pencen untuk
everyone. Workplaces do not accept menjamin masa kami”
Kelantan
discriminatory practices”
KTAR Dialogue
“To have better job benefits and
compensations for workers”
“Memperbanyakkan pekerjaan
Sarawak
kepada wanita”
Kelantan
“Provide veterans training to enable them to
look for jobs after leaving armed forces”
“To have better employment options LIMA Dialogue
for the disabled”
Sabah
“Equal job opportunities for all by 2050”
Johor
“Improve OKU employment, rarely see
them having white-collar jobs”
SUHAKAM Dialogue
3-39 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E
3.1
JOBS AND WORK CULTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Jobs are Skills- and Knowledge-Intensive
Acknowledging the opportunities and risks posed by technologies such AI
and robotics, Malaysian youth aspire for high value-adding jobs which are
in synch with a tech-driven economy. The youth envision a Malaysia that
provides sufficient job opportunities while still embracing automation and
digitisation.
With respect to sufficient job opportunities, many expressed the hope for
even distribution of high value-adding jobs in every state. To this end, the
TN50 Circles members highlighted the need to ensure that accompanying
digital and other infrastructure would be upgraded across the country.
While the youth aspire to embrace AI and automation, they also recognise
that these technologies may result in the elimination of jobs and worker
displacement. Circles members also discussed the additional challenges
HIGH VALUE-ADDING JOBS
Most jobs generate high income and are in
synch with a tech-driven economy
posed: the loss of jobs will disproportionately affect routine jobs and the
new jobs created will demand higher-order skills. They hope to see the
government working closely with industry to anticipate changes in the job
landscape well in advance and to put in place initiatives to identify the most
affected workers and assist them to reskill and transition into new jobs.
More fundamentally, the youth hope that lifelong learning and reskilling
will become a norm, delivered by a transformed education system for the
future (outlined in further detail in the Education chapter). Circles members
also noted the growing gig economy and wish to see freelancers and contract
workers be similarly well supported, having access to guidance on reskilling
as well as training.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 3-40

CASE STUDY

IMPACT OF AUTOMATION: THE CASE OF INDUSTRY 4.0 IN GERMANY

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, is a manufacturing
concept that integrates machines, robotics, data analysis tools, and
human workers. It was first introduced by German researchers in
2011. Germany is at the forefront of Industry 4.0, expecting to realise
significant benefits:
• Increased productivity: Boost to productivity across all German
manufacturing sectors by €90 billion to €150 billion (three to five
percent of Germany’s GDP) over the next five to ten years
• Revenue growth: Manufacturers’ demand for enhanced equipment
and new data applications, as well as consumer demand for a wider
variety of increasingly customised products, will generate additional
revenue growth of about €30 billion a year (one percent of Germany’s
GDP)
The growing use of software, connectivity, and analytics will increase
the demand for employees with competencies in software development
and IT. Overall, Industry 4.0 is expected to create a net increase of
approximately 400,000 jobs over a 10-year period:
• Approximately 1,000,000 new higher skilled jobs will be created,
such as robot coordinator, data scientist, IT solution architect, UI/
UX/HC designer and product engineers
• Approximately 600,000 lower skilled jobs will be obsolete, such as
machine operator, production planner and assembler

Source: BCG Perspectives- Industry 4.0: The Future of Productivity and Growth in Manufacturing Industries
3-41 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

WORKER WELL-BEING INCLUSIVE

AND PRODUCTIVITY WORKPLACES

Malaysian workplaces provide Companies are pro-diversity.

conducive surroundings Discrimination is not tolerated.
and progressive working norms Jobs harnesses the potential of all

3.2
JOBS AND WORK CULTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
A Progressive Work Culture

By 2050, Malaysian youth hope that workplaces and companies

in Malaysia will prioritise worker well-being and development.
The youth also aspire to have more inclusive workplaces, where
pro-diversity and anti-discrimination is strongly upheld.

WORKER WELL-BEING AND PRODUCTIVITY
Malaysian youth aspire for companies and
workplaces that recognise the link between
worker well-being and their performance. Many
youth want more flexible working arrangements
such as flexi-hours and remote working, with top
management that prioritises empowerment and
quality of work rather than ‘face’ time. For youth
with family responsibilities especially, flexibility
is greatly prized. Many also hope to see more
companies becoming pro-family, providing
nursery facilities as well as family-friendly policies.
In discussions, Circles members hope to see
companies and workplaces evolve, shifting
away from traditional hierarchal forms and a
mindset of control. They envision organisations
based around small teams, embracing new work
tools, and empowering employees to make
decisions supported by greater emphasis on
accountability. They also aspire for workplaces
and companies that nurtures job fulfilment and
personal development, encouraging employees to
achieve both job-related goals as well as personal
objectives.
With the rise of automation as well as the gig
economy, Malaysian youth expect there to be
lower job security and greater income volatility
in future. In discussing potential repercussions,
Circles members call for a rethink of the social
protection system (further details in the
Society chapter) as well as an employee-centric
benefits system to cover all workers, regardless
of employment type. Towards this, Circles
members proposed exploring a system of portable
worker benefits15 to cover disability protection,
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-42
unemployment and health insurance. Workers
would own their benefits and each firm would
contribute to the worker’s benefits, including
freelancers and contract workers, at a rate
commensurate with the level of employment or
amount of work performed. Circles members also
expressed a strong wish for the government to
expand worker protection laws to cover contract
workers and freelancers against unfair practices
such as non-payment or intimidation. Circles
members acknowledge the recent legalisation of
e-hailing services as steps in the right direction
particularly in protecting drivers from being
harassed or assaulted. Nevertheless, they hope
for continued efforts to provide security for
contract workers and freelancers in the emerging
gig economy.
3-43 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E
INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
Malaysian youth aspire for full participation from
all segments of society and want workplaces
that actively pursue diversity and inclusiveness
in hiring and promotions. In discussions,
Circles members highlighted the leading role
of government in promoting inclusiveness, with
some advocating anti-discrimination laws to
protect minority groups, including women and
the disabled. Circles members also cited other
complementary governmental measures that
encourage companies to become more inclusive
particularly towards working parents, such as
Singapore’s Flexi-Works programme which
incentivises companies to institute flexible work
arrangements, and Denmark’s flexible parental
leave policies.
Inclusiveness regarding age will also become
more important as Malaysia becomes an ageing
society. Here, Circles members proposed a system
that automatically updates the retirement age
according to life expectancies. They also hope
for a system that allows senior citizens freedom
to continue or re-enter employment, similar
to Singapore’s re-employment laws. To ensure
that younger generations also have a chance to
advance and lead, some proposed praticising
term limits for management-level positions, in
both the public and private sectors, while older
employees move on to advisory or other roles
within the organisation.
CASE STUDY
SENIOR CITIZEN
PARTICIPATION IN
THE WORKFORCE: RE-
EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION
IN SINGAPOREa
In response to the growing proportion of senior
residents, the Singapore government enacted
re-employment legislation in 2012 to allow
older workers to continue working.
Principal elements of the legislation include:
• Flexible re-employment options:
 Employers are required to consider all
available re-employment options, either at
the firm or at another firm to identify suitable
jobs for eligible employees
• Safeguards in place to protect workers:
 If no suitable re-employment option is
identified, the original employer is required
to provide one-off Employment Assistance
Payment (EAP). The EAP aims to support
displaced employees while they seek
alternative employment
• Portable medical benefits:
Re-employed employees are still able to
retain access to medical benefits through
MediShield Life. Unlike a company’s group
medical insurance, the basic insurance plan
will continue to cover employees even if they
are out of work or between jobs
In 2015, more than 98% of private-sector
Singaporean employees who wished to
continue working at age 62 were offered
re-employment
a. Ministry of Manpower Singapore

3.3
JOBS AND WORK CULTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
Work is Enjoyable, Meaningful and Respected
By 2050, Malaysian youth hope that the role and meaning of work will evolve,
from being primarily a means to earn a living to something that provides
satisfaction and purpose. The youth hope that society’s values will change,
placing greater importance on job satisfaction as well as the impact and
quality of work, rather than job prestige. The youth also hope for a future
where all jobs are respected, regardless of the wage commanded.
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-44
WORK IS ENJOYABLE,
MEANINGFUL AND
RESPECTED
Work is a source of satisfaction and
purpose. Greater value is placed on the
impact and quality of work
In discussions, Circles members debated the conditions that would make this
possible. For people to have the freedom to pursue enjoyable and meaningful
work, especially against the backdrop of increased automation and AI, they
would need to have a level of assured income. A Universal Basic Income (UBI)
was discussed as a potential solution (fuller details in the Society chapter).
In its purest form, a UBI is a basic income is a living wage delivered to all
residents unconditionally. While the idea of a UBI was not unanimously
accepted, Circle members in general hope that the government will explore
solutions for a post-work society.
In the meantime, Circles members envision government support to facilitate
society’s transition into a future with changing ideas on the role and meaning
of work. To this end, they hope that a matching service may be developed,
enabling Malaysians to be matched to jobs, volunteer projects or community
social activities that suit their interests and personality. In future, such a
platform could be an invaluable resource for workers displaced by technology.
3-45 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Safety net for gig economy workforce Family First Initiative

As the gig economy continues to grow, workers in this economy such as
freelancers and contract workers are at risk of missing benefits enjoyed
by employees, such as health insurance coverage as well as training and
skills development. Due to the lack of fixed incomes, such workers would
also benefit from financial protection. This initiative seeks to provide a
comprehensive safety net program for gig economy workers, including
measures such as:
This initiative proposes a comprehensive review and updating of family-
friendly legislation and policy measures to world-class standards, including:
• Parental leave commensurate with global benchmarks, with flexibility to
both parents on how to allocate between paternal and maternal leave
• Incentives to employers to offer flexible working arrangements
• Incentives and assistance to employers to offer nursery facilities

• Adult learning subsidies and training vouchers granted directly to gig Other initiatives include creating a Senior Community Service Employment
economy workers Programme to help individuals aged 55 and above find employment
• Provide gig economy workers free access to Massive Open Online Courses opportunities with community service organisations.
(MOOCs) such as Coursera and Open Learning Platform
• A protection system based on the concept of ‘mutual service’ where an
independent cooperative-style body provides needed services such as
payments collection services16 or healthcare protection17 by combining
members’ contributions into a collective fund
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-46
3-47 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 3-48
3-49 J OB S & WORK CULTUR E

FOOTNOTES

1. Bank Negara Malaysia. “Annual Report 2014.” (2014)

2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Perspectives. “Industry 4.0: The Future of Productivity and Growth in
Manufacturing Industries.” (2015)
3. McKinsey Global Institute. “The China effect on global innovation” (2015)
4. International Federation of Robotics. “World Robotics Report 2016.” (2015)
5. Frey, C.B and Osborne, M.A. “The Future of Employment: How Susceptible Are Jobs To Computerisation?”
(2013)
6. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). “Talent Mobility 2020: The next generation of international assignments.”
(2014)
7. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Education and Work, Australia.” (2017)
8. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Increasing part-time employment continues.” (2016)
9. “The Future Of Work: Job Hopping Is the ‘New Normal’ for Millennials.” Forbes, August 14, 2012.
10. CareerBuilder. “Millennials Significantly Outpacing Other Age Groups for Taking on Side Gigs.” (2016)
11. Northeastern University. “4th Innovation Imperative Series Poll: Meet Generation Z.” (2014)
12. Includes Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Cambodia.
13. The World Bank. “World Development Indicators.”
14. “More women working now.”, The Star Online, June 28, 2016
15. The Aspen Institute. “Portable Benefits Resource Guide.” (2016)
16. Similar to Belgium’s SMart mutual invoicing system Belgium
17. Similar to Netherland’s Broodfonds mutual sickness fund
18. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). “Global Innovation Index 2017” (2017)
19. Global Entrepreneurship and Development Institute (GEDI). “2017 Global Entrepreneurship Rankings.”
(2017)
TN50 Youth Canvas 3-50
04
CHAPTER

EDUCATION FOR
THE FUTURE
Education is a deeply important issue to Malaysians for its profound impact on children,
households, society and the country.

Education is a means to expand minds, learn skills, strengthen individual gifts and equip the
young for the working world. Education determines a country’s competitiveness and capacity
for innovation. Education is also a means to forge national identity and shape societal values.

The aspirations of Malaysian youth reflect these demands on the education system. Looking
towards 2050, Malaysian youth expect more from the education system. Technology, business
and the labour market are rapidly changing, requiring 21st century skills from the workforce.
Youth also want the education system to contribute towards strengthening societal values and
national unity.
4-3 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

SECTION OVERVIEW: EDUCATION

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

A system emphasising retention of knowledge, An education system that maximises human

though gradually changing via a long-term potential, meeting the needs of:
transformation plan
• The Economy • Malaysian Society
Relevant, globalised, ‘future- Shared values thoughtfully
ROLE OF proof’ syllabus and assessment instilled and practised
EDUCATION
• The Individual
Personalised learning methods
and assessment

A system with high choice and diversity, but not Malaysians from all backgrounds learning together
conducive to inter-group mingling and unity
• Affordable access •N ational schools, the school
An educational system that of choice
offers affordable quality National schools provide
ACCESS & education at all levels high quality and inclusive
NATIONAL UNITY education

A centralised and conservative system An adaptive educational ecosystem

• Decentralised & collaborative • Technology assisted
Schools are independent Intelligent use of technology
and nimble. Communities are in and outside of classrooms
THE involved in their local schools. to enhance teaching
LEARNING
• Teaching is a highly rewarded
ECOSYSTEM
profession
Teaching is a highly respected,
rewarded and accredited
profession
 TN50 Youth Canvas 4-4

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

TOP

TOP 20 IN UN’S
HUMAN
10%
OF PISA 1 MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITIES
ARE AMONGST THE
DEVELOPMENT AND TIMSS2 MULTI-LINGUAL TOP 20
NATIONAL SCHOOLS,
INDEX RANKING THE TOP CHOICE OF UNIVERSITIES
(EDUCATION) RANKING PARENTS OF THE WORLD

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

SK UNICORN, PILOT SCHOOL ANAK MALAYSIA, AN EARLY NATIONAL CHANGE MAKERS

OF THE FUTURE CHILDHOOD SUPPORT PACKAGE CHALLENGE

A school structured to deliver multi-disciplinary Digital platform to educate and empower A national project-based competition open
project-based learning to equip students with parents with early childcare knowledge, also a to all students aimed at applying 21st century
21st century skills diagnostic tool for early intervention skills towards tackling real world challenges
4-5 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

1
INTRODUCTION

Levels of educational attainment have come

a long way in 60 years of Independence,
advancing the lives of generations of Malaysians.
However, each accomplishment brings higher
goals and greater aspirations.

Since Independence, Malaysia’s education system has been a key driver to

the transformation of the country and its people, raising income levels, social
mobility and the quality of life for millions of Malaysians.

Each accomplishment, however, brings higher goals and greater aspirations,

particularly against the backdrop of a fast changing world. Malaysian youth
recognise government’s continuous efforts at updating and improving the
country’s education system, with the most recent policy response provided
by the Malaysia Education Blueprint for Preschool to Post-Secondary (2013-
2025) and the Malaysia Education Blueprint for Higher Education (2015-
2025).

Looking towards 2050, youth voiced the need to demonstrate clear and
convincing progress in these blueprints’ implementation, in anticipation
of the coming changes in technology, business and the labour market. The
youth also want the education system to contribute towards strengthening
societal values and national unity.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Since gaining independence, Malaysia’s education system has made great
strides forward. At the time of Independence, over half the population had
no formal schooling, while only 6% of Malaysian children had been educated
to secondary level3. By 2015, Malaysia had achieved near-universal levels
of enrolment in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary education,
reaching 97 percent, 92 percent and 82 percent respectively4. Historical
gaps in female educational participation has been greatly reduced; today
there is minimal gender difference in educational enrolment and attainment5.
Central to this improvement is the sustained government support for
education. Education has long been a key tenet in national plans. The
Economic Transformation Plan included education as one of its twelve
National Key Economic Areas (NKEA). The Malaysia Education Blueprint
for Preschool to Post-Secondary (2013-2025) and the Malaysia Education
Blueprint for Higher Education (2015-2025) provide comprehensive plans
and actions to transform Malaysia’s education system by the year 2025.
ECCE has been recognised as a critical stage of the education system,
delivering a wide range of long-term benefits. ECCE provides a foundation
for children’s learning capacity throughout their lifetimes. Mass provision
of quality ECCE closes achievement gaps across socioeconomic groups,
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-6
increasing prospects for upward social mobility. In 2015-2016, preschool
enrolment (children aged five to six) was at 85 percent while nursery
enrolment (children aged zero to four) stood at 7 percent, a clear area for
improvement.
Malaysia’s primary and secondary school system is diverse, consisting of
the core Malay-medium national schools, Chinese and Tamil vernacular
national and private schools, boarding schools, Islamic national and private
schools as well as various other types of private and international schools.
Historically, the system evolved from the recommendations of the 1956
Razak Report which aimed to improve educational attainment across the
different communities in Malaysia.
The effects of a diverse school system have long been the subject of debate,
with many concerned about its impact on national unity and harmony. At
the same time however, many young Malaysian parents appreciate the
school choice available today, given the importance placed on mother tongue
proficiency, cultural and religious identity, and teachers’ backgrounds6.
Resolving these conflicting demands will continue to be one of the biggest
challenges for the Malaysian education system and nation-building.
4-7 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

MALAYSIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM TODAY

1 2 3 4
EARLY
CHILDHOOD PRE-TERTIARY
CARE & PRIMARY SECONDARY & TERTIARY
EDUCATION

sl cool
schoo’

NURSERIES COMPULSORY 6-YEAR ACADEMIC ACADEMIC (FORM 1-5) ACADEMIC

• Ages 0 to 4 PROGRAMME • Ages 13 to 17 • Pre-tertiary: STPM, Matriculation
• Most are privately-run or • Ages 7 to 12 • Main purpose: Further develop (ages 18 and above)
managed by not-for-profit • Main purpose: Equip students to students’ language, math and • Tertiary: Colleges, College-
organisations master reading, writing, arithmetic science proficiency, intellectual University, Universities
and basic science concepts capacity and inculcate positive values • Main purpose: Train students in
PRE-SCHOOLS • All students assessed through • Assessed through Pentaksiran specific skills or specialisations
• Ages 5 to 6 Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) in Form 3 and and develop market-ready
• Main purpose: Enable (UPSR) in their sixth year of primary Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in individuals
pre-school children to develop school Form 5
basic social skills and prepare VOCATIONAL
them for primary schooling VOCATIONAL • Graduates receive the Malaysia
• Junior vocational programme Skills Diploma, with the option
(Ages 13 to 15) of enrolling into a university or
• Vocational college or training entering the workforce thereafter
institute (Ages 16 to 17) • Main purpose: Equip students
• Main purpose: Develop basic with the knowledge and
competency in trades and technical technical skills required in the
skills required by industry industry, particularly for service
and high-technology industries
Source: Ministry of Education, “Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2020; Ministry of Higher Education,
“Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2020; UNESCO, “Development of Education: National Report Malaysia”
 TN50 Youth Canvas 4-8

disparity in tertiary education. In 12 out of 20 Malaysian public universities,

FIGURE 1 • WEF’S 21 CENTURY SKILLS
ST
female students outnumber men by at least 1.5 times11.

In addition to domestic challenges, fundamental shifts in the world over the

Foundational Literacies next few decades will make it even more critical for the education system
How students apply core skills to everyday tasks
to adapt. The labour market will increasingly demand higher-order skills
from its participants. The World Economic Forum observed that global
Scientific Ict Literacy Financial Cultural
Literacy Numeracy
Literacy Literacy And Civic
education models today do not sufficiently prepare individuals for such
Literacy a world; knowledge taught today become outdated by the time students
graduate from tertiary education12.

The focus needs to shift towards skills that enable adaptation. The WEF’s
Competencies New Vision for Education report identifies 16 skills as necessary to thrive
How students approach complex challenges in the 21st century (Figure 1). Malaysia’s formidable task is to close the gap
in these fundamental skills (Figure 2) and deliver, as the youth hope, one
Critical
Creativity
Commu- Collab- of the best education systems in the world. As life expectancies increase,
thinking / nication oration
the Malaysian education system will also need to support workers through
problem-
solving delivering relevant and accessible lifelong learning.

Character Qualities FIGURE 2 • MALAYSIAN 21 ST CENTURY SKILL PERFORMANCE VS.

How students approach their changing environment DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

Social
Persistance Malaysia High Income OECD High Income non-OECD
Curiosity Initiative Adaptability Leadership and cultural
/ grit
awareness

80

Source: World Economic Forum (WEF). “New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning 60
through Technology.” (2016)

40
Access to affordable and high quality tertiary education is also on the minds
of many young Malaysians. In 2017, five Malaysian universities were listed 20
among the world’s top 300 best universities, according to Quacquarelli
Symonds (QS) World University rankings for 2018, up from three in 20177.
0
While Malaysia’s tertiary enrolment rates have improved from 4% in 1980
to 30% in 2014, it still lags behind its ASEAN peers8. Limited space in public
Literacy

Numeracy

Scientific
literacy

Critical
thinking

Creativity

Curiosity
tertiary institutions is one reason, the cost of private tertiary education
is another. The cost of private university education relative to household
income in Malaysia is the fifth highest in the world, with many Malaysian Source: World Economic Forum (WEF). “New Vision for Education: Unlocking the Potential of Technology.”
parents spending an average of 55 percent of their salaries to sponsor one (2015)

child for a university degree9 10. Concerns are also growing about gender
4-9 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Education was the second most popular amongst all topics, comprising 16
percent of all aspirations received by Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS).

Amongst the most frequently cited aspirations were for a future-proof education
system with a relevant syllabus and updated learning methods, affordable
access to quality education particularly for rural children, a system that not
only nurtures 21st century skills but also national unity and good values, and a
system that provides for lifelong learning. These raw aspirations were further
discussed and deliberated by the TN50 Circles of the Future, who explored
further requirements for the educational ecosystem.

21 ST CENTURY SKILLS
AND LEARNING METHODS
“Sistem pendidikan
interaktif dan praktikal”
Johor
“Change education
system such that younger
generations can apply what
they learn in their daily lives”
Kuala Lumpur
“A flexible education
system, that encourages
exploratory learning”
Perak
“Emphasise problem
solving and learning
through practical and
authentic experience, not
just listening to theories”
Melaka
“Education that teaches
entrepreneurship as well as
critical thinking, innovation,
creativity and adaptability”
Petronas Dialogue
“Education system where
syllabus is linked to the
professional requirements
of a job”
EPF Dialogue
ACCESS FOR ALL
“Classes through
tele-conference so that rural
kids do not need to travel far
distances to learn”
Sarawak
“Mengharapkan pendidikan
yang holistik yang juga dituju
kepada golongan OKU,
terutamanya aspek prasarana
di sekolah dan peluang
pendidikan yang sama adil
untuk OKU di universiti”
Johor
“Access to good quality
of education from lower to
tertiary level”
Malaysian Diaspora
in Ireland
mampu bersaing dalam arus
permodenan yang setiap saat
“Education that supports
all students, where all
Malaysians are literate”
Terengganu
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-10
WORLD-CLASS NURTURING GOOD LIFELONG
SYSTEM VALUES AND UNITY LEARNING
“Globally recognised “Have subjects in school such “Malaysians who
institutions with a as moral and religious studies actively take courses and
local university ranked to instill values and and help seek out platforms to
top 10 in the world” to solve social issues like improve themselves”
gangsterism”
Putrajaya Young Corporate
Penang Malaysians Dialogue
“Malaysia as Asia’s
“To have an education system
Education Centre” “Greater support for
that is holistic and instills
Sabah training workshops,
manners and values into young
Malaysians” available to workers and
“Teacher institutions to even retirees”
EPF Dialogue
be viewed as equivalent Selangor
to that of doctors or “Pengajian dan pendidikan
engineering schools” yang khusus dalam membentuk “An education system
Terengganu
masyarakat yang terbuka, that caters to adults as well,
bertoleransi dan berfikiran sivik not just children”
serta mengamalkan nilai murni
Young Corporate
“Sistem pendidikan kelas
rakyat Malaysia” Malaysians Dialogue
pertama supaya graduan
Pahang
kita berfikiran matang dan
“Pembelajaran secara
“Perpaduan dalam pendidikan
berterusan tanpa ada
dengan mempelabagaikan
membawa cabaran baru” sempadan umur”
bahasa pertuturan tidak hanya
Negeri Sembilan
Selangor tertumpu kepada bahasa yang
digunakan seharian”
Sarawak
“An education system that instill
values of togetherness of various
races, rather than driving the
races apart”
KTAR Dialogue
4-11 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

3.1
EDUCATION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
An Education System that Maximises Human Potential
By 2050, Malaysian youth aspire to have an education system Second, Malaysian youth want a more personalised education
that brings out the most in every Malaysian by fulfilling three key system which tailors teaching methods and assessment towards
requirements. First, the youth of Malaysia want to see a highly individual students’ capacity for learning. Youth also want a
relevant education system, one that meets the demands of the system that affords students the opportunity to deepen their
economy for skilled, globally minded and continuously market- individual strengths and interests. Third, Malaysian youth want
ready workers, particularly against the backdrop of disruptive an education system that meets the needs of society, one which
technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the rise of the nurtures positive shared values and socially engaged citizens.
‘gig economy’13.

A RELEVANT A PERSONALISED A VALUES-DRIVEN SYSTEM

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Meeting the needs of the
economy for skilled, adaptive and
globally-minded workers
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
Meeting the needs of society for positive
Meeting the needs of the individual for shared values and socially engaged citizens
well-rounded personal development

A RELEVANT SYSTEM
To prepare individuals to meet the challenges of
the future, Malaysian youth want an education
system that effectively and continuously teaches
skills and competencies that meet market
demand.
In terms of curriculum, apart from ensuring a
strong foundation in literacy and numeracy,
Malaysian youth expect a future-proof syllabus
focused on mastery of 21st century skills such
as critical thinking, creativity, communications,
adaptiveness and entrepreneurialism. In related
discussions, TN50 Circles members highlighted
the need for teaching methods and assessments
to move away from fact-based learning towards
more multi-disciplinary project-based learning,
which could include short apprenticeships with
qualifying companies.
The youth also hope for an education system that
encompasses lifelong learning, supporting the
workforce to upskill and reskill. Developing the
point further, Circles members envision a future
where the workforce is provided access to lifelong
learning in a systematic manner with programs
which anticipate labour market changes and equip
the workforce with the necessary skills.
For example, national vocational institutes,
also known as Institut Latihan Kemahiran
Awam (ILKA), could be opened up to citizens
of all ages. In addition, employers can integrate
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-12
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) into
their own learning portals, tracking employees’
participation and providing their desired menu
of courses. Manpower development schemes
such as the Human Resource Development Fund
(HRDF) could be made more stringent, supported
with comprehensive guidance to employers, to
ensure that funds are used for genuinely relevant
upskilling or reskilling.
Acknowledging the rising prevalence of the ‘gig
economy’, Circles members also see a critical
role for the Government to support the upskilling
and reskilling of freelancers and contract workers
through financial assistance and supportive
regulations.
4-13 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E
A PERSONALISED SYSTEM
Malaysian youth want a more flexible education
system, able to customise teaching methods
as well choice of subjects to support differing
learning capacities, strengths and interests.
While the importance of core skills mastery
was acknowledged, many see an opportunity to
offer older students access to a wider range of
elective subjects while making the core syllabus
more tightly defined. For some youth, increasing
flexibility in this regard also means allowing
students to switch more easily between academic
pathways and vocational or technical pathways,
from secondary up to tertiary levels.
In discussions, Circles members also aspire for a
national curriculum flexible enough to allow the
teaching of locally relevant topics. For example,
teachers could be empowered to develop an
agricultural or ecological module in line with local
or regional needs.
To further meet the needs of individual students,
the youth would like to see a change in approach
to student assessment. Some envision a future
model where assessments are focused on a
student’s rate of progress in demonstrating
mastery of core skills, with individualised plans
for improvement based on the students’ strengths
and weaknesses.
Malaysian youth would also like more choice,
where education extends beyond formal education
institutions to include ‘non-formal’ sources such
as online courses. In future, Circles members
hope that educational institutions would formally
recognise alternative learning experiences such
as MOOCs, awarding credits to students via a
robust accreditation framework.
With rising quality of online courses and
alternative learning models, Circles members
also hope that one day, employers would deem
online learning and apprenticeships as a sufficient
signal of competence and a viable substitute for
a traditional degree or certificate. Apart from the
increased flexibility and personalisation, this may
also level the playing field for students who cannot
afford fees for formal tertiary education.

A FLEXIBLE AND PERSONALISED EDUCATION SYSTEM
Parents receive parental packages, Learning through play is an essential
including essential items such as part of early education. Children are
bathing products, bedding, visual free to play, experiment and explore
books, toys and guidelines on the their immediate world, both indoors
importance of early childhood and outdoors
education
1 2
At tertiary education level, students are
not bound to a single education track
and can switch between vocational and
general tracks based on their skills and
needs
5 4
Students enter the workforce as first time
professionals, learning new skills in informal
and non-formal settings. Employers place
lower emphasis on workers having the up-front
technical knowledge
6 7
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-14
At primary schools, children learn core
subjects in numeracy, language, science
and humanities
Teachers customise learning for each
student based on their ability and need
3
Entering secondary school, students
enjoy access to a wide variety of electives
to pursue their passions. Teachers and
parents support each student to decide
their subject of choice
Malaysian workforce are encouraged to
upskill or reskill, with access to affordable
learning opportunities both online and offline
Happy
retired
people!
4-15 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E
A VALUES-DRIVEN SYSTEM
Malaysian youth hope for an education system
that teaches shared values, such as tolerance,
unity, cultural awareness, civic-mindedness,
discipline and environmental awareness. The
youth want shared values to be integrated into
the national curriculum’s core and elective
subjects. They hope, for example, that service
learning would be integrated into the curriculum
to encourage students to serve and participate in
their community.
To deliver a truly values-driven education system,
Circles members propose to tailor the teaching
approach and assessments methods accordingly.
For example, through community work, students
could be guided to explore and experience
abstract topics such as cultural awareness or
civic-mindedness. Assessments would be used
to examine students’ views on the set of shared
values and identify areas for improvement.
Malaysian youth also aspire for a values-driven
education system that strengthens unity through
thoughtful teaching and retellings of each
community’s histories and legacies. Going further,
Circles members propose the study of major
religions and ethnic relations to be a compulsory
subject for students in secondary school and
upwards.
Youth also believe that language can be unifying; in
deeper discussions, Circles members propose that
apart from Bahasa Malaysia and English, students
are also encouraged to take up a third Malaysian
language such as a Chinese dialect, Tamil, Iban
or Kadazan Dusun from the primary level. They
also highlighted a need for teachers that can
teach the different languages and cultures in a
fun and interactive way, inspiring students to want
to converse in multiple languages and continue
learning about cultures other than their own.
SERVICE LEARNING:
THE INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE (IB)
DIPLOMA MODEL
The IB Diploma is a rigorous curriculum
wellknownforitscommitmenttonurturing
‘citizens of the world’. A key element of the
curriculum is the Creativity, Action, Service
(CAS) programme.
The service component instils values
via service learning which involves a
collaborative engagement with the
community in response to an authentic
need.
Students are taught in the classroom
and then engaged to undertake service
initiatives related to what they have learnt.
The aim is to make abstract topics such as
societal values real for students.
Students also partner with local charities
and contribute their efforts throughout the
term-time.
Research by the IB in 2013 found that
students felt they became more open-
minded and reflective as a result of
participating in service-learning activities.
a. International Baccalaureate Organisation. “International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Subject Brief: Elements
of Cas.” (2016)
b. International Baccalaureate Organisation.“From Classroom to
Community.” (2015)
 TN50 Youth Canvas 4-16

CASE STUDY

RE-THINKING EDUCATION: THE CASE OF FINLAND’S NATIONAL SCHOOL

SYSTEM
Finland is renowned for its innovative approach towards education. Finnish education consistently tops world benchmarks: the country scored
7th out of 69 participating countries in the overall 2015 PISA study, and ranked first as the best education system in the world in WEF’s 2016
Global Competitiveness report. Underlying Finland’s success are three fundamental elements:

A modular, inter-disciplinary Enjoyable, project-based learning Constructive assessment methods

curriculum which encourages
intellectual curiosity
Education in Finland develops the ability
and desire to learn. Through the country’s
modular curriculum, learning is more project-
based and less grounded in traditional
subjects. Teaching is more collaborative,
with students allowed to choose a topic
relevant to them and base subjects around
it. As part of this approach, students are
encouraged to tackle wider topics such as
community and climate change, which bring
in multi-disciplinary modules on languages,
geography, sciences and economics.
with an emphasis on application
Learning in Finland is grounded in
application, and seeks to promote ‘positive
emotional experiences, collaborative
working, and creative activity’. Shifting even
further from a theory-focused curriculum,
the Finnish Board of Education reduced
subject content in 2016 and encouraged
its schools to teach ‘competences’ through
project-based learning. Finland innovates its
education system with the aim of instilling
21st century skills, promoting the integration
of ICT and active participation in society
and entrepreneurship in schools’ modular
curriculum.
which support students
In Finland, student assessment is used
to pinpoint areas where students lack
understanding, not to differentiate
performance between students. It is used
as a support platform for early intervention
to aid learning, and to develop students’ own
self-assessment and awareness of learning
progress. Throughout their basic education,
Finnish students do not take standardised
tests except for a nationwide matriculation
when they are around 17 years old. Instead,
assessment is part of daily schoolwork.
Teachers are responsible for assessment
in their respective modules on the basis of
curriculum objectives, and provide a report
for each student at least once a year.

Source: Finland’s Board of Education

4-17 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

AFFORDABLE ACCESS NATIONAL SCHOOLS AS

SCHOOL OF CHOICE
An educational system that provides high
An educational system where individuals

3.2
quality education to all
from all walks of life learn together

EDUCATION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Malaysians From All Backgrounds Learning Together
By 2050, Malaysian youth aspire to have a more inclusive
education system in which everyone, regardless of background,
has access to affordable and high-quality education at all levels,
from early childhood education to tertiary level. Youth aspire
to see consistently high standards of performance across all
schools, particularly national schools.

For many youth, the issue of access to quality education also
goes hand in hand with the issue of national unity. Malaysian
youth expressed their hope of seeing Malaysians from diverse
backgrounds attend the same schools and forge stronger
bonds. In Circles discussions, it was acknowledged that rather
than reducing school choice or imposing a one-school system,
greater unity in and via education can only be achieved by
making national schools the school of choice for the majority
of Malaysian parents. Malaysian national schools would need
to raise their quality and compete with other school types for
student enrolment and parents’ vote of confidence.

AFFORDABLE ACCESS AT ALL LEVELS
Malaysian youth aspire for affordable high-quality
education at all levels, to provide every child an
equal opportunity to succeed.
Youth hope that the Malaysian government will
continue to provide free primary and secondary
education, ensuring access in even the most
remote areas. Recognising the importance of
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE),
many also call for expanding the national school
system to include free or subsidised preschools
and nurseries in all areas. In dialogues and
various other engagements, several youth also
expressed heartfelt pleas for including special
needs education into the national school system,
particularly to assist low- and middle-income
parents with special needs children.
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-18
The affordability of post-secondary and tertiary
education was a popular topic amongst youth;
72% of youth surveyed hoped for education to
be Government-funded up to the tertiary level
though the question of overall financial feasibility
is a serious concern. In Circles discussions,
the affordability and feasibility of providing
free tertiary education was actively debated.
While there was no consensus on this issue,
many agreed that having more means-tested
financial assistance to low-income students
from both the public and private sector would
be a feasible aspiration, not only for academic
tertiary education institutions but also technical
and vocational education & training institutions
(TVET).
4-19 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E
NATIONAL SCHOOLS, THE SCHOOL OF CHOICE
Malaysia’s education system today allows for
a diversity of school types, affording parents a
range of options. Nevertheless, Malaysian youth
still aspire to see Malaysians from all walks of life
learning together.
In discussions, Circle members agreed that unity in
education can only be feasibly achieved by making
national schools compete to become the school of
choice for parents. In envisioning a national school
that would fulfil the key demands of Malaysian
parents for quality and cultural inclusivity, Circles
members proposed that all national schools offer
the teaching of multiple languages, encouraging
all children to be tri-lingual. Many proposed
offering the choice of English as a core language of
instruction. Religious and cultural studies should
also be offered, meeting the needs of diverse
beliefs and backgrounds.
To make national schools the school of choice,
Circles members also advocated closing the
performance gap between schools. They aspire
to see a concerted effort by the Government,
corporates and local communities to identify and
turn around low performing schools, rewarding
teachers and school administrators that show the
greatest improvement in school performance. In
this way, Circles members hope that the lowest
performing schools would progressively be
elevated to a high minimum standard. School
performance would not only be measured in
terms of test achievement, but also innovation
in teaching methods and the quality of school
amenities.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 4-20

3.3
EDUCATION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
An Adaptive Education Ecosystem
By 2050, Malaysian youth aspire to have a strong ecosystem
underpinning the country’s education system. This ecosystem,
or building blocks, span three distinct areas. First, Malaysian
youth aspire for a more decentralised education system, where
there is greater independence at the school level and deeper
community involvement.
Second, the youth hope to see teaching transformed into a
highly rewarded and attractive profession, drawing the best
talents from around the country much like other professions
such as doctors and architects. Third, Malaysian youth aspire
to see technology become an integral part of classrooms and
teaching, being used to make learning more engaging as well
as widening access to quality education particularly in rural
and remote areas.

DECENTRALISED & TEACHING IS A HIGHLY TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED

COLLABORATIVE
Schools have greater autonomy
in management. Local communities are
involved in supporting schools as well as
holding schools accountable
for performance
RESPECTED AND REWARDED CLASSROOMS AND
PROFESSION TEACHING’
Teacher training, salaries, development and Technology is integral in education,
career pathways are excellent. The teaching enhancing the learning experience and
profession attracts the best talents widening access
4-21 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E
DECENTRALISED AND COLLABORATIVE
Malaysian youth aspire for a more decentralised
and collaborative education system, where
schools, parents and communities work together
to improve student performance. For some youth,
this collaboration across the whole of society
requires greater independence and accountability
in schools to make decisions on expenditures,
teacher hiring and firing as well as teaching
approaches.
In discussions, Circles members envisioned such
a system being accompanied by effective school
governance, having in place a board of governors
for every public school comprising parents,
teachers and possibly corporate representatives.
The active school governing boards of Chinese
vernacular schools was highlighted as an
example, whose active governors monitor school
performance and draw upon their collective
experience in improving the school’s finances and
operations. Some view school governing boards
as an especially helpful lever in turning around
under-performing schools.
Going further on the topic of governance, some
Circles members propose a separate independent
regulatory body for education that reports directly
to Parliament. Similar to Ofsted in the UK, such
a body would ensure greater objectivity and
transparency in the assessment of the education
delivery model.
A collaborative system also puts greater emphasis
on the role of the parent. Some youth, particularly
young parents, aspire for a national school system
where they may collaborate with teachers
to identify a pathway that suits each child’s
development needs. To support this direction,
Circles members also proposed a concerted
effort to support parents from all backgrounds
to develop teaching and parenting habits at home,
for example through ‘parent toolkits’.
The principle of decentralisation and collaboration
extends to the national curriculum as well. Some
youth aspire for an open process to updating
the national curriculum, where feedback from
external parties and deliberations on curriculum
changes are made transparent.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
IN CHINESE VERNACULAR
SCHOOLS
A vital element of Chinese vernacular
schools, the Board of Governors has
supported strong development of Chinese
vernacular schools in Malaysiaa. The Board
comprisescommunitymembers,including
parents and business leaders.
The Board of Governors plays an advisory
role, providing guidance to the school but
withoutexecutivepowers.Theyalsoactively
collaborate with other organisations such
as the PIBG to raise development funds by
hosting various fundraising campaignsb.
a. Moses Samuel et al., “Education in Malaysia: Developments
and Challenges”, Springer, 2017
b. Raman, S.R. and Tan, Y.S., “The Development of Chinese
Education in Malaysia: Problems and Challenges”, ISEAS
Working Paper No. 2, 2015

TEACHING IS A HIGHLY RESPECTED AND REWARDED
PROFESSION
Malaysian youth recognise that the lynchpin of
a world-class education system is the quality
of its teachers. Therefore, by 2050, youth hope
to see teaching elevated into one of the most
highly respected and rewarded professions in
the country.
For many, this requires the upgrading of
teacher salaries, training, development and
career pathways. Referring to the experience of
benchmark nations, Circles members can envision
a future where teachers are seen as professionals
much like doctors and architects, with similar
stringency in training and qualifying criteria.
Taking the point of teacher qualification further,
some Circles members propose the establishment
of an independent authority to manage teacher
licensing and accreditation. By approving or
declining the granting and renewal of teachers’
professional licenses, such a body if run well
could ensure that the standard of teachers are
consistently upheld.
Youth, particularly young teachers, also aspire
for a career pathway that would recognise top
performing teachers nationwide. For example,
such top performing teachers could be promoted
to become ‘Master Teachers’, delivering classes
nationwide via digital platforms and supporting
other teachers to improve their lesson delivery.
To further support teachers, Malaysian youth
also hope that all teachers would receive
tailored or targeted training to enable continuous
development of individual teachers’ capabilities,
apart from ensuring that pedagogical approaches
are up-to-date. The Circles also suggested
developing mechanisms to offer or extend
contracts to retired teachers, who could serve as
mentors for young teachers, providing support
and sharing knowledge gathered from their
experience. As parents and local communities
become more vocal and involved in schools,
teachers hope for effective training and other
support in order to meet increasing expectations.
As the attractiveness of the teaching profession
increases, demand to join the profession will rise
from all corners. Circles members propose that
teacher recruitment be opened up, expanding the
pool of teacher trainees to mid-career as well as
retired workers. A more diverse pool of talent will
not only strengthen the teaching profession as a
whole, it was argued, but will also provide more
resources to draw from, particularly for part-time
teaching positions.
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-22
CASE STUDY
TEACHING
PROFESSIONALISATION:
THE CASE OF AUSTRALIAa
The Australian Institute for Teaching and
School Leadership (AITSL)b provides national
consistency in the accreditation of pre-service
teacher education as well as the licensing
standards for teachers. Regional regulatory
authorities of Australia’s eight states and
territories are responsible for teacher
licensing, accrediting teacher education
programs and ensuring that their approach is
consistent with the national guidelines set by
AITSL. The outcomes of this system include:
Maintain diverse pool of potential
talents
Differing accreditation processes are
developed to accept individuals at different
stages of their careers, including returning
teachers, part-time teachers and overseas
teachers.
Clear standards for every level of
teacher career pathway
Teacher licensing and fulfilment of associated
licensing requirements is mandatory for
every level of the teacher career pathway
(Graduate, Proficient, Highly Accomplished
and Lead Teachers).
a. Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership
(AITSL), “Australian Professional Standards for Teachers”
(2011)
b. AISTL is funded by the Australian Government and operates
under its own constitution, with decisions approved by an
independent board of directors
4-23 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED CLASSROOMS AND TEACHING

Malaysian youth hope that today’s classrooms
will be progressively upgraded to create engaging
learning environments. Towards 2050, the youth
envision new technologies such as Virtual Reality
and Augmented Reality to be incorporated in
classrooms and lesson delivery to enhance the
learning experience and improve students’ skills
mastery. Students could also access ‘Master
Teachers’ or highly rated teachers nationwide
through digital platforms.
Malaysian youth also hope that technology will
remove the need for paper-based textbooks, with
many young parents expressing concern for the
increasing weight of their children’s schoolbags
with each passing year. Digital learning materials
would also speed up the process of updating
syllabus or module content.
In discussing technology-assisted teaching,
Circles members hope that where learning
extends beyond the classroom, students learn
to supplement the school syllabus with online
resources effectively, being guided to exercise
judgment on the credibility of online information.

CLASSROOM OF THE FUTURE TO DELIVER PERSONALISED AND INNOVATIVE LEARNING

Teachers customise learning

pathway for each student
Teachers play a supporting role to
Automated classroom facilitate and provide feedback on
Administrative tasks areas of development. Teachers
are automated to free up leverage suitable education materials
time for teachers to focus and technology to encourage
on teaching. creativity and create linkages
between different disciplines.

Competency-based assessment
Education Designed to augment talent and
opportunities available address weaknesses, enabled by
anywhere at anytime big data technologies. To support
Virtual learning allows tailored learning pathways and early
VR-immersed and AR-enabled
students to learn in the interventions.
classrooms
classroom, the corridor, at
To enhance classroom appeal and
home or even on the
quality of education
way to school.

4
TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED BY
MALAYSIAN YOUTH
Anak Malaysia, an Early Childhood Support Package
Early childhood upbringing determines a person’s capacity to learn and
function in later years. This initiative aims to support parents in the critical
stage of their child’s early development by delivering a package, delivered via
a digital platform, that conveys timely childcare information and reminders
to parents from the time of their child’s birth.
The initiative seeks not only to empower and educate parents on the critical
needs of early childhood development and care, but to also serve as a
diagnostic tool for early intervention. Parents may gauge their child’s level
of health and learning ability relative to the population and seek access to
nurseries, preschools, children’s medical centres and other support services
via the same platform. The long-term aim is to lift cognitive development
of Malaysian children across all demographics, closing achievement gaps
and providing long-term behavioral benefits.
SK Unicorn, a Pilot School of the Future
Through collaborative, project-based learning, SK Unicorn seeks to equip
students with the skills needed to flourish in the 21st century. The idea is
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-24
to structure a pilot school that will encourage critical thinking and instil
shared values through a simplified, integrated curriculum and new holistic
assessment methods. The school will also be structured to deliver lessons
in the instruction language best suited to the students’ development. The
Pilot School of the Future aims to create a new benchmark in innovative
learning, providing a template for making national schools the school of
choice for parents.
National Change Makers Challenge
Project-Based Learning helps students develop 21st Century Skills and
prepares them for a knowledge-based economy. This proposal for a national
project-based competition aims to provide students with opportunities to
practise and apply these skills towards tackling real world problems.
The competition is to be held annually and is open to all students. Students
can choose amongst a wide range of real world challenges, with projects
that demonstrate their understanding, creativity and innovation. Different
skills will be required in undertaking these projects including critical thinking,
problem solving, communication and collaboration. Competitions are held at
district, state and national levels, with top students progressing to compete
for national awards.
4-25 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 4-26
4-27 EDUCATION FOR THE F UTUR E

FOOTNOTES

1. Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). “Programme for International Student
Assessment (PISA).”
2. International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). “Trends in International
Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).”
3. Ministry of Education Malaysia. “Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025: Pre-school to Post-secondary
Education.” (2013)
4. Ministry of Education Malaysia. “Quick Facts 2016 Malaysia Educational Statistics.” (2016)
5. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “OECD Economic Surveys: Malaysia
2016: Economic Assessment.” (2016)
6. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
7. “Malaysia now home to five of world’s top 300 universities”, New Straits Times, June 8, 2017 [University
of Malaya was ranked 114th, University Kebangsaan Malaysia ranked 230th and University Sains Malaysia
ranked 264th place among the 300 universities.]
8. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “ASEAN Statistical Yearbook 2015.” (2016)
9. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Top Universities. “Tuition fees for 2014/2015 academic year.” (2014)
10. Gallup News. “Median Self-Reported Income.” (2013)
11. Penang Institute. “Malaysian boys “missing” from public universities.” (2016)
12. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Skill, re-skill and re-skill again. How to keep up with the future of work.”
(2017)
13. ‘Gig economy’: Prevalence of short-term or project-based work rather than permanent full-time staffing
TN50 Youth Canvas 4-28
05
CHAPTER

A FAIR & COHESIVE

SOCIETY
What kind of society do we want? This was amongst the biggest and most emotive questions
discussed by the youth of Malaysia. The strength of our society lies in how we relate to each
other and how we maintain the unique union of diverse communities in our country. The strength
of our society is also determined by the ability of every individual to contribute and participate
in its success, particularly the most vulnerable.

The challenge of sustaining and strengthening the bonds in our society is the constant work
of all Malaysians, today and in the future. Youth aspirations on this subject are outlined in the
following three sections:

5-03 NATIONAL IDENTITY

5-27 INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

5-45 SOCIAL PROTECTION

5-3

NATI NAL
IDENTITY
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-4
5-5 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

SECTION OVERVIEW: NATIONAL IDENTITY

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Malaysians identify a range of things as
‘Malaysian’ – particularly food - but
there is no clear Malaysian identity and
ethos that is embraced by all
MALAYSIAN
IDENTITY
Malaysia stands for being a global model for unified
diversity
• Malaysians have a shared and •M
 alaysians are connected by
deep-rooted sense of national shared experiences
identity, of ‘being Malaysian’

Growing concern over weakening sense of First class values and mentality, rooted in respect
family, community and civility and courtesy
• Respect and courtesy for family • Respect and courtesy for
and others common space and property
MALAYSIAN
VALUES

Many faiths co-exist in Malaysia, however Malaysia is a benchmark for peaceful and
there are concerns of growing religious progressive religious understanding
intolerance
• A peaceful country of many • A beacon of peace and
faiths knowledge in the Islamic
RELIGION IN world
MALAYSIA
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

ALL MALAYSIANS
UNDER 21 GO
THROUGH A

AT LEAST 90% MOST SHARED RESPECT AND MALAYSIA’S

OF MALAYSIANS MALAYSIANS ARE EXPERIENCE, COURTESY RELIGIOUS AND
POLLED FEEL TRILINGUAL, BE IT EDUCATION ARE RECOGNISED
ETHNIC RELATIONS
‘PROUD WITH BAHASA OR COMMUNITY AND UPHELD AS CORE
ARE RENOWNED FOR

TO BE MALAYSIA SERVICE MALAYSIAN VALUES MODERATION,

AS A SHARED AND BY THE YOUNG CRITICAL THINKING
MALAYSIAN’ UNITING LANGUAGE AND OLD AND DIALOGUE

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

CITIZEN SERVICE NATIONAL UNDERSTANDING WEEK AT

EVERY MALAYSIA DAY

A nation-building program with a strong service component for all A week-long initiative marking Malaysia Day every year with structured
Malaysian youth between the ages of 7 - 21 years old to increase programs to engage community leaders and Malaysians of different
common experiences amongst different groups and to build a sense backgrounds in facilitated dialogue, with the aim of reducing inter-
of empathy, identity and patriotism ethnic and inter-religious conflict and strengthening trust.
5-7 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

1 INTRODUCTION

For a young country like Malaysia, defining and

nurturing a common national identity will be the
work of many generations.

A national identity, or the idea of who we are and what we stand for, is by its
nature complex and difficult to pin down. For a young country like Malaysia,
only 60 years independent, this story is necessarily a work in progress.

Today we are arguably still a ‘nation-of-intent’1. Defining our national identity

will be the work of many generations and will doubtlessly be shaped by
future forces we cannot anticipate. Nonetheless, the attempt at exploring
and building this identity is a vital exercise, judging by the aspirations of
Malaysian youth today.

Today’s youth express a strong desire for a more defined national identity,
driven by a desire to reconcile the inherent tensions in a multi-ethnic and
multi-religious country and to live in greater harmony. It is also driven by a
desire to feel a stronger sense of belonging to Malaysia, their shared home.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
In multicultural Malaysia, identity issues are complex. Group identities are
largely - but not exclusively - defined by a combination of race and religion,
expressed by various observances, traditions and mother tongue languages.
Malaysia has historically adopted an approach of integration for its diverse
population, rather than cultural assimilation in the manner of, for example,
Indonesia or Thailand. This has resulted in a vibrantly diverse cultural
landscape but also makes identification with a common Malaysian identity
difficult. A 2017 study found that Malaysians today identify strongly with
their own ethnic group, significantly more so than with a national identity2.
The latest estimates by the Department of Statistics states Malaysia’s ethnic
make-up as 69% Bumiputera, 23% Chinese, 7% Indian and 1% ‘others’3,
broad categorisations which overlay a much richer and more complex range
of sub-groups4. The predominant religion in Malaysia is Islam with Muslims
making up an estimated 61% of the population; all ethnic Malays are Muslims,
as defined by the Constitution of Malaysia. Other major religions include
Buddhism (20%), Christianity (9%) and Hinduism (6%)5. Constitutionally,
Islam is the religion of the federation but other religions may be practised in
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-8
peace and harmony6. Islam is the fastest growing religion globally and the
Muslim population in Malaysia is projected to increase to 72% by 20507.
In recent years, there has been an increase in outward Islamic identification
and observance. Based on a recent poll, 60% of Malays see themselves
as Muslim first, up from 54% a decade ago8. Malaysia has successfully
positioned itself as a global benchmark for a moderate Muslim-majority
country, however there is a concern that the culture of tolerance is under
threat9. Some quarters argue that Malaysian Muslims today struggle with
whether they are being good enough Muslims10 and are showing signs of
‘Arabisation’11. Circles members also point out that inter-state differences in
interpretation can be confusing for young Muslims today, especially on the
level of freedom they feel they have in practising their religion.
Increased religious consciousness12 as well as limited inter-group interaction13
have potentially led to stronger group identification along ethno-religious
lines. There is evidence that Malaysians today are choosing to socialise
more with people from their own ethnicity14. Youth perceive a few other
5-9 NATIONAL ID ENTITY
factors preventing Malaysians from forming strong bonds, including general
mistrust among people of different backgrounds, the education system and
the presence of race as a theme in national politics and policies15. These
factors may also have an impact on a sense of belonging to Malaysia.
The task of strengthening societal bonds and Malaysia’s national identity
is challenging and complex. An example is the structure of the education
system which provides for a variety of school types that tend to be highly
concentrated in ethnicity. This is cited by many as a key hindrance to inter-
group interaction and in fact, reinforces segregation16. However, maintaining
choice of schools is something many feel strongly about – 81 percent of
youth surveyed do not think Malaysia should move to a single school system
even though the majority also want ‘unity’ as a defining feature of Malaysian
society17, a contradiction that needs to be addressed if Malaysians are to
be truly unified.
Apart from the weakening of inter-ethnic bonds, there are also concerns
about the deterioration of community values in Malaysian society. Intolerant
and antagonistic behaviour is frequently seen on social media, resulting in
some cases that can be deemed as cyberbullying. Inconsiderate habits such
as aggressive driving, queue-jumping and littering appear pervasive as well as
a lack of respect for public goods and amenities18. These types of conduct put
into question what ‘Malaysian values’ mean, today and towards the future.
Malaysian youth recognise that global trends will also test and shape our
sense of ‘being Malaysian’. Greater emphasis on the self and a human desire
to seek self-affirming views, amplified by social media culture, may weaken
national bonds and further strengthen narrow group identification. Greater
movement of people, both in and out of Malaysia, will change the complexion
of the country and challenge the idea of who should be considered fellow
Malaysians. On top of this, Malaysia will become an ageing society. More
than 15 percent of the population will be above 60 in 203019, putting our
society’s capacity for respect, care and empathy even more to the test.
Finally, there are concerns about the deterioration of family values and family
cohesion, leading to social problems such as neglected children and parents,
drug use, truancy, youth violence, teenage pregnancies and unsupported
single mothers. Socioeconomic pressures, stress and the lack of interaction
brought on by increased internet usage20 are some of the causes cited for
deterioration of the family unit. Recognising this as a serious concern, the
government announced the reestablishment of the Socio-economic Research
Unit (SERI) as part of a renewed long-term focus on the family and a Social
Agenda for Malaysia21. Nevertheless, continuous effort is needed to address
complex social challenges and maintain a healthy social fabric as we head
towards 2050.
The TN50 youth engagement process reveals youth’s acknowledgement
that a strong Malaysian identity and a shared sense of Malaysian values
is vital to see us through to 2050. National identity and values are not just
ends in themselves, but also preconditions for the success of the country.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-10

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

The topic of National Identity and Values had the 3rd highest number of
mentions, comprising 12 percent of all aspirations received by MOYS. Amongst
the most frequently cited aspirations were for a national identity centred on
harmonious diversity, a country of united and patriotic Malaysians as well as
a society with a deep sense of respect, morals and civic consciousness.
5-11 NATIONAL ID ENTITY
PEACEFUL DIVERSITY
“Harapan saya untuk melihat
Malaysia sebuah negara berbilang
kaum yang harmoni dan perpaduan
diantara rakyat kukuh”
Kuala Lumpur
“Perpaduan dan keharmonian terus kekal
di Malaysia pada tahun 2050”
Dialog Perspektif Islam
“A community that spreads love,
regardless of belief, race & political view.
We build the nation together and we move
forward as one big family”
Sabah
“A country with its people living in
harmony and peace, united under
one umbrella”
Sabah
“United races - Chinese, Malays,
Indians and others getting together
as one voice”
Selangor
RELIGIOUS ACCEPTANCE
“Acceptance and understanding of the
various religions in Malaysia”
Penang
“I value a Malaysia that cultivates
harmony of religion”
Negeri Sembilan
“Respecting and understanding the
religions and beliefs of others”
Perak
“Great understanding and tolerance for
every race and religion”
NGO Dialogue
“Setiap bangsa saling memahami antara
satu sama lain, hormat pegangan adat dan
agama antara satu sama lain”
Kedah
UNIFIED BY LANGUAGE
“Bahasa Melayu menjadi bahasa
penyatuan seluruh Malaysia supaya tiada
perbezaan antara kaum dan agama.
Kita perlu fasih tapi juga diberi peluang
untuk belajar Bahasa lain”
Dialog NGO
“Malay used as a bridging language”
Terengganu
“People can interact with different
races, able to speak in different languages
and communicate well. That will eventually
help to build unity”
PNB Dialogue
“Tiada perbezaan kaum, semua
orang adalah orang Malaysia kerana
bertutur Bahasa Malaysia dengan fasih”
Dialog NGO
“Saya mengimpikan anak-anak
Malaysia yang hidup bersatu padu
dan harmoni tanpa dibezakan dengan
warna kulit dan fasih bertutur bahasa
kebangsaan yang dipupuk melalui sistem
pendidikan satu aliran”
Johor

RESPECTFUL
“Our humility and respect for elders,
make us Malaysians, and if we forget that
who are we?”
Terengganu
“Aspirasi saya adalah Bangsa Malaysia yang
mempunyai jati diri yang teguh dan saling
menghormati satu sama lain”
Pahang
“Respect each others views and
differences”
Sarawak
“To encourage a culture of mutual
respect among all Malaysians”
KTAR Dialogue
“We are one of the few countries today
with many cultures. Our values, like
respect and tolerance helps make a
peaceful society”
Sabah
“All Malaysians respect and understand
each other’s cultures”
Perlis
HIGH MORALS & CIVIC
CONSCIOUSNESS
“Rakyat Malaysia yang mementingkan
kebersihan dan mempunyai kesedaran
sivik yang tinggi”
Perak
“Civic-mindedness as a culture, starting
from primary schools”
Perak
“Ubah mentaliti masyarakat kita
tentang kebersihan, terutamanya cara
pembuangan sampah-sarap”
Wilayah Persekutuan
“Malaysia terdiri daripada masyarakat yang
tinggi akhlaknya yang mempunyai sikap sivik
yang tinggi, menghargai alam sekitar dan
persekitaran yang bersih dan selamat”
Dialog KETTHA
“Menjadi sebuah negara yang maju dari segi
nilai akhlak yang tinggi di mana kemajuan
yang sebenar terletak pada akhlak manusia,
bukannya teknologi atau ekonomi”
Kelantan
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-12
STRONG NATIONAL PRIDE
“I would like to see our peopleto have a
strong sense of patriotism, that spirit which
pushes us to do better for our nation and
make us proud to be Malaysians”
Kuala Lumpur
“Anak muda mempunyai
pengetahuan sejarah dah tidak lupa asal
usul dan kekal semangat patriotik”
Negeri Sembilan
“The Malaysian identity should be
celebrated worldwide, regardless which
State you came from or town or even race”
Sabah
“Saya mahu lihat rakyat Malaysia
mempunyai identiti rukun negara yang
kukuh dan dibanggakan di peringkat global”
Wilayah Persekutuan
“Aspire for a Malaysian society
that is truly proud of its identity, actively
taking steps to improve”
Young Corporate Malaysians Dialogue
5-13 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

UNITING NATIONAL SHARED

IDENTITY EXPERIENCES

Malaysians are united, with a shared Malaysians of different races and

and strong sense of ‘being Malaysian’ religions learn, work, live and play together

3.1
NATIONAL IDENTITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Malaysia Is A Global Model For Unified Diversity

While the challenges of Malaysia’s multicultural society

were acknowledged, by 2050 Malaysian youth aspire to see
Malaysia being held as an international benchmark or model
for a peaceful and harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-faith
nation. In discussions, the TN50 Circles agreed that a shared,
uniting national identity is needed to sustain this long-term
harmony though the premise of this identity would need to be
proactively shaped.

UNITING NATIONAL IDENTITY
On the whole, the youth aspire for a shared
Malaysian identity that authentically and
meaningfully unites the country’s citizens.
However, the basis or premise of such an identity
is still a matter of debate, reflecting Malaysia’s
continuing nation-making journey.
A 2017 youth survey conducted by MOYS
found a nearly even split on the question of
national identity: 45 percent aspire for a national
identity based on a shared mindset or purpose,
while 46 percent aspire for a national identity
based on a main culture or language22. Perhaps
unsurprisingly, the majority of youth who chose
‘shared mindset’ comprised mainly urban Chinese
and Indian communities and non-Malay Sarawak
Bumiputera. Youth who chose ‘main culture’
comprised mainly urban Malays from the younger
age group (below 25) and non-Malay Sabah
Bumiputera.
In discussions, TN50 Circles members found
merits in both options and debated whether
the two ideas could be reconciled and nurtured
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-14
together. On balance however, many were more Question: Which of the following descriptions
moved by the view of a national identity rooted of National Identity should inspire Malaysia’s
in a shared purpose of celebrating and protecting
identity?
diversity. Circles members aspire for a future
where greater value is placed on diversity, where
% respondents
there is deep understanding of each community’s
narratives, histories and contributions, from the
biggest ethnic groups to the smallest. 100
Some envision this as a long-term national 80
45% Multiculturalism -
initiative to be undertaken through all key National identity based
platforms, from thoughtful teaching in schools 60 on a shared mindset
to society retellings. They propose the study of
major religions of Malaysia and ethnic relations to 40 Identity described by
be a compulsory subject for children in secondary 46% one dominant or official
culture and/or language
school onwards, in addition to encouraging multi- 20
lingualism in languages other than one’s own
Don’t know/No view
mother tongue. In return, such a pro-diversity 0 9%
approach may potentially increase diverse
communities’ appreciation of Bahasa Malaysia Source: Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50
Secretariat, representative sample of 3048 survey participants, June-July
as a language that binds Malaysians together as 2017.
well as a deeper understanding of the country’s
predominantly Malay cultural history.
5-15 NATIONAL ID ENTITY
SHARED EXPERIENCES
To bolster a shared sense of identity, the youth
aspire to see greater integration and interaction
amongst Malaysians of diverse backgrounds.
They hope to see a future where Malaysians of
all backgrounds live, work, learn and play together.
To achieve this, Circles members pointed to the
need for institutional change to precede and lead
broader changes in societal mindset. To encourage
people to choose diverse rather than monoethnic
institutions such as schools, workplaces,
social clubs and others, such institutions must
proactively pursue a pro-diversity philosophy
and a target to increase interaction amongst
Malaysians.
Globally, other national identities
are based on a combination of
cultural and non-cultural identifiers
INDONESIA
Dominant language & culture
Indonesian names adopted widely
Cultural majority (religion):
Muslims 87.2%
INDIA
Uniting figure of Gandhi
Single political identity
Secular Constitution protecting
local ethno-linguistic cultures and
tribes
Cultural Majority (language):
Hindi 50%
THAILAND
Dominant culture and language
An example of an institutional change is to Thai names adopted widely
undertake the work of making national schools Cultural majority (race):
the school of choice, outlined in more detail in Central Thais 40%
the Education chapter. Some youth and Circles
members propose championing companies and FRANCE
workplaces – including from the public sector Unifying language, French is
– that advocate a pro-diversity recruitment required by law in commercial and
policy. Social clubs and youth associations that workplace communications
proactively promote multi-ethnic membership Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite
could be highlighted. There were also ideas for a
rebooted national service, one that emphasised Cultural majority (language):
French 88%
service and community work aspects, to create
more shared experiences amongst children
and youth (outlined in the Ideas & Initiatives USA
“American Dream”, American Bill
section section of this chapter). At base, Circles
of Rights
members aspire to see multi-ethnic institutions
and organisations as the norm and interaction Cultural majority (language):
amongst diverse Malaysians as commonplace. English 95.5%
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-16

RESPECT AND COURTESY RESPECT FOR COMMON

FOR FAMILY AND FOR SPACE AND PROPERTY
OTHERS
Malaysians have utmost care and
Malaysians treat others with respect, responsibility for shared surroundings
politeness and empathy’

3.2
NATIONAL IDENTITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
First-Class Values And Mentality, Rooted In Respect And Courtesy

Malaysian youth have expressed concerns over what they

observe to be a weakening of values in Malaysian society, citing
broken families, social ills and cases of intolerant or aggressive
behaviour by Malaysians towards each other. The youth want
Malaysians of the future to be more compassionate, more
respectful and have greater empathy.

By 2050, Malaysian youth hope to be in a society with first-

class values, where daily interactions and communications with
family members and others are carried out with respect and
courtesy. They hope to see a Malaysia where every Malaysian
cares about the wellbeing and civility of the society as a whole.
Malaysian youth also hope to see a more civic-minded society
that cares for common spaces and public property.
5-17 NATIONAL ID ENTITY
RESPECT FOR COMMON
RESPECT AND COURTESY FOR FAMILY AND FOR OTHERS SPACE AND PROPERTY
Apart from ‘united’, other top values23 the youth
most wanted to see in Malaysians in 2050 are
‘honest’ and ‘respectful’. In discussions, Circles
members pointed out the deteriorating civility
observed in daily life, particularly cyberbullying
on social media, and hope to see a future where
Malaysians may exchange views and even
disagree respectfully, offline and online.
To embed respect, empathy and understanding
in society, many youth hope to see such values
instilled through education from an early age,
through classroom teaching and parenting. Circles
members also advocated more pro-active efforts
such as interracial, intercultural as well as intra-
and inter-faith dialogues.
Youth highlighted the key role played by those in
positions of influence such as leaders, politicians,
teachers, parents, religious and community heads.
Youth hope to see more role models amongst
them, demonstrating the values of respect,
empathy and understanding and setting the
standard for all.
Circles members also highlighted the need for
a society that puts adequate emphasis on the
role of the family and social challenges. Though
they accepted that some solutions will lie in
socioeconomic initiatives, they also see the need
for a comprehensive approach that addresses
family values, including marriage and parenting
skills. For many, a society with first-class values
begins with a strong and caring family unit.
Malaysian youth aspire to see a society with civic
behaviour reflective of an advanced nation, where
Malaysians care for and respect common space
and property. Youth hope to see a Malaysia with
first world infrastructure accompanied by first
class mentality on its use.
Circles members advocate greater enforcement
of laws that compel civic behaviour, such as traffic
and parking violations, littering and vandalism.
Circles members also propose education and
public awareness campaigns about the cost of
damage or ill-maintenance of taxpayer-funded
public goods and services.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-18

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY

MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION VISION ZERO BOSTON

IN JAPAN - PROMOTING
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION AND
KAKARI (GROUP RESPONSIBILITY)
Moral education is an integral part of Japan’s Educational System
since the 19th century. Article 2 of Japan’s present Educational
Fundamental Law states an objective of education to be “to cultivate
a rich sensibility and sense of morality, and to foster an attitude to
value justice, responsibility, equality between men and women, mutual
respect and cooperation, and actively contribute, in the public spirit,
to the building and development of society”.
Currently there are four pillars of moral and civic education in Japan,
covering:
Vision Zero Boston is a current initiative run by the Mayor of Boston’s
office to eliminate fatal and serious traffic crashes by 2030.
As part of Vision Zero Boston, the City piloted a ‘Safest driver’
technology app and complementary ‘town pride’ advertising campaigns
and competitions with weekly winners to engage Bostonians and
‘encourage and enable civic behaviour’. They have reported positive
feedback, with over 3 million miles clocked through users of the app,
and quantifiable improvement in app ‘metrics’/ scores.
Phone distraction scores dropped by 47%, harsh braking scores
dropped by 37% and speeding scores dropped by 35% for the top
25% of users (in first 40 days).

1) The self, i.e. independence and moderation in one’s life

2) Relationships with others, highlighting courtesy and honesty
3) Relationships with nature, i.e. respecting nature and other living
things
4) Groups and society, emphasising public duty and commitment to
society and obeying rules

Japanese students up to the age of 16 receive up to one school hour

of moral education per week currently.

The Abe administration has announced that moral education

Source: Vision Zero Boston; The Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics Boston
(“dotuku”) will be a full-fledged subject from 2018, instead of an
ungraded school “activity”.

Source: Moral and Global Citizenship Education in Japan, England & France – Takashi OTSU, Research
Bulletin of Education, Mukogawa Women’s University
Japan National Institute for Educational Policy Research (NIER)
Tokyo Business Today Online, “What American Schools can learn from Japanese Moral Education
in Schools”, April 11, 2017
Japan Times Online, “Moral Education’s Slippery Slope”, October 26, 2014
5-19 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

PEACEFUL COUNTRY OF A BEACON OF PEACE

MANY FAITHS
Malaysians are mature and knowledgeable
religious believers, with good understanding
of other faiths
AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE
ISLAMIC WORLD
Malaysia is an examplar of the Islamic
world, advanced in religious understanding

3.3
and social progress

NATIONAL IDENTITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
Malaysia Is A Benchmark For Peaceful And Progressive Religious
Understanding
Religion is a central pillar in the lives of many Malaysians, with
approximately 98% of the population professing to observing
a religion24. The three biggest religions in the world, Islam
(61% of Malaysia’s population), Christianity (9% of Malaysia’s
population) and Hinduism (6% of Malaysia’s population)25 are
practised in Malaysia, alongside a number of other religions. By
2050, the youth aspire for Malaysia to be held up as a model
religious nation, a country in harmony with many faiths. As a
Muslim-majority nation, the youth also aspire for Malaysia to
be an example of a peaceful, advanced and knowledgeable force
in the Islamic world.

PEACEFUL COUNTRY OF
MANY FAITHS
The youth aspire for Malaysia to be globally
admired as a country where many faiths co-exist
peacefully, underpinned by genuine understanding
of one’s own religion as well as others. Youth hope
to see a Malaysia where individuals observe their
respective religions with knowledge and maturity,
and where religious institutions become role
models of openness and harmony that champion
interfaith understanding.
The youth stated a desire for open communication
between the different religious communities in
Malaysia. Channels of interfaith communication
are to be embraced and made available to all.
Sermons in mosques, churches, temples and
other places of worship promote peace and
understanding, not mistrust or fear. Circles
members, for their part, wish to see the media
exercising greater care when reporting on matters
touching religion and to help promote religious
literacy in society.
A BEACON OF PEACE AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE
ISLAMIC WORLD
Malaysian youth envision Islam to continue
being a key part of Malaysia’s identity in future.
By 2050, youth aspire for Malaysia to be known
as an exemplar modern Muslim-majority
country, advanced in religious understanding
and social progress. The youth wish to see a
more knowledge-seeking and learned ummah.
Muslim Circles members in particular aspire for
Malaysian Muslims to have ‘ilmu mantiq’, that is
to think critically about religious teachings and
pronouncements, to question violent or extreme
ideologies as well as to understand religious
teachings other than their own. In line with this,
they wished to see more community-centred
mosques that promote volunteerism, intellectual
forums and discourse.
Circles members also wish for Malaysia to
continuously practice Wasatiyyah principles or
the ‘balanced and measured approach’, adopting a
culture of dialogue to advance both interfaith and
intrafaith understanding. The Circles highlighted
historical examples of the Piagam Madinah and
Andalusian Convivencia Spain where people
from different religious groups were able to live
together in harmony and learn from one another.
In this vein, Circles members agreed that Malaysia
should endorse the Marrakech Declaration (2016)
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-20
which preserves the rights of religious minorities.
Circles members also promote proper ‘Ethics of
disagreement’ (Taha Jabir Al Awani) to resolve
differences in opinion between different groups.
The Circles did not come to a consensus on the
issue of religious enforcement; some expressed
the desire to have religion observance to be
a personal matter and free from compulsion
or pressure, whereas others saw religious
enforcement as a way to ensure the religion’s
sanctity is preserved. This issue will doubtless
continue to be a matter of debate. Nevertheless,
in the spirit of TN50, Circles members advocated
for a move away from authoritarian methods
and coercion, towards an approach centred on
education and awareness.
Youth wish to see Malaysia recognised as a
reliable and balanced mediator between Muslim
communities in dispute. For example, Circles
members envisage Malaysia playing a key role in
mediating issues involving Muslim communities
in Southeast Asia. Additionally, they aspire
to Malaysia becoming an eminent centre of
knowledge in the Islamic world, home to local
and international scholars in areas of science,
technology, philosophy and arts.
5-21 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

AL-WASATIYYAH
The measured and balanced approach

The term ‘al-wasatiyyah’ is derived from an Arabic word ‘wasat’ which means

middle, fair, just, moderate, milieu and setting

The concept of ‘wasatiyyah’ or moderation suits a multiracial and multi-religious country like Malaysia

ADIL DAN ISTIQAMAH

JALAN YANG BENAR
PERPADUAN
KEKUATAN

KEBAIKAN

“Wasatiyyah” is embraced in all aspects of life - political, economical or social

 “Al-wasatiyyah for contemporary Muslim societies include balancing between the permanent principles of Islamic law and the changing conditions of the time;
the coupling of religious duty with social reality; engaging in dialogue and coexistence with other people, and practicing tolerance with those who differ; as well as
presenting Islam as a balanced, integrated civilizational mission for the revival, liberation and unification of the ummah.”
Dr. Spahic Omer, International Islamic University Malaysia 

Source: Institut Wasatiyyah Malaysia. “Pendekatan Wasatiyyah ke arah pembangunan lestari” (2013)
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-22

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Citizen Service
The proposed programme is an enhancement of the current National Service dialogue. The dialogues would provide a safe space to discuss disagreements
programme to focus on service and community work. Young Malaysians and work towards common ground. Apart from national-level activities, local
between the ages of 7 and 21 will spend 6 to 10 months in total working dialogues will also be encouraged and supported with mediation guidance.
in mixed groups, thereby increasing interaction and shared experiences. A With this, the hope is for a culture of dialogue to become commonplace over
range of accredited programs will be under the ‘Citizen Service’ umbrella time, with the active participation of the public in strengthening cultural
to suit different abilities and interests, from armed forces to emergency understanding and community ties.
response teams to community service. After this initial phase, it is envisioned
that each participant would devote time every year to ‘Citizen Service’, Other ideas collected include a student exchange programme (secondary
serving with fellow Malaysians across all backgrounds and beliefs. school students on domestic, week-long exchanges) and ’Hari Kita Kawan’,
a monthly friendship weekend to encourage social interactions between
people of different ethnic background.
National Understanding Week at every Malaysia Day
To reduce inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflict and to strengthen trust, it
is proposed to mark Malaysia Day every year with National Understanding
Week, a week of structured campaigns and programmes to engage
community leaders and Malaysians of different backgrounds in facilitated
5-23 NATIONAL ID ENTITY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 5-24
5-25 NATIONAL ID ENTITY
FOOTNOTES
1. Shamsul, A.B. “Debating about Identity in Malaysia: A Discourse Analysis.” (1996)
2. University of Oxford (CIMB Foundation). “Attitudes and Ethnoreligious Integration: Meeting the Challenge
and Maximizing the Promise of Multicultural Malaysia” (2017)
3. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Current Population Estimates, Malaysia, 2014-2016.” (2016)
4. There is a diversity of groups contained within this classification: The ‘Bumiputera’ category is majority
Malay (around 55% total population) with an estimated 12% non-Malay Bumiputera, consisting of native
groups in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah & Sarawak. In Peninsular Malaysia, the indigenous Orang Asli
population has 18 ethnic groups categorized within it. In East Malaysia, Sabah, which has over 30 ethnic
groups, the majority community is that of the Kadazan-Dusun, and in Sarawak, which has over 40 ethnic
groups, the largest of which is the Iban. The Tamils make up the majority of the ‘Indian’ race category,
with other minorities grouped together within it, including but not limited to the Malayalees, Telegus,
Punjabi Sikhs, Marathis, Bengalis. The ‘Chinese race’ grouping covers the Hokkien, Cantonese, Hainanese
and Teochew communities. As for the ‘others’ or ‘lain lain’ category, this is a reference to groups which
are not considered one of the three ‘main races’ – which includes, among others, descendants of the
Portugese or the Baba-Nyonya, Malaysian Thais, Javanese.
5. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic
Report 2010.” (2011)
6. Federal Constitution of Malaysia. “Article 3: Religion of the Federation.” (2010)
7. Pew Research Centre. “The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.”
(2015)
8. “More Malays see selves as Muslims first, pollster says”, Malay Mail Online, August 10, 2015.
9. “Religious freedom in Malaysia: Taking the rap”, The Economist, September 22, 2016.
10. “Malaysia’s Muslims grapple with being ‘good enough’, as conservative voices get strident”, Channel
NewsAsia, February 19, 2017.
11. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017); Various letters to mainstream media; “Forum explores
creeping ‘Arabisation’ among Malays”, Malay Mail Online, May 24, 2016.
12. “More Malays see selves as Muslims first, pollster says”, Malay Mail Online, August 10, 2015; TN50
Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
13. “Knowing you is liking you”, New Straits Times, March 8, 2017; TN50 Circles of the Future discussions.
(2017); Tamam, E. and Krauss, S. E. “Ethnic-related diversity engagement differences in intercultural
sensitivity among Malaysian Undergraduate students.” (2017)
14. University of Oxford (CIMB Foundation). “Attitudes and Ethnoreligious Integration: Meeting the Challenge
and Maximizing the Promise of Multicultural Malaysia” (2017)
15. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
16. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). “Malaysia’s Gallant School System In Need of An Overhaul.”
(2016) [Study notes that students from majority ethnic groups usually build friendships within their ethnic
groups, whereas students from minority ethnic groups usually build friendships with other, different
ethnicities]
17. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
18. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017); Various letters to mainstream media and social media
posts.
19. United Nations (UN). “World Population Ageing Report.” (2015)
20. World Bank. “#6 from 2016: Media (R)evolutions: Time spent online continues to rise” (2016)
21. “SERI, among 2018 Budget initiatives, will help shape healthy community: Khairy Jamaluddin”, New
Straits Times, October 28, 2017
22. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
23. Ibid
24. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic
Report 2010.” (2011) [Percentage distribution of the population by religion, Malaysia, 2010: Islam 61.3%,
Buddhism 19.8%, Christianity 9.2%, Hinduism 6.3%, Confucianism, Tao and Tribal/ folk/other Chinese
religion 1.3%, Unknown 1.0%, No religion 0.7%, Other religion 0.4%.]
25. Ibid
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-26
5-27

INCLUSIVE
S CIETY
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-28
5-29 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY

SECTION OVERVIEW: INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Many types of inequalities such as class,
gender, people with disabilities and others
are becoming increasingly apparent today,
alongside historical inequality between
OPPORTUNITY ethnic groups
Fair opportunities for all Malaysians
• All inequalities and vulnerable groups are recognised
• Effective Interventions to close gaps
• Full participation in society for all

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

IMPROVED
INCOME
DISTRIBUTION TOP 20
COUNTRY IN NO SIGNIFICANT
WITH GINI SOCIAL TOP 20 COUNTRY IN THE RURAL-URBAN

COEFFICIENT OF PROGRESS GENDER GAP DISPARITIES

0.3 OR LOWER INDEX INDEX IN QUALITY OF LIFE AND
ACCESS TO EDUCATION

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH
ESTABLISHMENT OF A SOCIAL PROGRESS COMMISSION
A Commission to monitor and protect societal inclusiveness is proposed
with the mandate to improve the performance of the country in increasing
inclusiveness. The Commission would be an independent body that tracks
and publishes social mobility and inclusiveness indicators as well as
assesses the effectiveness of policies and interventions
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-30
‘WOMEN IN POLITICS’ INITIATIVE
A multi-stakeholder initiative to realise the ambition of having a gender-
equal Parliament and Senate by 2050. The initiative would include various
activities and levers designed to increase participation of women in politics.
5-31 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY

1 INTRODUCTION

An inclusive society is one that seeks to reduce

imbalances in society and allows everyone to
thrive.

An inclusive society is one that promotes participation of all in society,

eliminating barriers that prevent any group’s full participation. Such a
society recognises that everyone has different starting points in life: different
family incomes, degree of parental care, physical ability, location and other
characteristics which affects life chances and outcomes. The biases inherent
in society such as racial or gender bias also affect life chances. The goal of
an inclusive society is to rectify these imbalances and ensure that growth
benefits everyone.

Malaysian youth hope for a more inclusive Malaysia that recognises and
works on the diverse range of inequalities and social exclusion present in the
country today. While the historical focus on ethnic inequalities is still relevant
and must continue to be tackled, many youth voiced the need to recognise
increasingly serious inequalities in class and geography, amongst others. The
youth also wished for a change in societal mindset, where discrimination or
prejudice is not condoned or tolerated.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Historically, efforts to address inequalities and inclusion in Malaysia has
focused on the imbalance between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera ethnic
groups, inherited at Independence from colonial rule. The mass poverty
among the Bumiputera, predominantly rural-dwelling Malays, was a major
problem facing a newly independent nation. The imbalance was a key
contributor to ethnic tensions which culminated in the racial riots of 13th
May 1969, a defining moment for Malaysia. Racial economic inequality was
deemed amongst the most vital challenges to the country’s survival and a
comprehensive, far-ranging landmark response was developed in the New
Economic Policy (NEP).
The 20-year period of the New Economic Policy (NEP, 1971-1990) marked
an era of rapid growth and redistribution. The NEP set out to foster unity and
nation-building by eradicating poverty irrespective of race and eliminating
the identification of race by economic function through affirmative action
policies. Approximately two-thirds of Bumiputera households were living
below the poverty line in 1970; poverty rates for Chinese and Indian
households were at 26% and 39% respectively. At the end of the NEP
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-32
period, the incidence of poverty reduced dramatically to 17%, 3% and 4%
for Bumiputera, Chinese and Indian households respectively1.
Overall, absolute poverty reduced from almost 50 percent in 1970 to 0.6%
in 20142. Income inequality also narrowed, reflected by the Gini coefficient
which went from 0.513 in 1970 to 0.401 in 20143. The NEP and proceeding
policies the New Development Policy (NDP) and the New Economic Model
(NEM), are widely credited for this improvement.
While the policies mentioned have been successful in reducing poverty
and effecting redistribution, there is also long-standing perception that
the associated affirmative action measures have created a degree of
dependency4 among the Bumiputera, particularly the Malays, as well as
resentment amongst the non-Bumiputera5.
There is increasing awareness of other imbalances that are arguably more
acute today. The youth have identified class as the most serious inequality
today followed by race inequality and geographical inequality6. Indeed, the
5-33 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY
top 10 percent of households hold 33 percent share of total income while
the bottom 10 percent of Malaysian households hold only 2 percent share
of total income7.
There is still a degree of social mobility in Malaysia, with research showing
62% of children being better educated than their parents.The returns to
education is in doubt however; the same research notes a ‘middle class
squeeze’, in which children born to middle income parents tend to move
down the income ladder and earn less than their parents. The research has
also found that children raised in rural areas are less likely to have upward
social mobility, and females are less likely to move up compared to males8.
In various dialogues, the youth point out that women in Malaysia continue to
experience disadvantages and lack of support in many aspects of their lives.
Although increasing, the female labour force participation rate at 54 percent
is well below Malaysia’s male labour participation rate of 80 percent9,
with many youth citing prohibitive childcare costs as a factor. Women are
increasingly educated and empowered, however income disparities still exist
compared to men in the same jobs10.
Many female youth also point out the continuining discrimination and
sexualisation of women, which contribute to women being under-represented
in leadership positions and in politics. Women on boards of Malaysia’s top
corporations stands at 15% of total directorships11. Malaysia’s ranking in the
World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, at number 111 out of 145
countries12, reflects the vast room for improvement particularly in political
participation – today only 10% of parliamentarians are women13.
Youth feel that discrimination against the disabled community is also a
major issue, especially in terms of access to jobs and facilities. People with
disabilities (PWDs) make up only 0.26 percent of the civil service14. Of
those who have found employment, there are reports of discrimination and
bullying, especially in the areas of salary, workload and career advancement15.
Malaysia has passed its own Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008 and
ratified the UN Disability Rights convention in 2010 but some argue for a
further tightening of the legislation16.
Social challenges such as drug addiction, teenage pregnancies, youth violence
and others also contribute to inequality and social exclusions. As mentioned
in the National Identity section, a weakening of family and societal values
is seen as one of the major driving factors, leading to calls for a renewed
Social Agenda. Many also point out that the Social Agenda should include
measures to ensure social inclusion by giving affected individuals such as
addicts, unwed mothers or gang members a chance to rebuild their lives.
Some youth have additionally identified the “stateless” community17 as
marginalised in Malaysia today. Statelessness has greatly affected the lives
of groups such as the Bajau Laut in Sabah and children of migrants and
refugees, excluding them from access to social protection, full education and
formal employment. As Malaysia seeks to become a top-ranking nation, the
treatment of the stateless and their degree of social inclusion in Malaysia
will increasingly become a matter of debate.
The TN50 youth engagement process reveals youth’s awareness of a myriad
of inequalities and their aspiration for addressing these imbalances towards
2050. Technological disruptions may also create conditions for a less equal
society, favouring the highly skilled and resulting in heightened class tensions.
As Malaysia strives to become a top-ranking nation, the youth hope that the
country can safeguard the gains in redistribution already achieved and can
address today’s inequalities decisively, against the backdrop of ever faster
technological change.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-34

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

During the year long engagement process throughout 2017, the Ministry of
Youth & Sports (MOYS) gathered an estimated 1,500 distinct aspirations
on inclusive society, making up an estimated 3 percent of the total number
of aspirations received. The most cited themes were on providing equality
opportunities to all Malaysians through the narrowing of socio-economic gaps
beyond race, and creating conditions for full participation, economic, social
and political, of people of all backgrounds.
5-35 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY
RACE
“Masyarakat “Colour Blind” di mana
setiap kaum di Malaysia tidak dibezakan
di antara satu sama lain dan mendapat
kepentingan yang sama rata”
Putrajaya
“Masyarakat orang asli untuk
duduk sama rendah, berdiri sama tinggi
dengan masyarakat lain. ‘Tradisi, adat dan
budaya orang asli patut dihormati”
Dialog NGO
“A haven for all races, with no
discrimination towards one another”
Kuala Lumpur
“Address the racial gaps among us,
provide fair opportunities to all races
in various aspects”
Selangor
GENDER
“Saya inginkan Malaysia yang memberikan
kesamarataan kepada wanita & lelaki. Tidak
ada lagi ‘stereotype’ bahawa wanita hanya
perlu duduk di dapur”
Diaspora Malaysia di Germany
“There should be equality between both
genders in terms of responsibilities and roles”
Petronas Dialogue
“Change from a patriarchal society to
a gender equal society. We need a female
Prime Minister by 2050”
NGO Dialogue
“I dream of a Malaysia where young girls
won’t be objectified. I dream of a Malaysia
where young girls are valued for more
than their looks”
Sabah
“Violence against women will be a thing of the
past where I can roam the streets in KL with
a peace of mind, and to have low domestic
violence and women and not blame from rape.
Instead of asking females to be cautious, we
should start teaching male counterparts to
treat females with dignity”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue
LOCATION
“Pembangunan yang lebih setara
dan adil antara Semenanjung Malaysia,
Sabah dan Sarawak”
Sabah
“For rural areas to be treated as
equal to urban areas”
Melaka
“Aspire for children to feel the same benefits
as those from Peninsular Malaysia”
Sarawak
“Malaysia that provides a better and
quality life, and the gap between rural and
cities can be minimised”
Perlis
“Don’t forget the citizens from
rural areas. The same job opportunities to
both urban and rural areas”
Selangor
“Tiada lagi kemiskinan tegar di seluruh
negara. Semua negeri mendapat kemajuan
dan pendapatan yang sama rata”
Sarawak

PHYSICAL DISABILITY
“Inclusive with no obstacles for Persons With
Disabilities (PWDs) to participate in society”
Women Dialogue
“Disabled athletes should be given the
same expectations and rewards”
Warga Sukan Dialogue
“Saya mengimpikan sebuah negara yang tidak
mempunyai diskriminasi kepada orang kurang
upaya. Memberi peluang yang sama dengan
penjawat yang berupaya”
Dialog Penjawat Awam
“Saya mohon diberi peluang pekerjaan
kepada golongan OKU tanpa pilih kasih
dalam pelbagai sektor”
Penang
“Mengharapkan pendidikan yang holistik
yang juga dituju kepada golongan OKU,
terutamanya aspek prasarana di sekolah
dan peluang pendidikan yang sama adil
untuk OKU di universiti”
Johor
“Audio or visual information at all public
places and transport for PWDs”
Women Dialogue
AGE
“Age-inclusive society through infrastructure
and social support to the elderly”
NGO Dialogue
“How many in senior positions are under the
age of 40? There should be younger voices in
various ministries”
SUHAKAM Dialogue
“Recognise that old people can be useful too.
They have more years of experience and are
much wiser. Recognising their worth will also
help protect their welfare”
Sarawak
“To increase retirement age from 60 to 70 to
give senior citizens opportunity to work”
Kedah
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-36
REFUGEES
“Aspire for refugees to have more
opportunites and rights to work in Malaysia”
Young Corporate Malaysians Dialogue
“Aspire for all stateless kids to be financially
empowered. Stateless kids can’t go to school
or open bank accounts now”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“For Malaysia to ratify international human
rights treaties and to treat refugees better”
Penang
“I want a Malaysia that ensures that refugees
and immigrants are treated with dignity and
for us to help them succeed”
Malaysian Diaspora in US
“A Malaysia that takes a proactive
role in refugee crises”
Malaysian Diaspora in Edinburgh
5-37 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY

INCLUSIVE SOCIETY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION
Fair Opportunities For All Malaysians
By 2050, Malaysian youth want a country that provides fair
opportunities for everyone to reach their potential, regardless
of background. Circles members further underlined that starting
points do matter and must be considered in discussions of
equality and social inclusion. Inter-ethnic imbalances have been
the focal point of inequality discussions historically. Today’s
youth are highly aware of other forms of inequalities and want
them to be addressed in a just manner.

FAIR EMPHASIS EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS FULL PARTICIPATION

All inequalities and vulnerable Interventions and methods to address A society that promotes full participation
groups are recognised inequalities are fair, robust and effective and actively fights prejudice

FAIR EMPHASIS
In addition to ethnic inequality, Malaysian youth
hope to see other bases of inequalities such
as class, geography, gender, age and physical
disability be given as much political and policy
attention. Circles members echo this sentiment,
particularly concerned of the increasing divide
in class as evidenced by the income disparity
between the top 20 percent and bottom 40 of
Malaysians which cuts across all ethnic lines.
The youth also hope that particularly vulnerable
or marginalised communities, namely those
experiencing the most acute poverty and the
lowest social mobility today, are given particular
attention. Peninsular Orang Asli, ex-plantation
Tamil communities and selected East Malaysian
Bumiputera groups were amongst the examples
highlighted. Part of this would be addressed by
focusing on urban-rural imbalances. Indeed,
geographical and urban-rural disparities were
one of the most frequently raised topics in youth
dialogues.
Youth acknowledge that gender inequality
has received increasing political and policy
attention in recent years, particularly the issue
of representation at the top levels of politics,
companies and organisations. Many hope that the
momentum will continue and that Malaysia may
become one of the top nations in terms of gender
parity and gender sensitivity, with some even
aspiring to see a female Prime Minister by 2050
(please refer to the Jobs and Work Culture section
in Chapter 3 for further aspirations on improving
women’s participation in the workplace).
Finally, many youth and Circles members
expressed a desire to see Malaysia recognising
the needs of the aged and the physically disabled.
Accommodating their particular needs would
mean systematically including an agenda for the
aged and the physically disabled in development
planning at every stage local, state and national.
EFFECTIVE
INTERVENTIONS
Malaysian youth aspire for continuous
improvement of policy and programmatic
interventions in tackling social exclusion and
socioeconomic inequalities. In particular, Circles
members identified early childhood care and
education (ECCE) as a crucial intervention.
Providing children with sufficient nutrition, early
childhood education, positive home learning
environments and high parent-child interaction18
was much highlighted in Circles discussions,
backed up by substantial research into the impact
of ECCE in reducing inequalities and improving
social mobility (outlined in more detail in the
Education chapter).
Youth discussions on effective interventions
also touched on ethnic-based affirmative action.
This remains a highly debated area with some
proponents advocating moving towards removing
race-based provisions such as Bumiputera
quotas in procurement tenders and public
university enrolment, while others argue that
such provisions are still necessary and are largely
effective in levelling the playing field. Affirmative
action will continue to be debated, but Circles
members agreed that in the medium term,
the design of affirmative action programs and
instruments should be continuously studied and
improved to deliver the desired outcomes without
inadvertently causing a sense of entitlement
amongst the recipients or the Bumiputera
community. This could include tighter eligibility
criteria based on means-testing, monitoring of
outcomes and strict enforcement of program
graduation.
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-38
CASE STUDY
IMPROVING
AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION
INTERVENTIONS:
CARVE-OUT AND
COMPETE
TERAJU, the Bumiputera Agenda Steering
Unit, has introduced and overseen a
number of programmes that aim to build
competitiveness amongst Bumiputera
companies. Carve-out and Compete
is amongst a number of programmes
designed with that goal, incorporating
more stringent qualifying criteria
and putting a graduation timeline on
participating companies.
The Carve-out and Compete programme
stipulates a high degree of capability
amongst qualifying Bumiputera companies
before they can enter into extremely
competitive Bumiputera-specific tenders
for large government projects. To date, the
initiative has successfully awarded nearly
RM60 billion’s worth of contracts in 14
mega projects for deserving Bumiputera
companies including a carved out portion
for the construction works of the Sungai
Buloh-Kajang MRT line which gave
opportunities to 159 winning Bumiputera
contractors.
Source: TERAJU
5-39 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY
FULL PARTICIPATION
Building on the previous aspiration of effective
interventions, the youth aspire for a future society
that is accepting and inclusive, where individuals
of all backgrounds can participate meaningfully.
Circles members aspired to see dignity of human
life as a protected right in Malaysia, where
everyone can lead their lives with dignity without
being marginalised due to their backgrounds or
status. Youth also aspired for a country where
discrimination and prejudice is not condoned nor
tolerated. They strongly advocate against acts of
hatred, harassment and victimisation.
CASE STUDY
GENDER EQUALITY - ICELAND
Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s gender equality report for seven years in
a row. In the report, the country also ranked first in political empowerment and closing the
gender gap.
In 1976, the Gender Equality Act was enacted as a result of a protest by large groups of
women nation-wide who declared a day off work to highlight the importance of women’s
contribution both in paid and unpaid worka. The 1976 Act sought to guarantee equal rights
for women and men, prohibiting gender-based discrimination in hiring and ensuring equal
opportunities of education and employment are given to womenb. Four years after the
introduction of the 1976 Act, Iceland’s first female President was elected.
In addition to legislation, Iceland has ensured greater gender participation via mandating
gender budgeting and quotas. Education also played an important role in teaching both
women and men about gender respectc .
Women’s growing participation in the workforce has become one of the primary reasons
for Iceland’s economic growth. Women’s workforce participation in Iceland stood at 70%
in 2016, significantly higher than the global average of 49% and their Nordic peers’ average
of 59%d. The proportion of seats held by women in Iceland’s Parliament stood at 48% in
2016, over double the world average of 23%e.
a. Ministry of Welfare Iceland. “Gender equality” (2017)
b. Ibid
c. World Economic Forum, “This is why Iceland ranks first for gender equality” (2017)
d. World Bank Data 2016
e. ibid
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-40

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Establishing a Social Progress Commission

A Commission to monitor and protect societal inclusiveness is proposed
with the mandate to improve the performance of the country in increasing
inclusiveness. The Commission would be an independent body that tracks
and publishes social mobility and inclusiveness indicators as well as assesses
the effectiveness of policies and interventions.

Women in Politics’ Initiative

For Malaysia to achieve gender justice, women must be in positions of political
power. An initiative is proposed, comprising political parties, government,
civil society, corporates and ordinary Malaysians, to realise the ambition of
having a gender-equal Parliament and Senate by 2050. The initiative would
include activities and levers designed to increase participation of women in
politics, from trialling quotas for female election candidates to educating,
training and mentoring women on becoming political representatives to
public education on the benefits of female representation.
5-41 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 5-42
5-43 INCLUS IV E S OCIETY
FOOTNOTES
1. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Incidence of Poverty by Ethnic Group, Strata and State, 1970-2014.”
(2014) [Note: post New Economic Policy (NEP) figure was for year 1992. Mean Monthly Gross Household
income was 172, 394, and 304 for Bumiputera, Chinese and Indian in 1970. In 1992, this was 1268, 2192
and 1604 respectively].
2. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Malaysia Sustainable Development Goals- Voluntary National Review
2017.” (2017)
3. Ibid
4. “Rafidah Aziz: Malays should not be overly dependent on government”, Malay Mail Online, January 30,
2016; Institute for Southeast Asian Studies. “Majority Affirmative Action in Malaysia” (2017)
5. United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. “The New Economic Policy and Interethnic
Relations in Malaysia.” (2004)
6. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
7. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Malaysia Human Development Report 2013:
Redesigning an Inclusive Future.” (2013) [The ‘top 10%’ of households has an income share of 33.1%
compared to 2.0% of the ‘bottom 10%’ households.]
8. Khazanah Research Institute. “Climbing the Ladder: Socio-economic Mobility in Malaysia.” (2016)
9. Department of Statistics Malaysia. “Labour Force Survey Report, Malaysia, 2016.” (2017) [Overall Labour
Force Participation Rate (LFPR) was 67.7% in 2016. LFPR for Male was 80.2%, LFPR for Female was
54.3%.]
10. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Malaysia Human Development Report 2013:
Redesigning an Inclusive Future.” (2013)
11. “Women surge into boardrooms across Malaysia, but gender equity target still beyond reach”, New
Straits Times, September 2, 2016.
12. World Economic Forum (WEF). “The Global Gender Gap Report 2015.” (2015) [Note that a score of 1
indicates equality and 0 inequality]
13. “Malaysia’s push for gender equality holds lessons for Asia”, Nikkei Asian Review, August 22, 2017.
14. “Chance of employment for those with disabilities”, The Star Online, April 14, 2017.
15. Khoo, S.L. et al. “Workplace discrimination against Malaysians with disabilities: Living with it or fighting
against it.” (2013)
16. National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC). “Children with Disabilities In Malaysia: Mapping
the Policies, Programmes, Interventions and Stakeholders.” (2013)
17. Comprised of children who are born on Malaysian soil to refugees, undocumented immigrants and
asylum seekers.
18. Burger, K., “Early Childhood Care and Education and Equality of Opportunity”, Springer VS Wiesbaden,
2013.
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-44
5-45

SOCIAL
PROTECT ON
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-46
5-47 SOCIAL PROTEC TION

SECTION OVERVIEW: SOCIAL PROTECTION

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

An improving social protection system, A world class social protection system

though with areas for improvement
in coverage, scope of protection and
efficiency
COVERAGE
• Well Designed • Well Delivered
Ensures that no one falls below  Simple to navigate and accessible.
a decent and dignified standard Social workers a critical and
of life professionalised component

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

100% OF THE 100% OF THE

POPULATION ARE POPULATION ARE SOCIAL
FINANCIALLY PROTECTED WORKERS
NO PREPARED AGAINST FINANCIAL SHOCKS ARE HIGHLY TRAINED
‘MULTIDIMENSIONALLY FOR OLD AGE OR ARE FROM ILLNESS, DISABILITY AND VALUED
POOR’ HOUSEHOLDS1 PROTECTED BY THE STATE OR FORCED UNEMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-48

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

A CITIZEN’S INCOME OLD AGE CARE INSURANCE FOR THE AGED

A form of basic income that is given to every Malaysian residing in the All Malaysians contribute to a specific old age care fund after reaching 40
country, without conditionality, to ensure a decent and dignified standard years old. The fund will cover housing, long-term care and other support
of living services in a unified manner
5-49 SOCIAL PROTEC TION

1 INTRODUCTION

A developed country is able to ensure that

ordinary citizens never fall below a decent and
dignified standard of life.

Becoming a more developed country means not only celebrating economic

growth but also ensuring a decent, dignified starndard of life for all. This
sentiment was repeatedly brought up during the youth engagement process
in the various engagements undertaken by MOYS.

Youth want to see a social protection system where the poorest and most
marginalised are uplifted to an acceptable level as befits a developed
nation. While individuals should still be accountable for their own financial
health, Malaysian youth also want a social protection system that can help
supplement citizens’ resources in times of difficulty and financial shock,
particularly in the face of much more uncertain world in future.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Social protection encompass policies and programmes to ensure a decent
standard of living throughout all life stages amongst the population as well
as reducing the impact from serious life difficulties such as unemployment,
sickness, and incapacity from old age.
In Malaysia, the focus of social protection in the decades immediately after
Independence was to reduce the rate of absolute poverty, defined as the
percentage of households living below an income level equated to a minimum
level of welfare. Absolute poverty was a huge problem facing our newly
Independent nation, affecting around 50% of the population. Through a
combination of welfare programs, capacity building and economic growth,
Malaysia today has almost completely eradicated cases of absolute poverty2,
an outstanding achievement.
However, rising socioeconomic levels and changing societal expectations
have led to a re-examination of the definition of poverty and what constitutes
a reasonable standard of living in today’s world. Relative poverty3, or the level
of poverty relative to a country’s average or median income, has become
an important measure of deprivation. More comprehensive definitions of
poverty such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is also gaining
importance, going beyond traditional income measures and taking into
account other factors such as education (e.g. years of schooling), health (e.g.
access to health facilities) and broader living standards (e.g. conditions of
living quarters and access to basic communication tools). In 2015, Malaysia
adopted the MPI as a poverty and deprivation indicator4, enhancing the
nation’s definition of what constitutes a reasonable standard of living.
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-50
Anti-poverty and social welfare programmes are mainly administered by the
Social Welfare Department under the purview of the Ministry of Women,
Family and Community Development. Households earning below the Poverty
Line Income5 as well as families or individuals deemed to be in need which
include the near-poor, persons with disabilities, single mothers and the
aged receive a combination of assistance ranging from cash transfers and a
combination of assistance6. Additionally, the government introduced Bantuan
Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) in 2012, a programme of periodic cash transfers
aimed at households earning less than RM4,000 monthly income to help
supplement ordinary household spending7.
Improving the social safety net in terms of ensuring a reasonable standard
of living is still a work in progress. A recent study8 in northern Malaysia
found that access to information regarding eligibility and applications was
limited in rural communities, who often had to rely on village heads (Ketua
Kampung) to navigate the eligibility criteria and applications process. Some
youth have also advocated revisiting the amount of financial assistance given
to align with today’s living standards, as well as consolidating various cash
transfer programmes to ensure both household coverage and sufficiency
of assistance.
As the country moves closer toward becoming an ageing society, the issue
of ensuring living standards during old age becomes ever more vital. With
increased life expectancy comes the need to stretch pension savings further,
not only to cover day-to-day expenses but also the additional requirements of
aged care. Unsurprisingly, concerns are rising about the adequacy of pension
coverage and retirement savings for the population. According to the EPF,
65 percent of 54 year olds have savings sufficient for less than five years9.
5-51 SOCIAL PROTEC TION

CASE STUDY

A second objective of social protection is to provide socioeconomic stability

THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE and reduce vulnerability to shocks. The social protection system therefore

PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION BILL also covers public services and public insurance programmes that reduce the
impact from shocks such as sickness, accidents, involuntary unemployment
and increasingly, the acute medical care needs of old age. Issues of long-term
affordability also arise; for example the sustainability of tax-funded public
The affordability of public sector pension bill has become an area of
healthcare services is in question given rising healthcare costs as well as
concern due to the increase in civil service wages and pensions. Civil
ageing demographics (outlined in more detail in the Health And Wellbeing
service wages in 2016 totalled RM 74 billion, up from RM 22 billion in
chapter). Availability of protection for certain risks is also an issue though this
2003a. On the other hand, civil service pensions have also increased
is progressively being strengthened; for example, an Employment Insurance
to RM 19 billion in 2016 from RM 6 billion in 2003b. The allocation for
System (EIS) will be implemented in 2018 to provide workers who have lost
pensions, retirement allowance and gratuities has tripled over the last
their jobs with temporary financial assistance.
decade with the number of pensioners increasing by about 30,000
per yearc. It has been estimated that the pension payout could triple
Today, increased migration and growing numbers of the stateless community
to approximately RM64 billion in 2027d.
will also bring about new pressures for the country to alleviate the plight
of the refugees within its territory. In 2015, Malaysia became home to over
The high government expenditure on civil service wages and pension
260,000 refugees13. Over the years, Malaysia has taken significant steps
payments have reinforced concerns about costs, with many calling
forward in improving refugee rights, including providing homes and access to
for long-term solutions such as moving to a fully contribution-based
medical services and education for many14. However, there is still a need for
system as well as right-sizing the public sectore.
Malaysia to codify these advancements into written government policies and
create long term strategies to move towards granting basic rights towards
Source: refugees.
a. “One civil servant to 19 people”, The Borneo Post, February 1, 2017.
b. Ibid
c. “KWAP: Takeover of liability to be gradual” New Straits Times, February 14, 2017 Related to the delivery of the social protection system, many youth have
d. “Cover Story: Unsustainable cost of civil service” The Edge Malaysia, April 27, 2017
e. “Back to the present and future with Budget 2018”, The Malaysian Insight, September 12, 2017
highlighted the importance of social work as a profession. Social workers play
an important role on the ground, but the profession is often underestimated
as work that ‘can be carried out by anyone who has the time and is willing
to lend a hand’15. As of 2011, there were 4,962 employees under the Social
Welfare Department directly involved in casework for those in need, giving an
Independent contractors, freelancers and petty traders are not subject to estimated ratio of social workers to welfare clients ratio of 1:101 in Malaysia,
mandatory pension savings through the EPF, and thus are left unprotected. though Circles members felt this was an underestimate. As a comparison,
This is a particular concern going forward, with the rise of the ‘gig economy’ the same ratio in Australia is 1:3516 . The recruitment and training of social
and part-time work becoming more prevalent. Around 60 percent of workers is clearly an area that will gain in importance as Malaysia faces
Malaysians have no formal savings plan for retirement10, choosing instead socioeconomic challenges of the coming decades.
to rely on general multi-purpose savings11, children or family members, or
to always continue working12. Weakening familial bonds coupled with the
impact of disruptive technologies on jobs will further challenge this as a
coping strategy.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-52

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Among the most frequently cited aspirations on social protection were

on improving protection for the poorest and most financially vulnerable,
strengthening the system in protecting people against serious financial shocks
as well as helping people prepare for the needs of old age.

In deeper discussions, Circles members delved into the design and delivery
of a comprehensive social protection system for the future, particularly given
the potential impact of anticipated technological and demographic changes
to Malaysia.
5-53 SOCIAL PROTEC TION
SAFETY NET FOR OLD AGE
“A comprehensive social security
system that is able to look after all
pensioners and retirees”
EPF Dialogue
“Having a long term plan to overcome issues
with our ageing population, such as having
mandatory insurance policies in place”
Civil Servant Dialogue
People are able to afford necessities that allow
“Bantuan sara hidup kepada warga tua
ke 55 tahun ke atas”
Kedah
“We want better retirement schemes in
private sectors similar to what is already
available for public sectors”
Women Dialogue
PROTECTION AGAINST
LIVING IN POVERTY
“To provide assistance to the
financially vulnerable”
EPF Dialogue
“To have a universal basic income
for everyone”
Malaysian Diaspora in UK
“A Malaysia where no one is in poverty...
them to live in this wonderful country”
Selangor
“For all Malaysian children, no matter
how economically disadvantaged they might
be, to be entitled to an equal chance of
climbing up the social ladder”
Sarawak
PROTECTION AGAINST
SERIOUS FINANCIAL SHOCKS
“People need to invest in a
common healthcare fund to ensure their
financial stability for their health especially
in their ageing years”
Women Dialogue
“Wujudkan satu insurans
untuk perlindungan OKU”
Putrajaya
“People are displaced due to disruption.
Displaced workers should be retrained
and re-skilled to embrace technological
advancements and assigned to new jobs”
TERAJU Dialogue
“Every Malaysian should have
financial knowledge, to have better
personal financial planning”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue
 TN50 Youth Canvas 5-54

DESIGN DELIVERY

Ensures that no one falls below a minimum Simple to navigate and accessible, with
reasonable standard of life social workers a critical component

SOCIAL PROTECTION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION
A World-Class Social Protection System

By 2050, the youth of Malaysia want a comprehensive, social

protection system that is amongst the best designed in the
world. They described a society where no child goes hungry, no
one is forced to live on the streets, and special care is given to
the elderly. The youth of Malaysia also want effective delivery of
the social protection system, supported by data and professional
social workers.
5-55 SOCIAL PROTEC TION
DESIGN
The youth aspire for a social protection system that
ensures no one falls below a decent and dignified
standard of life, either as a result of low earnings or
due to financial shocks from, for example, sickness
or involuntary unemployment. In line with this,
several Circles members highlighted the need for
the measure of ‘decent and dignified reasonable
standard of life’ to be broadly defined to include
education and health, and to be regularly updated
to reflect the expectations of the times. The move
to adopting the Multidimensional Poverty Index
was widely lauded.
Related to design, an issue that was hotly
debated was on reach and coverage. In line with
this, Circles members deliberated the idea of
a simpler social protection system such as the
Universal Basic Income (UBI) to ensure that every
Malaysian is able to sustain a decent and dignified
standard of living without the administration
complexity of targeting and means-testing.
Several Circles members felt that this would
improve issues of benefit coverage and reach as
well as provide stability in times of uncertainty, as
may be the case with technology disruptions and
a changing job landscape. However, this view was
not unanimous; the perception of unconditional
‘money for free’, including those who choose not
to work, was contested as not being in line with
Asian values. Ultimately, Circles members hope
that Malaysia will seriously consider and test
various options of social protection assistance to
ensure decent and dignified living standards, given
the coming changes in the economic landscape.
Family-oriented Asian values still influence much
of society in Malaysia today, and a sense of family
obligation is still apparent in Malaysian youth.
They do not want to see the elderly and the
retired work in the future simply to afford food
or shelter. However, 63% of Malaysia’s youth
consider the financial implications of ageing to be
a personal responsibility17. Against the backdrop
of a poor savings culture however, with roughly
60% of Malaysians not equipped financially
to afford retirement today18, Circles felt that
there urgently needs to be a change in mindset
through greater financial literacy and greater
emphasis on personal accountability. This was
in recognition that fertility rates are dropping and
families are getting smaller, challenging traditional
expectations of family support.
Accordingly, Circles members want Malaysians
to be mindful of the cost of retirement and be in a
position to prepare for it. Several Circles members
suggested compulsory financial literacy education Question: What approach should we take
for young people so that young people will be to ensure that the elderly are taken care of
equipped with the knowledge and skills to make financially in the future?
more positive and responsible financial decisions
in the future. % respondents
In addition, the youth also hope for more long-
term strategies to elevate the plight of the 100
refugees within the country. The youth hope
for structured and clear policies to grant legal 80
63% Personal accountability
recognition to refugees, distinguishing them from
other migrants in the country. Setting up residence 60 Rely on government
and work permit schemes that include a path to safety net
permanent residence for refugees would also 40 Don’t know/No view
allow for the government to benefit economically.
20 32%
A new system would reduce people-trafficking
and smuggling, enhance Malaysia’s security, and
improve Malaysia’s image with the international 0 5%
community.
Source: Survey undertaken by MOYS TN50 Secretariat, representative
sample of 3048 survey participants, June-July 2017.

DELIVERY
Youth recognise that in order for the people of
Malaysia to benefit from a more comprehensive
social protection system, the programmes need
to be more accessible to those who need it,
regardless of their location, physical mobility,
literacy or mother tongue. Circles members hope
to minimise administrative and physical obstacles,
such as in-person registration for social assistance
at district-level centres, which may still seem
inaccessible to rural communities.
The role of social workers was highlighted greatly
by the Circles: they believe that today their work
is in great demand in light of the complex social
fabric, but recognise that the profession is often
undervalued and not deemed as ‘professional’
as more traditional vocations. They wish to see
the profession grow in the future, and for society
as a whole to recognise the critical role that
social workers play in identifying, understanding,
and engaging with vulnerable communities or
individuals.
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-56
CASE STUDY
“UNIVERSAL BASIC ALLOWANCE” RECEIVES
GLOBAL ATTENTION
Universal Basic Allowance is a form of monthly cash allowance, available to all citizens/
residents to ensure they have enough to cover the cost of their basic needs. Universal Basic
Allowance has sparked interesting debates over the years. There has been increasing attention
in recent years due concerns on employment from rapid advancements in automation and
AI technologya.
Various countries have implemented pilot programs to test the sustainability of Universal
Basic Allowance to the society and ensure its implementation really benefits the needy.
FINLAND: On January 1, 2017, the Finnish government launched a two-year pilot scheme that
will provide 2,000 unemployed citizens with a basic allowance of 560 euros ($595) per month.
The launch of the trial is intended to demonstrate how to reform the Finnish social security
system to “better correspond to changes in modern working life”b. Results have shown that
the pilot scheme has successfully reduced stress levels, improving mental health of recipientsc.
INDIA: An 18-month basic income trial took place in 2010 in the central Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh, home to 73 million people. Unconditional cash transfers was provided to more than
6,000 individuals in eight villages that ranged from 100 to 300 rupees per month ($1.5 to
$4.5)d. Results have shown that the pilot has successfully improved recipients’ nutrition intake
and diet as well as reduced the incidence of common illnesse.
CHINA: The country has been operating a form of national basic income since 2007, when it
implemented ‘dibao’, a minimum income guarantee where the scheme would top up recipients’
income to a basic level below the minimum wagef. World Bank data indicates that the policy has
helped lower poverty by 6.5 per cent, representing a solid return on investment for a scheme
that took 17 years of experimentation to finalise. However, the program has drawn criticism
as not all rural communities receive ‘dibao’ with increasing debate on the effectiveness and
inclusiveness in distribution.
Source:
a. “Rise of the machines: Is a universal basic income the answer for mass unemployment?” ABC News, July 5, 2017
b. What Finland wants to learn from its universal basic income experiment”, Independent, August 1, 2017
c. Finland’s universal basic income trial for unemployed reduces stress levels, says official” Independent, May 8, 2017
d. Worldcrunch, “Universal Basic Income, 5 Experiments From Around The World”
e. Guy Standing. “Unconditional Basic Income: Two pilots in Madhya Pradesh” 2013
f. “getting paid to do nothing: why the idea of china’s dibao is catching on” This Week In Asia, April 14, 2017
5-57 SOCIAL PROTEC TION

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

A Citizen’s income
A form of basic income is given to every Malaysian residing in the country,
without conditionality. This would be a monthly stipend, given directly as
cash that would ensure basic necessities can be afforded.

Old Age Care Insurance

All Malaysians contribute to a specific old age care fund after reaching 40
years old, in addition to other general-purpose retirement contributions.
The fund will cover housing, long-term care and other support services in
a unified manner.

Association Pensions
Most small businesses and sole traders such as taxi drivers, hawker stall
owners do not participate in EPF. This idea proposes the establishment of
trade association pension funds to cover the retirement or old age needs of
association members. This can be extended to ‘gig economy’ workers such
as association pension funds for e-hailing service drivers or contract digital
economy workers.
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-58
5-59 SOCIAL PROTEC TION

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 5-60
5-61 SOCIAL PROTEC TION
FOOTNOTES
1. Definition of poverty according to The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), published by the UNDP’s
Human Development Report Office. The MPI tracks deprivation across three dimensions in addition to
income: health, education, and living standards (e.g. access to water, sanitation, electricity etc.)
2. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). Incidence of absolute poverty was 0.6 percent in 2014, down from 49.3%
in 1970
3. UNESCO, Social and Human Sciences International Migration Glossary. Absolute poverty measures
poverty in relation to the amount of money necessary to meet basic needs, e.g. food, clothing and shelter.
Relative poverty defines poverty in relation to the economic status of other members of society
4. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Eleventh Malaysia Plan 2016 – 2020: Anchoring Growth on People.”
5. Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Malaysia. “Financial Welfare Assistance Services.” [The poverty
line income (PLI) in Malaysia differs by area, and is categorized as RM720 in Peninsular Malaysia, RM830
in Sarawak and RM960 in Sabah.]
6. Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia (JKM) Malaysia. “Welfare Assistance Scheme.”
7. “BR1M 2017 payments from tomorrow”, The Star Online, February 17, 2017.
8. Dawood, S.R.S. and Khoo, S.L. “Poverty eradication, government role and sustainable livelihood in rural
Malaysia: An empirical study of community perception in northern Peninsular Malaysia.” (2017)
9. Employees Provident Fund (EPF). “Annual Report 2015.” (2015) [65% of 54-year-olds have retirement
savings of less than RM50,000 (as at December 2014). On a budget of RM950 per month (poverty
line index), this would be enough to sustain 4.3 years (2017)]
10. The Employees Provident Fund (EPF), a trust fund under the EPF Ordinance, 1951 (later amended to the
EPF Act 1991), provides pension benefits to its members through an old age savings scheme. The EPF
Act requires all employers to fulfil their lawful (and moral) obligation to their employees by saving a
portion of their salary and contributing a share to this.
11. “With scant savings, more Malaysians can’t afford to retire”, Today Online, September 2, 2016.
12. Bank Negara Malaysia. “Deputy Governor’s Speech at the Launch of the Financial Management for
Retirement Module – “Shaping the Future Starts Now”.” (2017) [referring to results from the 2015 survey,
Financial Capability and Inclusion Demand Side Survey.]
13. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “Global Appeal 2015 Update”
14. “Malaysia to build field hospital at Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh”, The Star Malaysia, October
16, 2017; The United Nations Refugee Agency. “Rohingya refugee beats the odds to get schooling in
Malaysia” (2017)
15. “An understanding of human behaviour”, The Star Online, January 22, 2017
16. Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare Japan (MHLW). “Country Report: Malaysia” (2011) [9th Asean
& Japan High Officials Meeting on Caring Societies]
17. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017
18. Ibid; Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
19. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Table 7: Incidence of Poverty by Ethnic Group, Strata and State, Malaysia,
1970-2016”. (2016)
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-62
06
CHAPTER

A FOUNDATION OF
HEALTH & WELLBEING
As a country’s economy develops, its citizens’ priorities expand from income growth towards longevity and well-being. The
quality of one’s health and living environment becomes of greater importance not only to the elderly but also the young.

The aspirations of Malaysian youth reflect this outlook. Malaysian youth today, arguably more than the youth of generations
past, aspire for health and well-being to be valued in Malaysian society. They aspire for health and well-being to be a key plank
of all Malaysian endeavours, from how we make individual choices to how policies are formulated. Malaysian youth also aspire
for a high quality living environment, which would support their physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Youth aspirations for health and well-being fall into two main areas:

6-03 HEALTHCARE

6-31 LIVING ENVIRONMENT

6-3 HE ALTHCARE

HEALTHC RE
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-4
 6-5 HE ALTHCARE

SECTION OVERVIEW: HEALTHCARE

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Unhealthy lifestyles and high risk behaviours, such as Mindset of Personal Health ‘Ownership’
smoking, are prevalent though health consciousness is
increasing in society • Individuals • Society • Government
Malaysians are health- Schools, social groups, Health and well-being
conscious. We track, civil society and a foundation across all
maintain and take corporations actively policies and regulations,
MINDSET ON responsibility of our enable healthy lifestyles not just healthcare
HEALTH health status and personal health
ownership

A healthcare ecosystem that provides the majority Accessible, Affordable and Sustainable Healthcare
with subsidised healthcare, but with pockets of
limited access. Long-term funding sustainability a • Geographic reach • Access for the vulnerable • Effective cost
Increased accessibility Comprehensive coverage management
concern
to remote areas, enabled for low income earners Value-based healthcare
by technology and marginalised (VBHC) system that
ACCESS TO populations, including focuses on delivering high
HEALTHCARE the stateless quality care at the lowest
possible cost

A public healthcare system focused on many aspects A Comprehensive Public Healthcare System
of physical health, but limited coverage on mental
• Greater scope • Better understanding
health, rehabilitation, palliative care and elderly care Specialty services such as mental Public understands health holistically,
health, elderly care and palliative care embracing physical, mental and social
are more accessible to everyone well-being without stigmatisation
COVERAGE OF
PUBLIC HEALTHCARE
OFFERINGS

A system receptive to new medical technologies but Innovative and Alternative Methods Practised
conservative towards unconventional methods A system open to innovative or alternative methods, supported by:

• Strong review mechanism • Integration

Strong review process in place to Alternative medicine seamlessly
reconcile medical innovations with integrated with mainstream
ADOPTION OF
ethical and religious concerns medicine
INNOVATIVE OR
ALTERNATIVE
METHODS
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

ONE OF THE
LOWEST TOP 20 MOST EFFECTIVE

RATES HEALTHCARE
SYSTEMS
TOP 20 COUNTRY IN OF PREMATURE LOWEST WORLDWIDE MEASURED
HEALTH-ADJUSTED DEATH DUE OBESITY RATE IN BY HEALTH OUTCOMES
LIFE EXPECTANCY1 TO NCDs GLOBALLY ASEAN VS. EXPENDITURE2

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

EAT SMARTER & PLAY NATIONWIDE WELLNESS ‘THE CITY IS GOING MY COMMUNITY
MORE PROGRAMME TRACKING SYSTEM HEALTHY’ INITIATIVE GARDEN

A ‘learning by doing’ programme A system to help keep track of the A friendly competition An initiative to Increase the
to instil lifelong fitness and country’s health performance as a between cities and towns to availability of affordable healthy
nutrition habits among primary whole based on citizens’ personal reduce residents’ obesity and food in underserved areas
school students health tracking smoking rates
6-7 HE ALTHCARE

1 INTRODUCTION

The global population is growing to be more

health conscious, improving lifestyle practices
and upgrading healthcare systems.

Around the world, an increasing emphasis is being placed on well-being with
the rise in incomes and economic growth. People’s greater spending power
enables them to focus on priorities beyond simply making ends meet, shifting
to health and wellness. Worldwide, increasing longevity globally has been
accompanied by greater expenditure on health and wellness3. The shift in
outlook is also generational; millennials are more concerned about health
and well-being compared to youth in previous generations4.
At the same time, socioeconomic development has also presented unique
health-related challenges: lifestyle-related diseases are affecting greater
numbers including younger age groups. A longer living but ageing population
requires different healthcare responses. In addition, maintaining a financially
sustainable healthcare system becomes more challenging with rising
expectations of quality and access. Over the next 30 years and beyond,
Malaysia’s healthcare system will have to address these challenges.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Malaysian healthcare has made significant improvements over the years. Life
expectancy has continued to rise5, while infant mortality rates have fallen
by more than half since the 1990s6. Healthcare accessibility is extensive in
urban areas, with rapid improvement in rural and remote areas. Currently,
more than 84 percent of the rural population have access to primary care
services within a 5km radius7.
Public healthcare for Malaysian citizens today is highly subsidised. Typically,
outpatient charges for general practitioners (GPs) and specialists at
government hospitals are only RM1 and RM5 respectively, in comparison
to those in private hospitals which can reach up to RM135 and RM235
respectively8. Registered foreign workers and refugees registered with the
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are insured
under SPIKPA and Remedi respectively9, providing affordable access to
government hospitals in Malaysia.
The quality of Malaysian healthcare, both public and private, is generally
good. Malaysian healthcare providers are well-equipped with modern
technology, and the country has a growing regional and international
reputation as a medical tourism destination10. Malaysian healthcare is also
making good progress in the adoption of newer technologies: the digitisation
and integration of national patient records (MyHDW) was launched in April
2017, while private sector solutions are also starting to enter the market such
as the introduction of BookDoc, an online healthcare provider database.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-8
However, Malaysia is seeing relatively high prevalence of non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular
diseases. Approximately 65 percent of adults have at least one NCD risk
factor11, and a major factor of this phenomenon is attributable to sedentary
lifestyles. In some areas, the situation is alarming. For example in 2014,
The Lancet reported that Malaysia has the highest obesity rate in Asia12.
MALAYSIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Malaysia has a two-tier healthcare system with a highly subsidised
government-run universal system co-existing with privately owned
hospitals and clinics. In 2016, public and private healthcare
expenditure was at RM27B and RM23B respectively; both projected
to grow at 8 percent per annum.
Healthcare pricing today is largely procedure-based, with both
government and private healthcare providers charging fixed and
regulatedamountsforprocedures.Theriseinhealthcareexpenditure
calls for a rethink of this approach, as well as a close look at the
overall financial sustainability of the Malaysian healthcare system.
Source: World Bank World Development Indicators. “Health expenditure.” (2016)
6-9 HE ALTHCARE
In 2015, National Health and Morbidity Survey also showed that 48 percent
of Malaysians are either overweight or obese, and that 21 percent of the
population smokes13.
The increase in NCDs, amongst other factors, is also driving up healthcare
expenditures including the cost of providing public healthcare. Between 2005
and 2014, Malaysia’s healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP grew
27 percent, a faster pace compared to the global average of 13 percent14. By
2050, public healthcare expenditures are expected to increase twofold with
the changing demographics towards an ageing population15.
Ensuring equitable access is still a challenge. While rural access is improving,
an estimated 1.25 million rural residents notably in East Malaysia still have
limited access to healthcare16, though telemedicine and mobile clinics are
bridging the gap17. Meanwhile, to improve access especially for the low
FIGURE 1• HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURE (% OF GDP) IN MALAYSIA
Healthcare spend (% of GDP)
+27%
5
4.0
4 3.3
2005 2010
Source: Economist Intelligence Unti. “Countries’ Healthcare Soend.” (2016).
Based on available database of 63 countries.
income group, the 1Malaysia Clinic initiative was rolled out to provide low-
cost medical treatment, starting at RM1, in strategic locations. As of 2017,
there are 334 1Malaysia Clinics nationwide18.
Lastly, there is still limited, albeit increasing, attention given to mental
and emotional health. A 2011 WHO study19 found that Malaysia allocates
approximately 0.4 percent of its total healthcare budget to mental health,
while private insurance policies in Malaysia do not offer mental health
coverage. In contrast, Australia spends 7 percent of its federal healthcare
budget on mental health while the UK spends 11 percent of the NHS budget20.
In Malaysia, there is also relatively low awareness of palliative care. A recent
study by Hospis Malaysia found 90 percent of Malaysians had never heard
of palliative care, although 99 percent expressed support for palliative care
once they were made aware21.
4.2
2014
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-10

Nations around the world have begun to emphasise healthy lifestyles and
preventive healthcare (Figure 2) as a means of addressing many of the FIGURE 2• GROWING FOCUS OF GLOBAL HEALTHCARE SPEND ON
challenges above, and Malaysia is taking similar steps. The Ministry of Health PREVENTION
(MOH) is actively striving to promote healthy behaviours via, amongst
others, promulgating the National Strategic Plan for Tobacco Control 2015- Relative global healthcare spend (%)
Prevention
2020, Policy Options to Combat Obesity in Malaysia 2016-2025 and the
100
National Strategic Plan for Active Living 2016-2025. Other authorities have
initiated measures such as the provision of free health screenings through
80
Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) vouchers to assess risk factors and
the launch of the Fit Malaysia campaign to encourage exercise and fitness.
60
Cities have also actively promoted physical activities, with campaigns such
as KL Car-Free Mornings in Kuala Lumpur to encourage cycling in the city.
40

20

0
2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020 2010 2020

Health Care IT Care Therapeutics  Prevention

Provider  Medical devices  Diagnostics

Source: Datamonitor
6-11 HE ALTHCARE

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Over the year-long youth engagement process, the Ministry of Youth & Sports
(MOYS) received more than 1,300 distinct aspirations related to healthcare.
Amongst the most frequently cited aspirations were hopes for Malaysians to
be better educated on their health and well-being; better accountability for
health among Malaysians; better access to healthcare services for all; greater
emphasis on mental and preventive healthcare; and increased utilisation of
advanced technology in the healthcare system.

These raw aspirations were further discussed and deliberated by the TN50
Circles of the Future, which included young doctors and medical professionals,
as well as youth working in fields related to health and fitness.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-12

ACCESS & USE OF SCOPE OF MINDSET & HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE
AFFORDABILITY TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM BEHAVIOUR PROFESSION

“Healthcare services “To have digital healthcare “To be ranked highly “Waiting times in hospitals “By 2050, a third of
to be easily accessible to that extends beyond the among countries for palliative to be reduced as a result all doctors can be
everyone, even in confines of the hospital, such service (hospice care)” of the public having better specialists in any fields.
rural areas” as apps which empower the TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue health awareness and being Specialists to grow as fast
TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue public with medical knowledge” the first gatekeeper of as the number of doctors
TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue “Mementingkan mental their own health” entering the profession”
“Better public healthcare
health in Malaysia” TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue
facilities and better access
to specialists” “To have robotic aid in Perak
Sarawak
primary care to reduce “To have more youths to “To see public healthcare
bottlenecks for generic tests” “Multi-disciplinary approach be aware of their health professionals become
“Perkhidmatan kesihatan Selangor to medicine used; not just by educating them on as well respected as
yang lebih baik seperti doctors, but dietitians, preventative measures” private healthcare”
menyediakan perkhidmatan “By 2050, we should have occupational therapists having Kedah Kedah
kecemasan 24 jam di self-service machines for a larger role in healthcare”
setiap kampung” people to get their prescribed TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue “No more obesity in “To make nursing a
Kedah medication – no more queues Malaysia and reduce desirable profession,
at the pharmacy. We also need “I aspire for us to take mental cardiovascular disease on par with doctors”
“For the gap in healthcare better technology for surgeries through education
health issues seriously... Kelantan
quality between the rich
so that the wounds are not big I wish we can create more and prevention”
and poor to be reduced,
(non-invasive surgeries)” professionals to mitigate Selangor
where people will start
recommending Malaysia over Perak this sensitive issue”
Scandinavian countries” Khazanah Nasional Dialogue “Masyarakat Malaysia
TN50x Doctors’ Dialogue “We need machines that mengamalkan budaya
can scan patients and identify “To have more geriatric kesihatan dan perubatan
“To have universal their illness so that people and special care facilities” yang matang”
coverage in healthcare where in rural areas can get EPF Dialogue Warga Malaysia di Ireland
everyone is protected” medical help without leaving
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue their ‘kampung’” “To provide research and
Terengganu development for traditional
“Mewujudkan skim insurans
and holistic medicine”
rakyat untuk menjamin
Selangor
kesihatan”
Negeri Sembilan
6-13 HE ALTHCARE

3.1
HEALTHCARE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
A Mindset of Personal Health ‘Ownership’
Rather than measuring health by the number of medical centres,
Malaysian youth see that the health of a nation should ultimately
be defined by health outcomes, namely the levels of physical
and mental well-being amongst the population. And in order
to achieve good health outcomes, Malaysian youth aspire for
a future where Malaysia as a nation prioritises health, wellness
and illness prevention at every level: the individual, society and
government.

INDIVIDUALS SOCIETY GOVERNMENT

Malaysians are health-conscious. Schools, social groups, civil society and Health and well-being a foundation
We track, maintain and take corporations actively enable healthy lifestyles across all policies and regulations,
responsibility of our health status and personal health ownership not just healthcare

INDIVIDUALS
Malaysian youth aspire for a future where
Malaysians have a high level of personal
accountability and ownership over their health.
Youth see personal health ownership as a set
of behaviours, which includes active health
monitoring; consistently practising healthy eating,
exercise, and good mental health; and avoiding
high-risk activities such as smoking, substance
abuse22 and unsafe sex.
To induce personal health ownership among
Malaysians, the TN50 Circles of the Future
suggest working on people’s social motivations.
For example, the Circles envision social influencers
playing a big role in making healthy lifestyles
attractive and health monitoring ordinary practice.
The Circles also hope for a nationwide initiative
educating the individual to know and improve
their personal health indicators, with some
Circle Members proposing social comparisons
and economic incentives to encourage health
improvements.
SOCIETY
Society has a significant role towards enabling
healthy lifestyle and inculcating personal health
ownership in Malaysians. As such, the Circles
feel that corporates and schools should have
a system that encourages and rewards health
accountability. For instance, incentives or
recognition can be awarded to employees who
show improvement in their body mass index
(BMI). School assessments can take into account
students’ health indicators and their participation
in health-related activities. Role models among the
community and an active civil society will also be
major influencers to facilitate the understanding
and eventually the practice of health ownership.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-14
GOVERNMENT
Viewing health and wellness as encompassing
all facets of living, the youth aspire for health
to be a cornerstone of all government policies
and regulations. Many noted the importance of
urban planning and design in enabling healthier
lifestyles. In the vision, future cities will be highly
conducive to walking and cycling, with purpose-
built walking and cycling lanes. All public areas will
be non-smoking by default, with greater numbers
of safe and accessible public parks provided. Even
communicable diseases like dengue would be
prevented through effective urban design. These
aspirations suggest that institutions other than
MOH will need to take joint accountability for
health targets and indicators, for example local
authorities.
Another example proposed by the youth is to
discourage unhealthy dietary options such as
sugary drinks and processed food via taxation.
The proceeds from these ‘sin taxes’ would be
channelled towards fostering health ownership
mindsets or as healthcare subsidies and financial
support for the low income. Some youth also
called for outright banning of sales of unhealthy
products by 2050, particularly cigarettes.
6-15 HE ALTHCARE

CASE STUDY

FINLAND: CROSS-AGENCY POLICY MAKING AND EXECUTION FOR TARGET

HEALTH OUTCOME

In the late 2000s, one in five five-year-olds in many Finland cities
were overweight or obese. Authorities observed that school facilities
had varying levels of quality, contributing to a disparity in children’s
health. This sparked a Government initiative involving childcare,
education, nutrition, recreation and urban planning departments
within the municipalities to ensure all schools provided the same
quality of services.
The urban planning department improved school playgrounds and
the recreation department implemented more physical activities in
schools. Nutritionists worked with schools to eliminate sugary snacks
and serve mandated healthy meals. The health department instituted
comprehensive yearly health examinations in schools which included
parental education on healthy eating. As a result, Finland reduced
the proportion of five-year olds who are overweight or obese by half
within six years.

Source: World Health Organisation. “Finland curbs childhood obesity by integrating health in all policies.” (2015); World Health Organisation. “Health in All Policies: Seizing opportunities, implementing
policies.” (2013).

3.2
HEALTHCARE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Accessible, Affordable and Sustainable Healthcare
GEOGRAPHIC REACH
Increased accessibility to remote
areas, enabled by technology
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-16
Malaysian youth aspire for widespread access to affordable
and high-quality healthcare regardless of a person’s location,
nationality and socioeconomic status. At the same time, the
youth, particularly those in the medical line, also recognise the
demands placed on funding, with many urging a rethink of the
way we manage healthcare costs and financing.
ACCESS FOR THE EFFECTIVE COST
VULNERABLE MANAGEMENT
Comprehensive coverage for low income Value-based healthcare (VBHC) system
earners and marginalised populations, that focuses on delivering high quality care
including the stateless at the lowest possible cost
6-17 HE ALTHCARE
GEOGRAPHIC REACH
To ensure healthcare access particularly to
populations in remote rural areas, the Circles
envision a future where telemedicine and AI-
enabled diagnosis is the norm. Current examples
of delivery of health services to remote rural areas
include teleconsultation and mobile medical
teams23. Many aspire to see affordable home-
based care enabled and pervasive by 2050,
eliminating any geographical barrier in accessing
and receiving medical attention.
ACCESS FOR THE
VULNERABLE
The Circles view access to quality healthcare to
be a human right and should be provided to all
without any discrimination. As such, they aspire
for equitable access for the vulnerable such as
the disabled, elderly, those with special needs, as
well as non-citizens which include the stateless
and undocumented immigrants.
To enable equitable access, the Circles propose to
have legislation that guarantees the provision of
basic healthcare for all who seek care particularly
the undocumented, given that citizens are already
covered by subsidised public healthcare. This is
important as diseases do not discriminate based
on immigration status and there will be negative
spill over into the community if communicable
diseases are not treated. In addition, this will
enable more effective management of healthcare
costs in the medium and long term.
EFFECTIVE COST
MANAGEMENT
Malaysia’s healthcare expenditure is expected
to continue rising as a result of population
growth and an ageing population. To manage
expenditures more effectively, the Circles and
youth working in the healthcare sector aspire for
Malaysia to shift towards a healthcare system that
charges based on outcomes. Under this approach,
also known as the value-based healthcare
(VBHC) model, patients would no longer be
charged by the number of visits or procedures, but
based on the outcome or the quality of care that
healthcare providers deliver. This pricing model
would compel healthcare providers to focus on
the most effective combination of healthcare.
The price could also be set with the utilisation
of advanced data analytics on the patient’s
pre-existing conditions, age, gender and other
demographic factors. For example, a patient
with diabetes would pay based on how well their
disease is controlled, even if it means paying one
price for treatments that are spread out across 20
years. Doctors and medical providers would then
be encouraged to use data analytics to identify the
most effective treatments and medicine dosages
to save cost and maximise the payment.
To enable the implementation of the VBHC
model, the Circles hope that comprehensive
medical registries will be standardised and
regulated across healthcare institutions. As a
basis for the medical registries, an interconnected
and secure Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
platform, which allows patients and healthcare
professionals to access relevant medical data
wherever and whenever required, would need to
be established.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-18

CASE STUDY

VALUE-BASED HEALTHCARE: SWEDEN

Sweden’s healthcare system produces the best outcomes in Europe
despite healthcare costs (as percentage of GDP) that hovers around
the European average. This is achieved largely through a partial
implementation of value-based healthcare (VBHC) that uses
outcome-dependent reimbursement for specialised care. The registries provide information for effective treatment protocols,
The backbone of Sweden’s VBHC is its collection of detailed disease
registries. These registries contain standardised patient diagnoses,
treatments and clinical results, creating a depository for disease
treatment best practices that are available to healthcare professionals
and the public. Sweden has approximately 100 registries that receive
government funding, with 60 percent of them covering 80 percent
of the target population.
eliminating unnecessary procedures that do not produce effective
outcomes. This in turn allows payers to understand effective treatment
methods and gives providers incentives to produce better outcomes,
keeping waste to a minimum.

Source: BCG Perspectives. “From Concept to Reality: Putting Value-Based Healthcare into Practice in Sweden.” (2010); Economist Intelligence Unit. “Value-based Healthcare Country Snapshot: Sweden” (2016).
6-19 HE ALTHCARE

MALAYSIANS WANT TO MAINTAIN CURRENT HEALTHCARE MODEL BUT LONG-TERM

FUNDING SUSTAINABILITY A CONCERN
According the survey undertaken by MOYS will provide coverage for healthcare delivered by
TN50 Secretariat it found that 60 percent of bothpublicandprivatehealthcareinstitutionsand
respondentswouldliketomaintainthecurrent ensure access to minimum acceptable standards Which healthcare model do you think
public healthcare model, which is financed such as third class wards. For additional coverage Malaysia should adopt?
almost entirely by taxation. However, given such as first and second class wards as well
Malaysia’s rising healthcare expenditure as additional treatments or medication, % respondents
and changing demographics, many youth individuals could top up with supplementary
particularly those working in the healthcare private insurance. 100 Maintain current
sector are concerned about the model’s long- 60% model

term financial sustainability. TN50 Circles advocate a single model applied 80 Mandatory health
insurance
to all Malaysians, but where premium are
60
In order to balance between affordability and designed to accommodate affordability for low Out-of-pocket
sustainability, the TN50 Circles of the Future and middle income groups. The model will also payments for each
40
treatment
suggestedshiftingfromthecurrenthealthcare have a strong safety net mechanism, such as 26%
taxpayermodelintoaself-fundingmandatory tax-funded subsidies, to ensure coverage for the 20 Don’t know/
9% No View
health insurance model. In the new model, mostvulnerablegroupswhoareunabletopaythe 0 6%
Malaysians would subscribe to a national national health insurance.
health insurance managed and regulated by
the Ministry of Health (MOH). The insurance

Source: Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048 survey participants, June – July 2017
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-20

GREATER SCOPE BETTER UNDERSTANDING

Specialty services such as mental health, The public understands health holistically,
elderly care and palliative care are more embracing physical, mental and social
accessible to everyone well-being without stigmatisation

3.3
HEALTHCARE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
A Comprehensive Public Healthcare System
As the world increasingly focuses on quality of life, Malaysian
youth aspire for the public healthcare system to grant equal
emphasis on physical, mental and social well-being.
6-21 HE ALTHCARE

GREATER SCOPE BETTER UNDERSTANDING

Recognising that greater scope is key in a
changing society, the Circles propose that the
government provide higher coverage to specialty
care services in every district. Treatment centres
and care services for palliative care, elderly
care, special needs, rehabilitation and mental
wellness should be present in every district by
2050 and promoted widely to the public. Making
these services available in community centres
for example, would help increase accessibility to
holistic and affordable healthcare. These facilities
would be supported by teams of medics and
welfare workers, who would prepare coordinated
treatment plans which combine medical and non-
medical interventions to help patients address
broader social issues and manage their illnesses
at home.
The different approach to public healthcare would
also yield significant financial benefits in the longer
term. For example, the services of well-trained
welfare workers can reduce recurring patient visits
to the emergency or outpatient wards. Greater
at-home treatment, enabled by technology and
locally based teams of therapists and welfare
workers, could reduce the the pressures on GP
clinics24. The Circles hope that more emphasis
and focus will be provided beyond physical care
to ensure citizens have access to the specialised
care they need.
Creating a Malaysia where the understanding
of health is holistic will require a shift in how
the majority of the public perceives health. The
Circles hope for a future where Malaysians see
mental health as a legitimate and important
component of health and where there is no
societal stigmatisation against seeking treatments
for such conditions as clinical depression, anxiety,
schizophrenia and other mood or personality
disorders.
To enable the public to be open to discuss their
well-being holistically, the Circles propose that
healthcare professionals help educate the public
on health beyond physical treatment. They
should convey the message that mental and
social well-being are also key aspects of health,
and encourage the public to seek consultation in
the same manner as they would for conventional
ailments.

DID YOU KNOW?

One in every three adults (4.2M out of 14.4M) in Malaysia is grappling with mental health issues, whether they realise it or not, according to
the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2015.This number may even be an underestimation due to the stigma that surrounds the condition.

Signsandsymptomsofmentalproblemscomeinmanyformsincludingprolongedsadness,constantfeelingofirritattion,inabilitytoconcentrate,
and feeling excessive fear, worry and anxiety. Other red flags include loss of interest in daily undertakings, becoming withdrawn as well as a
drastic change in eating and sleeping habits.

With enough help and support, experts say that the majority of patients can be restored to normality. Mental health needs to be accepted as
a valid component of health to ensure that sufferers receive timely and needful medical assistance.
Source: Ministry of Health.“National Health and Morbidity Survey.”(2015);“Depression: 40% of Malaysians will suffer from mental health issues in their lifetime.”The Star Online, April 2, 2017;“One in three Malaysian
adults struggling with mental health issues.” New Straits Times, September 26, 2016.

3.4
HEALTHCARE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 4
Innovative and Alternative Methods Practiced
INNOVATIVE
Malaysian medicine utilises
cutting edge technology and
medical innovations
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-22
In the future, Malaysian youth hope to see innovative
technologies such as robotic aid and gene therapy, among
others, to be widely adopted. Malaysian youth also aspire for
higher levels of personalisation in patient care, where treatments
are customised based on patient’s unique genetic, social and
environmental factors. Recognising the wealth of alternative
methods practiced in the country, the youth also hope for better
integration between conventional treatments and alternative
treatments that have been certified as safe and suitable for
adoption.
STRONG REVIEW INTEGRATION
MECHANISM
Alternative medicine seamlessly
Strong review process in place to integrated with mainstream medicine
reconcile medical innovations with ethical
and religious concerns
6-23 HE ALTHCARE
INNOVATIVE
Malaysian youth aspire for Malaysian medicine
to be at the forefront of medical innovations, both
in delivering tech-driven healthcare as well as
generating homegrown medical innovations. Youth
hope to see speedy adoption of the best medical
technologies produced by the global scientific
community in Malaysian healthcare institutions.
To encourage local medical innovation, the Circles
highlight the need for sufficient funding for R&D
and commercialisation as well as collaborations
between the public and private sectors to make
critical investments in this sector.
Youth also want to see consumers empowered
to understand the medical options available to
them. Empowered consumers would demand
accountability from health care innovators,
pressuring medical providers to generate
innovations towards cost-effectiveness and
quality of treatment.
FIGURE 3• POTENTIAL FUTURE MEDICAL INNOVATIONS FOR ETHICAL AND RELIGIOUS RECONCILIATION
ELIMINATION OF DISEASES
DNA modified, people immunized from
diseases like diabetes
GENETIC MODIFICATION OF
HUMAN EMBRYO
STRONG REVIEW MECHANISM
Malaysian youth hope that the country will
increasingly integrate cutting-edge and non-
traditional treatment methods. Circles members
highlighted that this will require broader
foresight and assessments of the different
treatment methods, since technologies or
treatment methods that appear to be societally
unacceptable today may potentially be the norm
in the future. For example, assisted reproduction
technology such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
and sperm cryopreservation were not initially
recognised in Malaysia, but are now widely
practised; in fact IVF is one of the six top
treatments in Malaysia for medical tourists25.
AI AND SURGEONS SAVE LIVES
Surgeries performed with lower errors and
reduced workload for practitioners
AI-ENABLED ROBOTIC
SURGEONS
To address potential ethical and religious concerns
regarding the adoption of non-conventional
methods, the Circles propose the creation of an
independent review body to assess the ethics
and religious acceptability of cutting edge or
alternative medical innovations, including those
still under development today. An international
peer review system would assist in validating
the decisions made by this body. By having an
appropriate review process, the Circles hope that
Malaysians may benefit from such treatments and
not lag behind other nations in adoption.
SECOND LIFE FOR THE DISABLED
Disabled or chronically ill are given second life
with a new body
HEAD TRANSPLANT
AND CLONING

INTEGRATION
The Circles hope that selected alternative
methods can be used together with conventional
medicine to achieve a better healthcare outcome.
Recognising Malaysia’s vast biodiversity and
diverse cultural heritage, the Circles highlight
the example of traditional and complementary
medicine (TCM). To enable the integration of
TCM with conventional medicine, the Circles
suggest that the government prioritise more
investment in the research and development of
TCM to validate clinical outcomes. They also
propose more joint training of TCM in medical
education, continuing professional development
of healthcare professionals on TCM and strong
regulation to standardise the TCM market.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-24
TRADITIONAL & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE (TCM)
Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) means a form of health-related practices
designed to prevent, treat, manage illnesses, and preserve the mental and physical well-
being of individuals. It includes such practices as traditional Malay medicine, traditional
Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, homeopathy and complementary therapies,
and excludes medical or dental practices currently employed by registered medical or dental
practitioners.
TCM is increasingly gaining mainstream global relevance. Reasons for this include a shift in
focus from clinical to preventive medicine, a growing wellness drive, and growth in the middle
class Asian population with a strong historic affinity towards traditional and complementary
medicine making this segment of healthcare highly relevant. The TCM market is growing at
~13% p.a. globally with Europe and Asia Pacific representing ~60% of global share.
As identified in RMK-11, Malaysia is well-positioned to become a leader in TCM. Malaysia
potentially has a lot to offer because of its rich biodiversity arising from vast rainforest coverage
that hosts various traditional herbs. Moreover, the Malaysian market, taking advantage of the
country’s diverse mix of cultures, has traditionally seen a wide array of traditional practices
such as Malay post-natal care, Chinese acupuncture, and Indian ayurveda. In fact, TCM is
so widely practised that there are 14TCM units available in Malaysian hospitals. Additionally,
there is active R&D, such as that supported by funding allocated through the Intensified
Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) programme.
Source: Euromonitor “Herbal Traditional Products in Malaysia.” (2016); PEMANDU “Rancangan Malaysia Ke-11” (2016); Ministry of Health
Malaysia “Traditional & Complementary Medicine Division Portal”;“Complementary Healing” New Straits Times, December 28, 2016.
6-25 HE ALTHCARE
4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED
BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH
Eat more (healthy food) & play more
This programme for primary school students is aimed at building lifelong
healthy habits and incorporating health in schools. Focusing on hands-on
experience, the program includes lessons on growing food and preparing
nutritious meals, mobility breaks between classes, greater emphasis on
physical education classes and providing drinking water refill facilities.
Through this program, the proposer hopes that Malaysians could start
changing their habits for life.
Nationwide wellness tracking system
A nationwide system is proposed that encourages Malaysia citizens to record
and submit their personal health tracking data to enable assessment of the
country’s health performance as a whole. Whenever any health indicator falls
outside the recommended range, the system will provide suggestions to the
user on possible actions to improve the situation. The user will also be able
to share the information with any healthcare professional for consultation
or treatment. As the technology improves, the number and quality of health
indicators will expand and give a fuller picture of the health of individuals
and the country.
‘The City is Going Healthy’ initiative
An initiative to reduce obesity and smoking rates by encouraging friendly
competitions between cities and towns. Local authorities will sign up residents
into the initiative, which then tracks the cities’ and towns’ comparative weight
loss and smoking reduction progress. With this initiative, it is hoped that
local authorities will be encouraged to make changes to urban design and
management to facilitate more healthy lifestyles such as increasing covered
pedestrian walkways, increasing commerce of affordable healthy food and
limiting smoking areas.
MY Community Garden
An initiative to Increase the availability of affordable healthy food in
underserved areas. The idea is to dedicate small plots of land or common
areas in flats as community gardens, encouraging citizens to come together,
grow and consume healthier food. Surpluses could also be sold in weekly
farmer markets, providing extra income for underserved communities.
Other ideas collected include a health boot camp for students and parents
with workshops to inculcate healthy behaviours, and a Big Brother/ Big Sister
programme in which selected national athletes ‘adopt’ and lead students
towards a more active lifestyle.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-26
6-27 HE ALTHCARE

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 6-28
6-29 HE ALTHCARE
FOOTNOTES
1. World Health Organisation (WHO). “Health Status Statistics: Mortality.” (2017) [Health-Adjusted Life
Expectancy (HALE) is defined as the average number of years that a person can expect to live in “full
health” free of disease and/or injury.]
2. Based on Bloomberg Most Efficient Health Care Index, which measures life expectancy (60%), relative
and absolute per capita cost of health care (30% and 10% respectively).
3. The Nielsen Company. “Global Health and Wellness Report.” (2015)
4. Goldman Sachs. “Millennials: Coming of Age.”
5. The World Bank. “Life expectancy at birth, total (years).” [The indicator improved from 72.84 years to
75.22 years from 2000 to 2015 for Malaysia.]
6. The World Bank. “Mortality rate, infant (per 1,000 live births).” [The indicator dropped from 14.3 to 7.0
from 1990 to 2015 for Malaysia.]
7. “A universal health coverage challenge”, The Star Malaysia, November 20, 2016.
8. Malaysian Medical Association (MMA). “Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals
and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) (Amendment) Order 2013.” (2013)
9. “Bitter bills to swallow”, The Star Malaysia, April 15, 2017. [Premium for Foreign Worker Hospitalisation
& Surgical Insurance Scheme (SPIKPA) is RM120 annually with a coverage of up to RM20,000. Whereas,
Refugee Medical Insurance (Remedi) has a premium of RM165 (individual) or RM207 (family) a year,
with a coverage of up to RM10,000.]
10. Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). “Malaysia Crowned ‘Destination Of The Year’ In Medical
Tourism for the Third Consecutive Year.” (2017)
11. Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia. “National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015.” (2015) [Major NCD
risks are obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high blood cholesterol.]
12. Ng, M. et al. “Global, regional, and national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adults
during 1980–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.” The Lancet.
(2014)
13. Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia. “National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015.” (2015)
14. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). “Countries’ Healthcare Spend.” (2016) [Based on available database
of 63 countries.]
15. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “Projecting OECD Health and
Long-term Care Expenditures.” (2006)
16. The World Bank. “Population, total.” (2016); “A universal health coverage challenge”, The Star Malaysia,
November 20, 2016. [Estimated based on Malaysian population of 31M with 25% rural areas where 16%
rural population having limited access to healthcare within 5km radius.]
17. Malaysian Medical Resources. “Telemedicine in Malaysia - coming of age.” (2016)
18. “Klinik 1Malaysia, in the spirit of primary healthcare”, Astro Awani, July 10, 2017.
19. World Health Organisation (WHO). “Mental Health Atlas 2011 - Malaysia.” (2011)
20. University of Sydney. “Mental health budget, 2017: too little, unfair, lacks coherence.” (2017); The King’s
Fund. “Has the government put mental health on an equal footing with physical health?” (2015)
21. Hospis Malaysia. “Palliative Care Needs Assessment: Malaysia.” (2016)
22. World Health Organisation (WHO). “Substance abuse.” [Substance abuse refers to the harmful or
hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.]
23. Perumall, V.V. et al. “Smartphones in remote medicine and daily neurosurgery: The Sabah update.” Journal
of Neurosurgery. (2015)
24. “The health service taking a holistic approach to patients”, BBC News, February 9, 2017.
25. International Medical Travel Journal. “A Million Medical Tourists for Malaysia in 2017.” (2017)
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-30
6-31 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

LIVING
ENVIRON ENT
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-32

T
6-33 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

SECTION OVERVIEW: LIVING ENVIRONMENT

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

While improving, safety, public transportation,
green spaces and city vibrancy have room for
further improvement to become world-class
CITIES OF THE
FUTURE
Amongst the World’s Most Liveable Cities
• Safe and highly connected

• Sustainable cities that promote vibrant, inclusive and healthy
lifestyles

Rural identity threatened by urban-style Modern yet Distinctive Towns and Villages
development. Some rural areas still lacking in
amenities and access to public services • Authentic and thriving rural identities

• Excellent basic infrastructure and public amenities on par with
TOWNS AND those in cities
VILLAGES OF THE
FUTURE • Greater road and rail networks to connect towns, villages and
cities, as well as bridging the digital divide
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-34

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

AMONGST TOP 20 MOST

SUSTAINABLE ALL RURAL AREAS IN

A PERCEPTION OF
CITIES IN THE WORLD MALAYSIAN CITIES
MALAYSIA EQUIPPED
WITH LOW WASTE WITH CORE
CRIME INDEX GENERATION PER CAPITA,
AMONG THE TOP 20 IN
INFRASTRUCTURE
SCORE TOP-RATED AIR AND WATER
WORLD CITY INCLUDING ELECTRICITY,
IN THE SINGLE DIGITS QUALITY, AND EXTENSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WATER, AND INTERNET
GREEN SPACE PER CAPITA INDICES CONNECTIVITY

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

INTEGRATED CARE
AND COMMUNITY HUB
Redesigned community centres
to empower the elderly and
disabled, and to integrate them
into the community
KAMPUNG PINTAR
MALAYSIA
Public-private collaboration
to enhance economic and
social mobility in rural areas by
delivering utilities, governed to
prioritise local interests
PUBLIC SPACE REPURPOSED SPACE
ACTIVATION FOR AFFORDABLE
PROGRAMME HOUSING
Repurposing of underutilised Increase stock of affordable
property for community use, housing by renovating and
based on public input converting underutilised or
vacant buildings and spaces in
city centres
‘DIGITAL VILLAGES’
ACROSS MALAYSIA
Establishment of ‘digital’
villages across Malaysia, where
innovation-related competitions
are held to inspire a movement
of young innovators and
entrepreneurs within the town or
village, leveraging the locality’s
competitive advantage
6-35 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT
1 INTRODUCTION
Our living environment is a key contributor to
our sense of well-being.
Increases in income levels, population density, human mobility and education
have created a growing demand for well-designed and highly connected
living environments. People increasingly expect to live, work, play and learn
in integrated, intelligently designed and well-run cities, towns and villages.
Urban layout, building design, greenery, transportation, digital infrastructure
and vibrant social activity all contribute towards people’s well-being.
However, a coherent vision and reliable execution are necessary for
cities, towns and villages to create these environments. A first-rate living
environment can help a city, town or village generate higher growth, income
and living standards1. Declining or stagnant environments, on the other hand,
can produce or exacerbate safety concerns, congestion, poor connectivity,
unsustainable energy use, pollution, unhealthy living conditions and
lacklustre civic participation. Moving forward, the youth envision Malaysian
cities, towns and villages that can support high levels of well-being while
ultimately becoming the most liveable places on the globe.
 6-36

2
TN50 Youth Canvas

MALAYSIA TODAY

FIGURE 1• SIZE OF POPULATION BY URBAN AND RURAL IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIAN CITIES
Population by urban-rural (M)
Malaysia’s urban landscape has grown dramatically in step with economic
growth, with the rate of urbanisation increasing from 20 percent in 1950 to 60
77 percent in 2015. Today, Malaysia’s urban populations cluster primarily +1%
41
around the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, with other population centres
in regional cities such as Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching. Looking forward 33
35
40
to 2050, Malaysia is expected to become an increasingly urban society: +2%
the United Nations projects that urban areas will house 85 percent of the 28 35
23
population in 20502. 25
20 14
14
While this presents opportunities to improve the nation’s living environments, 5
it may also present or exacerbate today’s challenges. Among the challenges 9 8 8 7 6
of rapid urbanisation identified by the Ministry of Urban Well-being are 0
inadequate affordable housing, overburdened public amenities, increasing 1980 2000 Today 2025 2050
urban poor, traffic congestion, environmental pollution and shrinking green
areas3. Shaping urban living environments appropriately will become Rural Urban Source: United Nations (UN) Population Prospects
increasingly important to the well-being of the majority of Malaysians.
6-37 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

FIGURE 2• KUALA LUMPUR RANKING ON EIU BEST CITIES DIMENSIONS

Green Space1 Sprawl2 Natural Assets3 Cultural Assets4 Connectivity5 Isolation6

Score (1=best-5=worst) Score (1=best-5=worst) Score (1=best-5=worst) Score (1=best-5=worst) Score (1=best-5=worst) Score (1=best-5=worst)
5.0 5.0
3.7 3.7 4.6 3.5
4 4 4 4 4 4 4.2
2.9 2.7 2.8 -2.0 2.8 -1.7
-2.1 2.7 3.3
2.5 +0.2 -0.8
3.0
1.9 1.9 -0.9
2 1.6 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 0 0
Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average

Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average

Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average

Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average

Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average

Kuala Lumpur

ASEAN Average

Top 5 Average
Note: ASEAN cities includes Singapore, KL, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, & Phnom Penh; Top 5 cities includes Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Osaka, Paris, and Sydney.
1. Public green spaces in city 2. Spread of urban fabric 3. Natural features within 100km of city 4. # of UNESCO World Heritage sites within or in vicinity of city 5. Number of international and
regional links 6. Number of large cities (pop. > 750,000) in 200km radius. Source: EIU Best Cities Ranking

Recognising this, the government introduced the National Physical Plan In measures of sprawl, which is defined as the spread of the urban fabric,
in 2010 as a long-term strategic framework for national spatial planning. Kuala Lumpur is comparable to the five most liveable cities on the Best
The Plan includes measures to shape the direction and pattern of land use, Cities Index6. Sprawl is an important element of liveability, as a higher score
biodiversity conservation and development in Peninsular Malaysia. State indicates excessive spreading out of the urban fabric which may reduce
Structural Plans (SPs) and Local Plans (LPs) build on this framework to accessibility, encourage private car use, make public transportation networks
guide policies on development and land use at the state and local levels. more costly and threaten the natural environment around the city7. While
Through the Economic Transformation Plan (ETP), the government has sprawl is currently manageable, the Klang Valley, especially Kuala Lumpur, is
also announced its vision to transform greater Kuala Lumpur into one of experiencing significant population growth which cannot be contained within
the top 20 most liveable cities in the world by 20204. Malaysia has made the city limits8. Sprawl will likely increase as people move away from the city
significant progress towards improving urban living environments, as the centre to the suburbs and the lower-populated outlying towns in Selangor.
nation’s cities are some of the most liveable in the region, with the EIU
Liveability Rankings rating Kuala Lumpur the second most liveable city in The shortage of affordable housing is a major reason for the out-migration
Southeast Asia, after Singapore5. to suburbs. A Bank Negara study found that most Malaysians cannot afford
to purchase houses. House prices have risen much faster than income
Like other Malaysian cities, however, Kuala Lumpur faces challenges in its levels, making house prices in Malaysia ‘seriously unaffordable’, with a
efforts to improve its standing across the six indicators included in the EIU Median Multiple (ratio of median house price to the median household
Best Cities Index (Figure 2). income) above 4 times between 2004 and 2014 (Figure 3)9. Other countries
 TN50 Youth Canvas 6-38

FIGURE 3• HOUSE PRICES IN MALAYSIA

Median Multiple for Malaysia Median Multiple Approach

Affordability Thresholds

House Price-to-
Rating
income Ratio
4.37 4.40
4.33 Severely
4.41 5.1 & Above
Unafffordable
Seriously
4.1 to 5.0
Unafffordable
Moderately
3.1 to 4.0
Unaffordable
4.02
Affordable 3.0 & Below
2004 2007 2009 2012 2014

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia. “Annual Report”. (2016)

including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand face
similar challenges10. The government is attempting to address the issue with
affordable housing schemes such as PR1MA, and by tightening regulations
on housing speculation such as imposing the full real property gains tax
and higher price threshold for foreign buyers11. Addressing this issue will be
critically important in checking the growth of sprawl and improving social
inequality.
and rejuvenate a 66-acre urban forest park in the middle of the city, while the
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is leading efforts to increase the green space
per capita from 8.5m2 to the World Health Organization’s recommended
level of 9.0m2 13. The River of Life project was launched in 2011 to rehabilitate
Sungai Klang and Sungai Gombak through river cleaning and beautification.
To enable city residents to enjoy the greenery however, interspersing green
areas and creating more small parks across cities would be needed.

Malaysian cities also face the risk of becoming less green. Green Space
(defined as public green spaces in the city) and Natural Assets (defined
as access to natural features within 100 km of the city) in Kuala Lumpur
are rated significantly lower than the five best cities, on the EIU Best Cities
Index. Green spaces within Malaysian cities tend to be large but far apart,
such as Kuala Lumpur boasts the Perdana Botanical Gardens and KLCC Park.
Significant greening and rejuvenation efforts are underway to address this
issue. In Kuala Lumpur, for instance, the Greater Kuala Lumpur Initiative
has undertaken a greening programme to plant 100,000 trees in the city by
202012, the Taman Tugu project led by Khazanah Nasional seeks to conserve
Kuala Lumpur lags behind the top five cities in terms of cultural assets,
which is defined as the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites within
the vicinity of the city. Rapid urban development puts many cultural and
community spaces such as heritage buildings at risk of demolition14. George
Town in Penang, for example, risks losing its standing as a heritage city15.
Organisations such as Badan Warisan Malaysia and Persatuan Arkitek
Malaysia continuously work to preserve heritage buildings or to preserve
heritage elements in development projects16. These initiatives often struggle,
however, with the high costs of occupying and maintaining heritage property,
and limitations on generating revenue from the asset17.
6-39 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

Malaysia’s infrastructure is among the best in the world, with its infrastructure Recognising the critical role of public transportation in offsetting traffic
ranked 24th in the world on the WEF Global Competitiveness Index 2016- congestion23, the government has recently invested heavily to provide wider
201718. Concerns persist, however, about the state of city roads and the risk of public transportation networks such as the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit
flash floods from poor waste management19. The government acknowledges (MRT) and an extension of the existing Light Rail Transit (LRT) network.
these issues and is looking into making maintenance culture an important Moving forward, it will be essential to continue improving first and last
part of the frameworks for budgeting and asset management20. mile connectivity to enhance public transportation24 and infrastructure for
alternative fuel-based cars25.
Ease of mobility is lower in Malaysian cities than in their global counterparts.
Kuala Lumpur rates lower than the world’s five best cities in both connectivity FIGURE 4• PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODAL SHARE IN SELECTED MAJOR
(defined as number of international and regional links) and isolation (defined CITIES
as number of large cities within 200km of city radius). To address this,
Malaysia has made major investments in projects such as the KL-Singapore
High Speed Rail, East Coast Expressway and East Coast Rail Link to improve Public transport modal share (%)
international, regional and local connectivity for most of the major cities
100
within Peninsular Malaysia. In East Malaysia, the government is upgrading Hong Kong Tokyo
Paris
the Pan Borneo highway to considerably improve movement of people and 80 Vienna
Madrid
Shanghai
Seoul
goods between Sabah and Sarawak. Berlin New York
Barcelona
60 London Beijing
Guangzhou Taipei
Singapore
Equally important is mobility within cities. Cars are now the principal mode of 40 Sydney Chicago
getting around major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, with mass transit options Melbourne
such as urban rail transit systems and extensive bus networks supplementing 20 Kuala Lumpur
Penang
the daily commutes, particularly in the capital. In both Kuala Lumpur and
0
Penang, however, use of public transportation is relatively low given their
0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000
population density (Figure 4). At the same time, the use of private vehicles
in Malaysia is high, with only Brunei exceeding Malaysia’s number of motor Population Density (person/km2)
vehicle per capita in Southeast Asia21. This has increasingly worsened traffic Source: Land Transport Authority Singapore 2011 (Modal Share)
congestion and air quality22.

Given the rising importance of the digital economy as well as digital public
services, digital connectivity has become an essential requirement for life.
Malaysia has made good progress in this area with high rates of mobile
broadband penetration and for affordability of fixed and mobile broadband26.
The Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) Intelligence report
classifies Malaysia as a ‘transition digital economy’, ahead of Southeast
Asian peers excluding Singapore. While Malaysia is making good progress,
there is room to expand affordable internet for all Malaysians, particularly
those in rural areas27.
Public safety in Malaysia is improving. Malaysia was ranked 31 out of 60
nations studied in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index in 201728. Crimes such
as robbery and burglary fell by 45 percent from 2010 to 2015, thanks in
part to initiatives such as the Safe City Programme, which focuses on crime
prevention through environmental design principles; the Omnipresence
programme, which mobilises personnel from various other law enforcement
agencies aside from the police force, such as The People’s Volunteer Corps
(RELA) and Malaysia Civil Defence Force (JPAM)29; and the Community
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-40
Policing Programme, which establishes close cooperation between citizens
and the police to identify and prioritise problems of crime and social
disorder30. Incidents of car theft decreased by an additional 10 percent in
2015, following a 20 percent reduction in 2014 as the result of a focused
move to cripple major car theft syndicates31. These efforts have led to a
decline in the number of cases to 112,354 in 2016 from the 2009 baseline of
209,817 cases. While these efforts have improved the Perception of Crime
Indicator (PCI) to 61 percent in 2016 from 80 percent in 2015, public safety
remains among Malaysians’ greatest concerns32.
The importance of these issues for the living environment increases when
viewed against the backdrop of 2050. Population growth and higher
urbanisation rate will strain demands on city resources. Technological
progress such as the rise of ‘smart city’ technology, and changing habits
of digital consumption such as data-sharing, will offer opportunities for
improving the liveability of Malaysian cities and the well-being of urban
residents.
6-41 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

MALAYSIAN TOWNS AND VILLAGES

An estimated eight million Malaysians or 24 percent of the national
population live in rural areas today. Most rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia
have access to major highways, electricity, and water33. In the remote or
less developed areas of the Peninsular and in East Malaysia, however,
geographical constraints such as thicker jungle and mountainous terrain
increase the difficulty building amenities.
The government has long prioritised rural development to improve the social
and economic well-being of the rural community. The Tenth Malaysia Plan
(RMK-10) prioritised rural development and rural basic infrastructure to
enhance accessibility and inclusivity. The Eleventh Malaysia Plan (RMK-11)
continues this focus to build on initial efforts and strengthen implementation
mechanisms among relevant agencies34.
Significant efforts have been made to improve basic infrastructure in Malaysia
towns and villages to improve accessibility, utilities and public amenities.
In terms of accessibility, rural road coverage expanded by 11.7 percent from
45,905 kilometres in 2009 to 51,262 kilometres in 2014. In Sarawak, 250
kilometres of ex-logging roads were upgraded to provide accessibility to
31,512 people in underserved rural areas. In terms of utilities, coverage of
rural electricity and water supply has reached 97.6 percent and 93.8 percent
respectively. Some towns and villages today still lack connectivity, however,
and have limited access to supplies of water and electricity, especially in
rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak. 19.4 percent of houses in Sabah and 18.3
percent in Sarawak have yet to be supplied with clean and treated water,
while 5.9 percent of houses in Sabah and 9 percent in Sarawak are still not
supplied with electricity35. Other basic services such as waste management
and sewage systems are also unavailable in certain locations.

FIGURE 5• RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE COVERAGE IN MALAYSIA

Rural Road Coverage (km) Rural Electricity Coverage (% houses) Rural Water Supply Coverage (% houses)

5,606 77.0% 59.0%

Sabah 7,246 Sabah 94.1% Sabah 80.6%

4,565 67.0% 59.0%

Sarawak Sarawak Sarawak
5,885 91.0% 81.7%

Peninsular 35,734 Peninsular 99.5% Peninsular 90.0%

Malaysia 38,131 Malaysia 99.8% Malaysia 98.8%

2009 2014 Source: Economic Planning Unit. “Strategy Paper 4: Transforming Rural Areas to Uplift Wellbeing of Rural Communities”, 2015

Rural internet access is another critical infrastructure requirement.
Household broadband penetration rates in Sabah and Sarawak stood at
52.8 percent and 53.4 percent respectively, compared to Kuala Lumpur which
the highest rate at 115.7 percent in 201536. To bridge the digital divide, the
government launched the Rural Broadband (RBB) initiative, which aims to
provide broadband infrastructure with speed up to 4Mbps in underserved
areas within rural districts37.
Lack of physical and digital connectivity has repercussions on rural incomes.
In less accessible areas, economic activity is declining because of the
difficulty of bringing rural produce to large marketplaces in urban areas.
Rural residents also lack the information and bargaining power they need
to command better terms and returns for their agricultural produce, which
keep their living standards lower than they should be. Pua Kumbu cloth, for
example, is sold in international fashion centres, but only a small proportion
of the revenue returns to the villagers who create it38.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-42
Modernised amenities should not mean the loss of identity but nevertheless,
Malaysian towns and villages are susceptible to the encroachment of urban-
style development. Many rural towns today, such as Janda Baik in Pahang,
trade their rural identity for urban-style economic development39. In the
context of greater urbanisation and questions surrounding the status of
rural areas, towns and villages have had to grapple with how to balance
identity retention with development. Initiatives such as the Ministry of
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry’s My Kampung My Future have been
designed to empower Malaysians in rural areas to thrive according to local
aspirations. Beneficiary villages such as Kampung Kundur Hulu in Negeri
Sembilan have attracted former residents to return and undertake economic
activity, while preserving the traditional character of the village40. These
initiatives however, are top-down and require large amounts of funding
and coordination. New locally-led-and-run strategies for sustainable rural
development are necessary for Malaysian towns and villages to prosper in
the long term.
6-43 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Malaysian youth aspire for more liveable cities that are vibrant, inclusive,
safe and well-connected. They also hope for better rural development, where
towns and villages across Malaysia can retain their character but also thrive
economically, with all the amenities available in cities.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-44
6-45 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT
SAFETY
“Aspire for Malaysia - specifically
Selangor and KL - to rank better on global
rankings with regards to crime rates”
Young Corporate Malaysians Dialogue
“We should feel safe cycling on
the road - road safety for cyclist”
Warga Sukan Dialogue
“Lebih banyak taman rekreasi
yang selamat”
Johor
“Aspire to see a Malaysia with no gates - an
open community where people feel safe to
walk out of their homes”
MaGIC Dialogue
“Women must be able to walk about at any
hour and feel totally safe”
Womens Dialogue
“To have safer public transport
in Malaysia”
KTAR Dialogue
AFFORDABILITY
“Orang muda mampu dan dapat peluang
untuk memiliki rumah sendiri”
Dialog NGO
“Aspirasi saya adalah untuk wujudkan
lebih banyak perumahan kos mampu
milik untuk semua”
Dialog KKR
“To have extensive and cheaper public
transportation”
Women Dialogue
“Mahukan wifi percuma di setiap
pelosok Malaysia”
Perak
“I want to see reasonable housing
price and low-cost houses to be
in livable condition”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue
TRANSPORTATION
“Public transport such as bullet trains and
LRT in rural areas and to have connectivity
between rural areas and urban areas”
Penang
“Kita perlukan kereta api laju untuk
menghubungkan Sabah dan Sarawak”
Sabah
“Pengangkutan awam yang efisien
untuk semua penduduk”
Kedah
“Semoga kerajaan dapat membina
rangkaian pengangkutan awam yang bertaraf
global seiring dengan kepadatan penduduk
yang semakin meningkat”
Johor
“Aspire to see us cutting down on the
time spent in cars and have a walkable city”
MaGIC Dialogue
“Saya mengharapkan Malaysia pada
tahun 2050 ada suatu teknologi yang dapat
mengurangkan kemalangan di jalan raya”
Selangor

HEALTH & LEISURE
“Banyakkan pusat rekreasi dan
akademi sukan di kawasan
perumahan”
Perak
“Taman dan pusat rekreasi yang
dapat dibuka hingga waktu malam”
Wilayah Persekutan
“Setiap perumahan ada kawasan
riadah, contoh: jogging track,
public pool, playground dan
komuniti hall”
Dialog MOF
“A walkable city, breathing
and living city, vibrant, engaging
and green”
KTAR Dialogue
“Luaskan permudahan basikal
dan taman awam”
Wilayah Persekutuan
“Saya harap Malaysia boleh
sediakan persekitaran yang lebih
mesra pejalan kaki, cyclers dan
juga mereka yang suka bersenam”
Perak
ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT
“More green buildings in
development and infrastructure.
To have a green environment, with
sustainable design”
Sabah
“To have buildings that are
sustainable and implement
technological advancement in
construction”
Negeri Sembilan
“Saya nak tinggal di
high-tech green city yang masih
mengekalkan identiti Malaysia”
Putrajaya
“Integration of greenery in
urban cities. We must have
sustainable cities and reduce our
carbon footprint”
NGO Dialogue
RURAL AMENITIES
“For Malaysia’s rural areas to
enjoy modern infrastructure
without losing their rural
uniqueness”
MOF Dialogue
“Melihat kawasan luar bandar
yang mempunyai kemudahan yang
setaraf dengan kawasan bandar”
Perlis
“By 2050, even the rural areas
need to have proper infrastructure
like lights in every home and on
the streets, clean water rather
than river water”
Sarawak
“Gaya hidup yang lebih moden
di kawasan Felda. Penempatan
berkelompok dilengkapi semua
kemudahan awam”
Dialog FELDA
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-46
INCLUSIVENESS
“Infrastructure and facilities
suitable for people from all age
groups”
EPF Dialogue
“Negara yang mempunyai
segala kemudahan dan
teknologi yang boleh membantu
rakyat tidak kira muda atau
tua untuk melakukan semua
perkara”
Johor
“Help OKUs move around. All
our buildings and streets need
to be disabled-friendly”
Sarawak
“More facilities for OKU athletes
and for OKU to do sports”
Penang
6-47 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

3.1
LIVING ENVIRONMENT:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Amongst the World’s Most Liveable Cities
Malaysian youth aspire for Malaysian cities to improve along several key
dimensions to enable people to lead comfortable and well-rounded lives in
the cities. They aspire to see technology, data and the Internet of Things
being greatly utilised in delivering these improvements, with Malaysian
cities becoming some of the ‘smartest cities’ in the world.

Safety is a critical dimension, as it underpins the willingness of Malaysians

to make full use of the opportunities their cities offer. High connectivity
is essential in a globally connected world. Environmental sustainability
is high on the agenda, as we acknowledge the costs and irreversibility of
environmental damage. Cities must be also be culturally vibrant to attract
residents and visitors to stay. The city also needs to enable healthy and
active lifestyles to maintain high levels of health and well-being.

SAFE HIGHLY CONNECTED SUSTAINABLE VIBRANT AND

INCLUSIVE
Cities with low crime rates Good physical and digital Green and energy efficient
connectivity Affordable, health-centred
and rich in culture

SAFE
63 percent of Malaysian youth surveyed see
excellent public safety as one of the hallmarks
of advanced cities by 205041. In dialogues, many
youth expressed the hope that by 2050, women
and children should feel safe moving around
cities. Well-lit streets and well-apportioned
pavements for pedestrians would increase safety,
helping to reduce risks of snatch thefts. Circles
members hoped for a more civic-minded society
that would contribute to their neighbourhood’s
safety via community policing or neighbourhood
watches. Circles members also discussed the
use of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence
and facial recognition to improve policing efforts
and surveillance though the impact on personal
privacy would need to be taken into consideration.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-48
FIGURE 6• MALAYSIAN YOUTH SUPPORTS
GREATER SURVEILLANCE FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY
HIGHLY CONNECTED
A 2017 survey of Malaysian youth found that
67 percent supports greater surveillance if it
ensures public safety. Today, crime reports are Malaysian youth aspire for cities that are well-
still received only when reported by citizens or connected and easy to navigate. Circles members
law enforcers. discussed the idea of polycentric cities, or cities
with multiple business or employment districts
100
where work and living spaces are placed nearby or
even integrated. Circles also envision these spaces
67% support greater as neighbourhoods with highly walkable streets
80 67%
surveillance if it ensures
greater public safety and shaded sidewalks, with increased greenery
60 to reduce local micro-temperatures. To increase
connectivity between neighbourhoods, the Circles
40 recommend developing city plans that are geared
towards public transportation, using mapping and
28% support more
20 28% individual privacy crowdsourcing technologies to identify areas with
the highest transportation demands.
4% does not have a view
0 4%
In addition to transportation connectivity,
Which statements do you agree
with more when thinking about Malaysian youth look forward to cities with
public safety in the future? advanced digital infrastructure in 2050. They
see digital connectivity as a necessary utility, in
Source: ‘Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 particular, fast and stable broadband.
Secretariat, representative sample of 3,000 survey participants,
Jun-August 2017
6-49 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

SUSTAINABLE
Malaysian youth aspire for more environmentally
sustainable Malaysian cities, having abundant
green spaces, supplying healthy air and water,
conserving energy and minimising emissions and
waste. Circles members believe the most effective
path to sustainability is one in which individuals
are responsible in practising and promoting
environmentally-friendly and sustainable living
habits, such as commitments to waste reduction
and recycling. They also believe that the local
community and private sector play crucial
roles in promoting sustainable cities, such as
the construction of technology-enabled ‘green’
buildings that contribute towards sustainability.
For example, via the Internet of Things (IoT),
future buildings could enable users to collect data
for accurate measurements of air quality, water
quality and carbon emissions. Future buildings
can also generate energy for their own use and
redistribute the extra energy generated via a
decentralised grid.
Youth believe that urban planning should also
be green-focused at the level of the community,
developing cities with many interspersed small
green spaces such as neighbourhood parks rather
than just a few large parks
VIBRANT AND INCLUSIVE
An inclusive city is an affordable city. By 2050,
Malaysian youth hope for a larger number of
well-designed affordable housing in Malaysian
cities, reducing socioeconomic inequality and
elevating living standards for low- and middle-
income earners. Providing affordable housing is
a complex challenge when land prices continue
to rise, as acknowledged by the Circles as one of
the root causes of insufficient affordable housing.
Some youth propose a concerted effort for land
acquisition in the public interest, much like the
MRT, to be earmarked for affordable housing
development.
Apart from housing, the Circles hope that
Malaysian cities would integrate infrastructure
that deepen inclusivity such as ramps, walkways
and parking spaces that are friendly to the needs
of the disabled and the elderly.
Abundant public spaces in Malaysia can
encourage the expression of Malaysia’s soul and
spirit, making a city more inclusive and vibrant.
Circles members suggest that spaces for artistic
and cultural activity be gazetted and protected to
ensure sufficient public spaces for communities
to convene.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-50
Apart from developing soulful Malaysian cities,
Malaysian youth aspire for urban design and
activities to support active and healthy lifestyles.
They recommend that health considerations be
infused in urban design, as this would change
how people manage their well-being. Buildings
and facilities, for example, could be designed
and built to reduce dengue risk. Workplaces and
residential areas could be designed to encourage
active lifestyles, adding fitness amenities such
as in-house gyms or rooftop parks and cycling or
running lanes.
The Circles also hope that parks and playgrounds
in all housing developments will be built and
maintained to a high standard. Playgrounds
serve an important role in a child’s development,
where children in cities gain crucial physical and
social skills42. The Circles emphasise the need for
these community shared spaces to be of walkable
distance for parents and children, equipped with
adequate safety elements such as soft landing
pads and equipment that targets different skills.
6-51 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

CASE STUDY

VIENNA, AUSTRIA: A SMART CITY THAT PROVIDES BEST QUALITY OF LIFE

WITH MINIMUM RESOURCE CONSUMPTION
Vienna is one of the most liveable cities in the world, ranking second
in the EIU’s 2016 liveability rankings. The city created a public private
entity, TINA Vienna, that is responsible for co-developing smart
city strategies and solutions for the city. Its ‘Citizen Solar Power
Plant’ project seeks to obtain 50 percent of the city’s energy from
renewables by 2030. The city partnered with Wien Energy, a local
energy provider, to develop a crowd-funding model whereby individual
citizens can buy half or whole panels and receive a guaranteed return
of 3.1 percent annually.
Vienna is also exploring a range of electric mobility solutions. The city
expanded its charging network from 103 to 440 stations by 2015, and
is testing EV car-sharing and electric bike rentals. Another important
innovation has been in rezoning dense neighbourhoods to allow for
zero-parking residential buildings. Residents in these communities
commit to not owning a personal vehicle.

Source: Vienna City Administration; Economist Intelligence Unit Liveability Ranking

TN50 Youth Canvas 6-52
6-53 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

3.2
LIVING ENVIRONMENT:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Modern Yet Distinctive Towns and Villages
In dialogues throughout the country, even in highly urbanised
states, Malaysian youth called for more attention on the level
and quality of rural infrastructure and amenities. The youth also
saw Malaysian villages and towns as troves of the country’s
heritage and nature’s treasures.

Malaysian youth aspire for towns and villages that are equipped
with modern amenities, infrastructure and connectivity but
yet are thoughtfully developed in order to maintain their rural
character and authenticity.

AUTHENTIC AND THRIVING EXCELLENT AMENITIES IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY

Retention of local identity and core Basic infrastructure and public amenities are Deeper road and rail networks to
character while being an economic driver accessible and on par with those in cities connect towns, villages and cities, as well
and a source of income for its citizens as bridging the digital divide

AUTHENTIC AND THRIVING
Malaysian youth are emphatic in the aspiration
that Malaysian towns and villages retain their
identity and regional characteristics. The Circles
further note the importance of conserving the
rich history and heritage of Malaysian towns
and villages, suggesting character preservation
of towns and villages as a specific agenda for
local councils. Many saw local councils as a key
driver for organising activities to restore towns’
and villages’ historical characteristics but also for
the local community to play an active role. Circles
members believe bottom-up rural initiatives are
important to foster greater understanding of rural
values, and to reduce the imposition of urban
values and urban economic activities on towns
and villages.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-54
While recognising that town and village identities
are important, the Circles also see the need for
these areas to be economically sustainable.
Limited economic activity in towns and villages
encourages rural migration to the cities, further
draining rural areas of its human talent and
character. The Circles suggest reenergising rural
economic activities by intensifying efforts to
attract private investors to rural areas, promoting
thoughtful development and empowering rural
entrepreneur communities as outlined in the
Eleventh Malaysia Plan43. Fishing villages, for
example, could be elevated by integrating
sustainable fishing technology that balances
commercial fishing and aquaculture with
ecosystem conservation.
6-55 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

CASE STUDY

REGIONAL REVITALISATION THROUGH INNOVATION: A CASE STUDY ON

JAPAN

Japan is considered to be the most urbanised country in Asia, with
an urbanisation rate of 93 percenta. In light of concerns on urban
overcrowding and the needs of an ageing population, Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe made regional revitalisation a priority in 2014, setting aside
more than ¥1 trillion for sustainable economic development of regional
areas.
The Japanese government’s policy for revitalisation is to promote local
industries and tourism to generate jobs via grants, the promotion of
partnerships and other financing efforts. Planning took into consideration
the region’s cultural characteristics.
An example is the development of the village of Miyamac. The
government funded local initiatives to conserve the rural landscape, of
which 90 percent is covered by forest, as well as the unique landscape
of traditional thatched roof houses. These efforts have led not only to
the village becoming an attractive tourist destination, but also to the
creation of jobs by fostering young craftsmen. In the village of Kameoka,
the ‘Kameoka Carbon Minus’ Project deployed new agricultural methods
to create jobs, increase elderly farmers’ income and sequester carbon
through partnerships between private entities and local farmers. The
project brought significant socioeconomic benefits to the village,
including vastly improving farmers’ incomes.

a United Nations. “Global Urbanization Prospects 2014.” (2014)

b National Institute of Population and Social Security. “Population Projections for Japan: 2001-2050.” (2002)
c Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “Local Revitalisation policies for shrinking and ageing society: North Central Kyoto.” (2012)

EXCELLENT AMENITIES
Through the year-long engagements, Malaysian
youth expressed their hopes to see all towns and
villages equipped with basic infrastructure and
public amenities on par with those available in
Malaysian cities.
At the most fundamental level, Malaysian youth
aspire to have undisrupted access to utilities such
as electricity, water, sewage management and
internet for rural areas. They hope for utilities to
be of high quality to support comfortable living,
and enable the effective provision of services
such as online education and healthcare. The
Circles suggest an integrated database on basic
rural infrastructure to facilitate stock-taking and
planning, as laid out in the Eleventh Malaysian
Plan.
In addition, Malaysian youth highlight their
hopes for towns and villages to enjoy the same
access to community-building amenities such
as community halls and recreation centres.
Circle members believe that youth aspirations
for excellent amenities can be brought about
by improving infrastructure planning standards
and implementation, as well as increasing
collaboration efforts across government. Circle
members also see that the high quality of
amenities can be sustained if rural residents
are deeply involved in substantive leadership,
managerial and operational roles in rural
infrastructure affairs.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-56
HIGHLY CONNECTED
Malaysian youth also hope for better
transportation infrastructure which connects
rural areas to cities, enabling businesses in
rural areas to thrive by opening markets to a
broader clientele. They would like more roads
and highways that are of good quality and well-
maintained, particularly in remote areas such
as Sabah and Sarawak. However, the Circles
also believe that it is important that road and
highway improvements should support both
the surrounding natural environment. In this
way, a scenic road can enhance the experience
of driving and living along it, while at the same
time preserving a sense of the area. They would
also like to see the provision of frequent and high
quality train services that connect villages and
towns to urban areas.
Malaysian youth hope as well to have towns and
villages that are equipped with fast and stable
broadband connectivity. While the government
is already making strides in providing broadband
infrastructures in rural areas with national
programmes such as the Rural Broadband
initiative, the Circles noted the need for the
government to upgrade these to keep pace with
those in the city.
6-57 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Integrated Care and Community Hub

This idea aims to transform existing Pusat Pemulihan dalam Komuniti (PDK)
into community-oriented learning and socialising hubs for the elderly and
disabled. The hubs would function as quasi-schools and rehabilitation hubs
that would enable learning, employment preparation as well as opportunities
for social engagement. The hubs are to focus on the needs of groups most
at risk of marginalisation such as the elderly and disabled, but could be used
as a space for the wider community as well.
Kampung Pintar Malaysia
Youth aspire to see all rural areas enjoying the same utilities as urban
areas but the challenge is to provide water, electricity, sewerage and
telecommunications in an affordable and environmentally friendly way,
especially in remote places. This initiative proposes to deliver a combination
of light infrastructure powered by green technologies that would have a
small local footprint and be easy to maintain. A consortium of like-minded
corporates is envisioned, with the cooperation of the relevant Government
agencies, to provide the most cost-effective package of infrastructure as
well as complementary services such as e-health and e-school platforms.
Public Space Activation Programme
This initiative would allow local residents to make plans for underutilised
property such as neighbourhood parks and unused government land and
buildings. Local residents could submit proposals on how those spaces or
assets could be utilised as a public space, or for targeted social benefit.
Abandoned cars and seized assets, for example, could be used as props and
installations for pop-up food retail. Citizen proposals can address how to
solve problems, or provide details on monetising and operating the space
and assets.
Repurposed space for affordable housing
This idea is based on the premise that affordable housing can be provided
in strategic locations by renovating and converting underutilised or vacant
buildings and spaces. This can create vibrancy in empty spots within city
centres while also increasing the stock of housing. With good design, the
initiative can even challenge the notion that affordable housing means a
substandard living environment. Changes to zoning regulations would be
required to enable this initiative, and public-private collaboration would be
necessary to ensure that sustainable funding models, tenancy laws, and a
vibrant market are in place.
‘Digital villages’ across Malaysia
As the economy becomes more global and skill requirements shift, it is
important to address emerging gaps between urban and rural areas. This
initiative aims to establish digital villages and small digital free trade zones
across Malaysia, focusing on the community’s competitive advantage. Digital
villages will attract young professionals and new graduates to work in rural
areas through incentives such as access to entrepreneurship networks and
funding. It will enable students from villages to take part in innovation-related
competitions, inspiring a movement of young innovators within and beyond
the town or village.
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-58
6-59 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 6-60
6-61 LI VING E N VIRONM E NT
FOOTNOTES
1. The World Bank. “Competitive Cities for Jobs and Growth: What, Who, and How.” (2015)
2. United Nations (UN). “2017 Revision of World Population Prospects.” (2017) [2050 estimate based on
extrapolating 2040 projection by UN.]
3. Ministry of Urban Wellbeing Malaysia. “Planning for the Future Cities in Malaysia.” (2015)
4. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Making KL a Top 20 most Liveable City”
(2015)
5. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). “EIU Liveability Rankings.” (2015). [Kuala Lumpur ranked 73 (out of
140)]
6. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). “EIU Liveability Rankings.” (2015). [The five cities include Hong Kong,
Amsterdam, Osaka, Paris and Sydney]
7. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). “Best Cities Ranking and Report.” (2012)
8. “Limit urban sprawl”, The Star Online, January 27, 2015.
9. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). “Annual Report 2016.” (2016)
10. Demographia International. “11th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey: 2015.”
(2015)
11. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). “Annual Report 2016.” (2016); “Reducing speculation in the property
market”, The Star Online, November 9, 2013.
12. “Transforming KL into a green city”, Astro Awani, January 30, 2013.
13. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Making KL a Top 20 Most Liveable City.”
14. “George Town losing cultural heritage to irresponsible tourism, guide warns”, Malay Mail Online, January
23, 2015.
15. Ibid
16. Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM). “Heritage Conservation Committee.” [For example, PAM organises
awareness-raising seminars, education walks (such as KL Heritage Walks), and raises petitions against
development that destroys heritage (such as petitioning the redevelopment of MATIC in KL)]
17. “Georgetown may lose UNESCO heritage status”, Astro Awani, October 6, 2017.
18. World Economic Forum (WEF). “The Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017.” (2016)
19. “Poor drain maintenance causing floods in the city”, Malay Mail Online, April 4, 2017; “From Puchong
to Johor, saving lives one pothole at a time”, Malay Mail Online, March 26, 2016/
20. “Demand for building maintenance: Devamany.” The Sun Daily, May 9, 2017.
21. NationMaster. “Motor vehicles per 1000 people: Countries Compared.” (2014)
22. “Clean air — A human right”, New Straits Times, May 4, 2017.
23. Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD). “Land Public Transport Transformation in Malaysia – History,
Aspiration, and Challenges.” (2016)
24. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “National Electronic Mobility Plan.”
(2015)
25. ibid
26. “Malaysia ranks 24th in Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2017”, The Sun Daily, April 26, 2017.
27. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Eleventh Malaysia Plan - Strategy Paper 4: Transforming Rural Areas
to Uplift Wellbeing of Rural Communities.” (2015)
28. Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). “Safe Cities Index.” (2017)
29. “Malaysia is a safer place today”, The Star Online, March 14, 2012.
30. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “National Transformation Programme (NTP)
Annual Report 2015.” (2015)
31. “Putting the brakes on car theft”, The Star Online, May 17, 2015; “No. 6 on world’s top car theft list”, The
Star Online, August 25, 2016.
32. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “National Transformation Programme (NTP)
Annual Report 2016.” (2016)
33. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Eleventh Malaysia Plan - Strategy Paper 4: Transforming Rural Areas
to Uplift Wellbeing of Rural Communities.” (2015)
34. Ibid
35. Ibid
36. “Infrastructure Report: Bridging the digital divide”, Malay Mail Online, October 10, 2014.
37. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). “Annual Report 2015: Universal
Service Provision.” (2016)
38. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017) [Identified various examples of how development has
been changing the rural landscape such as the change in land from small agricultural plot holdings to
uses that cater to urban tourism such as homestays and resorts.]
39. Ibid
40. “My Kampung My Future bantu belia jana pendapatan”, Berita Harian, April 24, 2017.
41. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
42. Greater Greater Washington. “Don’t forget about playgrounds.” (2013)
43. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Eleventh Malaysia Plan - Strategy Paper 4: Transforming Rural Areas
to Uplift Wellbeing of Rural Communities.” (2015)
TN50 Youth Canvas 6-62
07
CHAPTER

RESPONSIBLE
STEWARDSHIP
Responsible stewardship of our natural environment has never been more important. The
environmental costs of rapid economic development have led to greater demands for balance
and protection. Meanwhile, global megatrends such as climate change and population growth
present sustainability challenges across multiple fronts, including food and energy security.
Responsible stewardship of our resources is crucial to ensure that Malaysia is able to provide
our future generations with a safer and healthier living environment.

Malaysian youth recognise that as Malaysia plans for 2050, the country must put greater
emphasis than ever before on ensuring long-term sustainability. We must safeguard our natural
heritage, reduce our carbon footprint, feed our people sustainably and be responsible energy
producers and consumers.

This chapter outlines Malaysian youth aspirations for responsible stewardship across three areas:

7-03 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

7-27 ENERGY SECURITY

7-49 FOOD SECURITY

7-3

ENVIRONMENT L
PROTECTION
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-4
7-5 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

SECTION OVERVIEW: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Increasing concern over long-term environmental Environmental protection is a national priority

damage and Malaysia’s ecological balance
• A fundamental pillar of • Systematic and transparent
Malaysian life in 2050 approach in ensuring balance
NATIONAL between development and
AGENDA protection

Major environmental policies in place but Rigorous, world-class regulations and enforcement
implementation remains a challenge
• Strong government follow- • Corporates and ordinary
through on environmental Malaysians come forward
protection policies, plans and to assist and participate in
REGULATIONS AND
international commitments environmental enforcement
ENFORCEMENT

Protection efforts focused on preventing further Not just environmental protection, but also restoration
degradation
• Damage reversal and • Malaysia creates innovative
rehabilitation is a national solutions for environmental
objective restoration
ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFORTS
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

ONE OF THE
LOWEST WASTE
PRODUCTION
PER CAPITA RELATIVE
CARBON- ZERO NET ZERO LOSS OF ZERO LOSS OF
TO COUNTRIES WITH
NEUTRAL DEFORESTATION CORAL KEYSTONE & SIMILAR INCOMES;
COUNTRY BY 2050
OF NATURAL FORESTS
REEFS ENDANGERED A MINIMUM OF 70% OF
ALL WASTE GENERATED
SPECIES IS RECYCLED

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

FOREST THE NEW ECONOMY ECOSYSTEMS PAYMENT SERVICES PAYS TO RECYCLE

Sustainably extracting value from forests Paying landowners for sustainable Vending kiosks that rewards recyclers
land management
7-7 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia has enjoyed six decades of rapid

economic growth, but there is growing
awareness and concern about the cost to our
environment.

Malaysia has enjoyed six decades of rapid economic growth, but there
is increasing awareness and concern about the cost to our environment.
As Malaysia continues to develop, the youth call for greater emphasis on
efforts to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources and ecosystems,
particularly against the backdrop of megatrends such as climate change
and population growth. In their discussions, the TN50 Circles of the Future
underline the youth’s aspirations for Malaysians to be responsible stewards
of our country’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
After decades focusing on economic growth, Malaysians are becoming
increasingly concerned about the environment1. Malaysia has been facing
a downward trend in biodiversity and worsening pollution over the past
decade. According to Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index
(EPI) in 2016, Malaysia is ranked 63 overall out of 180 countries2. Here, EPI
measures countries’ performance score on environmental issues, taking
into account numerous factors that relate to environmental health and the
vitality of the ecosystem3. Of particular concern, looking at the EPI scores
over the past 10 years, Malaysia has regressed by 4 percent, as evidenced
by declining fish stocks, biodiversity and habitat, amongst others4.
Malaysia has a history of environmental protection efforts, shown as early
as 1974, with the Environmental Quality Act. Here, the Act established
the Environmental Quality Council in Malaysia and tackled issues such
as licenses, prohibition and control of pollution, and enforcement of
legislation relating to environmental matters5. Additionally, the government
has implemented major policies such as the National Policy on Biological
Biodiversity and the National Policy on the Environment6.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-8
The government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the
Environment, released the National Policy on the Environment in 2002. The
Policy aimed to enhance environmental protection, as one of its pillars of
sustainable development, and provide guidance to all public sector agencies,
industrial sectors and local communities. The objectives that were set out
included achieving a safe, healthy, productive and clean environment for all
generations, conserving natural heritage and obtaining sustainable lifestyles
with particular regard to consumption and production7.
Also, the National Policy on Biological Biodiversity, which was launched
in 1998 and recently revised in 2016 by the Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment, set a vision of biodiversity management for the next 10
years from 2016 to 2025. Through the policy, the government aims to tackle
problems such as habitat and species loss, declines in fish stocks and climate
change, among others. The policy is committed to conserve and promote
Malaysia’s biological diversity, together with ensuring a fair and equitable
sharing of benefits from the utilisation of biological resources. For example,
the policy commits to protecting and conserving at least 20 percent of
7-9 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

NATIONAL POLICIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTIONa
NATIONAL POLICY ON THE ENVIRONMENT (2002)
Objectiveb:
• Conservation of the country’s unique and diverse cultural and
natural heritage with effective participation by all sectors of
society

NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY (2009)

terrestrial areas and inland waters, and 10 percent of marine areas through
Objectivec:
conservation measures by 2025. Also, by 2025, vulnerable ecosystems and
• Strengthening of institutional and implementation capacity to
habitats such as coral reefs are to be adequately restored and protected8.
better harness opportunities to reduce negative impacts of
climate change
However, challenges persist in the form of overlapping governance structures,
a lack of education and incorporation of sustainability practices in the daily
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (AMENDMENT) - ACT A1441 (2012)
lives of citizens , and inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations
Objective: across key areas such as air quality, forest loss and oceans.
• To enforce prohibition and control of pollution to waters, soil,
and air Carbon dioxide emissions remain an area to be addressed, as evidenced by
the rapid increase of net Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions in Malaysia
NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOLOGICAL BIODIVERSITY (2016) from -26.79 Mt CO2 eq in 200011 to 27.28 Mt CO2 eq in 201112. In response,
the Malaysian government committed to reduce emissions intensity (per
Objectivesd:
unit of GDP) by 45 percent between 2005 and 203013 under the 2015 Paris
• Safeguard all key ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
Climate Conference (COP21)14. While the country has made good progress
• Improve the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders to conserve
by successfully reducing its emission intensity by 33 percent between 2005-
biodiversity
201315, Malaysia is also currently looking to other avenues to achieve its
COP21 targets. For instance, the government recognised the country’s energy
International Environmental Conventions Commitments
fuel mix as a priority action area by developing the Roadmap of Emissions
• Convention on Biological Diversity (signed up in 1994) and Aichi
Intensity Reduction in 2014. Given that coal, oil and natural gas comprise
Biodiversity Targets (2010)
around 90 percent of Malaysia’s primary energy consumption today, meeting
• 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Paris
our carbon commitments will require switching to cleaner fuel sources such
(COP 21)
as solar and hydro in the future.
a. Other national policies and plans include National Forestry Policy (1992), National Strategic Plan
for Solid Waste Management (2005), Low Carbon Cities Framework (2011) and National Water Forest loss is a major concern for Malaysia. Between 2000 and 2012,
Resources Policy (2012)
b. Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment - Total of 3 objectives in policy. (2002) Malaysia’s forest loss amounted to 14.4 percent of its total forest cover
c. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - Total of 3 objectives in policy. (2009) and as of 2016, Malaysia’s forest cover stands at 54.5 percent16. The country
d. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment - Total of 5 objectives in policy. (2016)
committed in 2015 to zero net deforestation and maintaining at least 50
percent forest cover17. However, significant challenges remain. Since 2010,

CASE STUDY
RISING CARBON DIOXIDE LEVELS: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN
As tracked by NASA, levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are
higher than they have been at any point in the last 400,000 years.
During the ice ages, carbon dioxide levels were around 200 parts per
million. In 2013, carbon dioxide levels surpassed 400 parts per million
for the first time in recorded historya. Rising levels of carbon dioxide
raise many concerns:
• Large parts of the earth could become uninhabitable. If warming
reaches six degrees, residents in New York City would experience
greater ‘heat stress’ than those in Bahrain today. Bahrain itself and
large parts of the Middle East would become uninhabitable, with
temperatures so high they would be able to induce hyperthermia
even in sleeping humansb.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-10
• Human cognitive ability could potentially decline by up to 21 percent
by 2100 based on high-end estimates extrapolating from current
trends. As carbon dioxide increases as a percentage of the air,
oxygen as a percentage reduces, impacting cognitionc.
• Food will grow more abundantly but with less nutrition. As carbon
dioxide levels grow, food grows more abundantly. However,
research suggests that this growth comes from packing in more
carbohydrates at the expense of other nutrients such as protein,
iron, and zincd.
a. NASA. “The relentless rise of carbon dioxide.” (2013)
b. “The Uninhabitable Earth, Annotated Edition.” The New York Magazine, July 14, 2017
c. Ibid.
d. Politico. “The great nutrient collapse.” (2017)
7-11 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

the country has lost an estimated five million hectares of forest cover, roughly
FIGURE 1 • FRAGMENTATION OF NATURAL FOREST COVER IN the size of Denmark18. While this has helped to boost the agricultural sector
PENINSULAR MALAYSIA (ABOVE) AND BORNEO (BELOW) BETWEEN — in particular the palm oil and logging industries — the costs have included
1950-2000 increased incidences of flooding as well as the loss of biodiversity, habitats
and culture19.
PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
The health of Malaysia’s oceans also face challenges from multiple fronts.
1954 1969 1972 1990 2000 Marine biodiversity is in danger, with over 50 percent of the country’s coral
reefs estimated to be dead or endangered20. Fish stocks have declined
approximately 90 percent since the early 1970s21. The decline in fish stocks
not only puts at risk the livelihoods of more than 130,000 fishermen, it also
raises concerns of food security given Malaysia’s position as the region’s
largest per capita consumer of fish. Indeed, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
estimates that by 2050, we run the risk of not having any seafood to eat if
indiscriminate consumption continues22.

9.5mil. ha. 8.0mil. ha. 7.4mil. ha. 6.2mil. ha. 6.0mil. ha. Malaysian youth recognised that environmental protection will require
huge levels of commitment across all sections of society. The government
BORNEO faces the challenge of setting and enforcing policies that balance incomes
and employment with environmental preservation. Companies face the
1950 1985 2000 challenge of further balancing the need to be environmentally responsible
with bottom-line profitability demands. Individuals face the challenge of
putting the environment ahead of consumption and material conveniences.
A clear demonstration of this last point lies in the case of waste production;
Malaysians generate approximately 30,000 tonnes of waste a day with only
5 percent of this amount being recycled23. Given this, responsible stewardship
of the environment will require nothing less than a transformation in the
priorities of Malaysian society as a whole.

Source: Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, “National Physical Plan 2”, 2010
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-12

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

During the year long youth engagement process, the Ministry of Youth and
Sports gathered an estimated 2,000 distinct aspirations on environmental
protection. Among the most frequent aspirations received were wishes for
Malaysia to protect its ecosystems and to implement practices that would
enable deeper levels of environmental protection.

These raw aspirations were further discussed and deliberated by the TN50
Circles of the Future.
7-13 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N
LAND
PROTECTION
“Mengambil tindakan
yang membuat pembalakan
secara haram dan
mengekalkan hutan
simpan di Malaysia”
Sabah
“Aspirasi saya pada 2050
mahukan kawasan hutan
simpan dipelihara dengan
memperkasakan dan
penambahbaikkan undang-
undang sedia ada”
Pahang
“Kerajaan mengambil
langkah drastik dan efektif
bagi menyelamatkan
hutan-hutan kita”
Kelantan
“By 2050, our landfills
will have been filled - I
don’t want our forests to be
uprooted to make space
for landfills”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“Regulate deforestation
which currently seems
to be out of hand. Offer
incentives to keep forests
and our beautiful tropical
rain forests intact”
Malaysian diaspora in Ireland
MARINE & RIVER
PROTECTION
“Memohon kepada
kerajaan supaya tidak ada
lagi pembangunan yang
melibatkan kawasan pantai”
Kedah
“Menjaga alam sekitar
negara kita - fish die because
of pollution - Kerajaan
menyelesaikan masalah alam
sekitar”
Dialog MOA
“Mewujudkan keadaan
sungai dan laut yang bersih,
pemandangan yang cantik
seperti di negara-negara
maju yang lain. Ini bagi
tarikan pelancong di samping
memelihara alam sekitar dari
sebarang pencemaran”
Johor
“Penyelesaian untuk
mengatasi pencemaran air.
30% of our rivers polluted.
Ensure all rivers in Malaysia
are well-maintained”
Dialog Alam Sekitar
PROTECTION POLLUTION
OF LIFE REDUCTION
“Membina pusat “Teknologi untuk
penyelidikan bagi mengurangkan kadar
memelihara dan memulihara pencemaran udara, air
haiwan terutamanya yang dan lain-lain”
hampir pupus” Negeri Sembilan
Kelantan
“Reduce air pollution
“Providing habitable zones especially from Malaysian
for animals in face of factories”
development” FELDA Dialogue
KTAR Dialogue
“Sentiasa memerhati indeks
“Saya mahu generasi akan air pollution dan memberitahu
datang mempunyai sifat yang rakyat setiap hari”
penyayang terhadap hidupan Penang
(haiwan dan tumbuhan) agar
dunia lebih aman” “Mengeluarkan kereta
Dialog NGO elektronik supaya
dapat mengurangkan
“Malaysia mengawal pencemaran alam”
pencemaran dengan Negeri Sembilan
lebih ketat terutama yang
melibatkan nyawa haiwan dan “Semua kenderaan awam
manusia” menggunakan kuasa
Penang solar bagi mengurangkan
pencemaran udara”
“Haiwan-haiwan liar Kuala Lumpur
diperliharakan”
Terengganu “Maksimakan
penggunaan tenaga seperti
hidroelektrik, dan kurangkan
pencemaran terutamanya
pencemaran udara dan air”
Johor
BEHAVIOUR &
MINDSET
“People practice
low-carbon lifestyle”
Johor
“To see a cleaner and
more environmentally
responsible Malaysia, with
people having heightened
sense of awareness towards
the environment”
Women Dialogue
“Malaysia menjadi
sebuah negara yang
lebih mampan dari segi
pengurusan sampah,
pengasingan sampah, sistem
penghapusan sampah yang
lebih baik. Kitar semula
harus menjadi amalan semua
golongan masyarakat”
Kuala Lumpur
“Spirit of conservation – we
need to educate the public
on the benefit of conserving
the environment”
Sarawak
“Look into measuring
wastage and reducing it.
Wastage to be charged”
Khazanah Nasional Dialogue
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-14

FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR SYSTEMATIC AND

TRANSPARENT APPROACH
Environmental protection and
sustainability is a fundamental pillar Systematic and transparent approach
of Malaysia’s 2050 vision in ensuring balance between
development and protection

3.1
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Environmental Protection Is A National Policy

Malaysian youth view environmental protection as crucial to

the country’s long-term ecological survival across flora and
fauna and wish to see it being made a clear national priority
in the nation’s 2050 vision. This covers two aspects: firstly,
that environmental protection and sustainability become a
fundamental basis for government, business and society’s
decisions; and secondly, that a long-term systematic approach
is adopted towards balancing economic development with
environmental protection.
7-15 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N
FUNDAMENTAL PILLAR
The youth recognise that making environmental
protection a core part of our national agenda would
require significant changes to the mindsets of
government, companies and individuals. Towards
2050, the youth wish to see environmental
protection and sustainability being accorded the
same level of priority as economic growth across
all government policies, to ensure that the country
successfully adopts a balanced and sustainable
development approach moving forward.
The youth hope for the private sector to
undergo a similar change in perspective, making
environmental protection an objective as equally
important as profit generation. This would require
corporations to undertake a more responsible
role, by investing in new technologies to support
environmental protection, among others. The
French oil & gas company Total S.A., for instance,
has committed to diversify its portfolio and move
into renewables, with a goal of having 20 percent
low-carbon businesses by 203524. The Circles
would also like to see private sector production
practices being made more transparent, for
example by introducing a clear labelling system
to differentiate sustainably and unsustainably
produced products, as well as utilising blockchain
technology to enable supply-chain transparency,
among others.
The youth also aspire for society to be more
environmentally-conscious, insofar as individuals
have an acute understanding and awareness of the
necessary steps to protect the environment, while
actively working towards making environmental
protection and sustainability a part of their daily
lives. This would include adopting lifestyles that
minimise waste generation as well as recycling
as much as possible. They also envision such
a society using its enormous consumer power
and public voice to nudge companies and the
government into making more environmentally-
friendly policy choices.
Envisioning a Malaysia with a strong environmental
agenda, the Circles aspire that by 2050, Malaysia
will be a carbon-neutral country, a nation with
zero net deforestation of natural forests and zero
loss of keystone and endangered species, as well
as a regional leader in marine protection.
SYSTEMATIC AND
TRANSPARENT
APPROACH
The youth aspire for the country to think about
development in the long-term, with balanced
and sustainable development as the end-goal. In
particular, the Circles recognise that pursuing a
development path which places more emphasis
on environmental protection requires making
difficult trade-offs. The trade-off between
environmental protection and development is
particularly pronounced in decision-making
processes involving both Federal and State-
level governments, especially when each party
has different objectives. To help make the
difficult process of choosing between competing
alternatives easier and more efficient, the Circles
wish to see a clear mechanism implemented,
one that would target environmental protection
and make more transparent the actual costs of
negative environmental impacts. Specifically,
the Circles wish to see Malaysia’s development
policies be guided by an alternative development
index that goes beyond mere GDP growth.
One suggestion was for Malaysia to adopt the
Doughnut Economics index, which measures
development while recognising the limits to
which the earth can support economic activity.
This index is supported by a pricing mechanism
that charges an environmental tax against human
activities with high pollution or degradation
impact in the form of a carbon permit system for
emissions, or a land regeneration fee for logging
and other significant land clearing, depending on
the context. Nevertheless, the Circles note that
such a pricing system would need to be designed
in such a way as to be inclusive and not penalising
low income groups.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-16

CASE STUDY

SINGAPORE TO IMPOSE CARBON TAX BY 2019

Singapore announced in its 2017 budget that it would be introducing a carbon tax to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and meet
its COP21 emissions targetsa. Under its COP21 agreement, Singapore had committed to reduce its emissions intensity levels by 36% between
2005-2030. Post-2030, Singapore aims to stabilise and maintain its emissions below target 2030 peak levels.

The carbon tax is viewed as the most economically efficient and fair way for Singapore to reduce its emissions. A tax rate of S$10 and S$20 per
tonne of greenhouse gas emissions would be applied on large direct emitters such as power stations. The tax is expected to affect between 30
and 40 emitters.

a. “Budget 2017: Singapore to introduce carbon tax on large direct emitters.” Channel News Asia, February 20, 2017
7-17 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

STRONG FOLLOW WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY

THROUGH INVOLVEMENT

A government that is operationally Non-government stakeholders

capable and committed to ensuring deeply involved in environmental
environmental protection regulations and enforcement

3.2
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Rigorous, World-Class Regulations And Enforcement

While comprehensive policies and plans are vital to

environmental protection, Malaysian youth also recognise
the need for effective regulations and enforcement. With
respect to this, the youth’s views cover two main aspects:
firstly, government follow-through in enforcing environmental
regulations; and secondly, establishing a ‘whole-of-society’
approach whereby civil society and the private sector are also
involved in the formulation and enforcement of environmental
regulations.

STRONG FOLLOW THROUGH
Malaysian youth aspire for a government that
is operationally capable and committed to
ensuring that the country’s environment and
natural heritage is protected. The youth noted
that Malaysia has committed to international
conventions and targets, such as COP21 and the
Aichi Biodiversity Targets, and wish to see strong
and credible action being taken by the Malaysian
government to uphold its commitments25.
In their discussions, the TN50 Circles of the Future
highlight some areas for improvement, particularly
in streamlining responsibilities and workflows
between federal ministries and state governments
to remove overlaps and jurisdictional conflict or
lack of clarity26, which is a current issue in the
management of fisheries and marine biodiversity
in the country27. This would allow enforcement
officers to be fully empowered to carry out their
duties, helping them play a more effective role in
eliminating the illegal wildlife trade or carrying
out the preservation of fisheries. Moreover, the
Circles would like to see the diversification of
state governments’ revenue streams to reduce
their dependence on land use and the sale of
land for income. The Circles also highlighted
their wish for both policymakers and enforcement
officers to be better equipped with up-to-date
knowledge on sustainability and environmental
protection matters so as to make more timely and
effective decisions, especially given fast changing
conditions on the ground.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-18
WHOLE-OF-SOCIETY
INVOLVEMENT
Recognising that the task of environmental
protection cannot be that of the government’s
alone, Malaysian youth aspire for non-government
stakeholders to also become deeply involved,
in that they have a role in the formulation of
environmental regulations and in supporting
enforcement measures. They particularly wish
to see NGOs, the private sector, and local
communities being welcomed as partners to
government on environmental protection, lending
their expertise and on-the-ground perspective to
shape regulations and support enforcement. The
youth also hope for an effective avenue enabling
citizens to report acts that harm the environment
to the relevant authorities. In addition, the Circles
also aspire for the establishment of a tripartite
independent council comprising the government,
NGOs and private companies, tasked with
overseeing and improving regulations as well as
enforcing environmental protection measures.
Such a joint council would be able to oversee
Malaysia’s adherence to sustainability practices
in both forest and marine areas. The Circles
believe that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
certification28 could be one of the items overseen
by the joint-council. Currently, Malaysian
companies commit to the FSC certification on
a voluntary basis, but the Circles would like to
see it being scaled up and made mandatory by
2050. Additionally, Circle members hope for
local communities to be engaged and empowered
to self-regulate through involvement in local
councils, environmental awareness campaigns
and access to technologies, among others.
7-19 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

REHABILITATIVE INNOVATIVE

Moving beyond mere protection Innovating to solve sustainability

towards restoration of previously challenges and enable environmental
degraded areas protection and restoration

3.3
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
Not Just Environmental Protection, But Also Restoration

Recognising that environmental protection should not just stop

at preservation, Malaysian youth envision a future in which
the environment is not just protected, but in which previously
degraded areas are restored to their initial state. To this end, the
youth’s aspirations cover two keys aspects: firstly, a restorative
approach to the environment that moves beyond mere
protection to also include rehabilitation of previously degraded
environments; and secondly, an emphasis on innovation to solve
sustainability challenges and enhance environmental protection
and restoration.

REHABILITATIVE
The youth envision a Malaysia in 2050 where the
environment is not just protected, but is restored;
where previously degraded areas are revived,
cleared forests are regenerated, endangered reefs
and fisheries are rehabilitated and polluted air is
purified. Toward this goal, the Circles call for a shift
in approach, one in which society no longer merely
attempts to limit environmental degradation but
instead actively works to reverse it. The Circles
recognise that current ways of thinking about
environmental protection focus primarily on
short-term ‘damage control’ measures.
As such, they wish to see Malaysia begin to adopt
a more holistic view towards the environment,
focusing on long-term, restorative measures.
In the field of waste management for example,
a long-term holistic view would move beyond
recycling — primarily a short-term damage
control measure — towards more long-term
damage reversal efforts like landfill rehabilitation
and biotechnological options such as plastic-
decomposing bacteria that eliminates plastic
waste altogether. Other long-term restorative
measures include revitalising Malaysia’s
forests through replanting initiatives as well as
collaborating with the Seabin Project to introduce
their unique ocean-cleaning devices to capture
floating debris29. Increasing the number of carbon
sinks, or reservoirs to remove carbon dioxide
from the atmosphere, was cited as an ultimate
restorative aim. Natural carbon sinks include
forests and greenery while artificial carbon sinks
comprise of some innovative technologies to
capture carbon emissions30.
INNOVATIVE
To achieve a future in which the environment
is not just protected but restored, the youth
acknowledge that new models of production and
consumption are essential. The Circles envision
a future in which Malaysia embraces innovation
to solve sustainability challenges and enhance
environmental protection and restoration.
Given this, the Circles aspire for the country
to be both an innovator and a quick adopter
of technology, pioneering the development
of new programmes and solutions that push
the boundaries of thinking on environmental
protection, emulating initiatives such as the
Ocean Cleanup Project which develops new
technologies to extract plastic pollution from the
oceans31. They also aspire for Malaysia to adopt
the latest technologies, such as satellite imagery
to monitor forests and endangered species in the
example of Global Forest Watch. To enable such
ground-breaking initiatives to be implemented
in Malaysia and develop more home-grown
sustainable solutions, the Circles call for more
investment to be directed towards environmental
technology. As a starting point, the Circles hope
that the government would consider making
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-20
relatively simple environmental technologies
readily accessible to Malaysians such as
Rainwater Storage and Usage Systems which
collect, purify and store rainwater in specifically
designed plastic waterproof underground storage
tanks. This technology could contribute toward
addressing water shortages in areas with limited
access to clean water.32
The roadmap to becoming a leader in
environmental technology requires a culture of
openness and innovation, as well as an ecosystem
capable of supporting and scaling–up ideas.
To inculcate such a culture of innovation, the
Circles wish for greater boldness, urgency and
willingness on the part of Malaysians to test new
ideas. One example is an innovative ‘ecosystem
payment service’ whereby rural communities are
paid to take care of forests or marine areas. At
the same time, they would also like to see the
expansion of formal development pathways to
realise sustainability-related ideas, for instance
through more funding for researchers to chart new
breakthroughs and for start-ups to commercialise
their ideas.
7-21 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

CASE STUDY

GLOBAL FOREST WATCH: USING TECHNOLOGY AND OPEN DATA TO

MONITOR OUR FORESTS

Global Forest Watcha is an example of the innovative use of technology to aid in environmental monitoring. It is an open-source web application
that was developed by The World Resources Institute with Google, USAID and the University of Maryland among others, to monitor forests
around the world in near real-time.

• 
Using cutting-edge technologies
Satellite imagery and cloud computing are harnessed to analyse where trees are growing and where they are disappearing, revealing hotspots.
Data that would have taken years to analyse is processed in seconds.

• 
Enabling effective and open enforcement
Law enforcement officials receive alerts when Global Forest Watch identifies designated protected forests being cleared. The alerts are
supported by evidence from local communities who take, upload and geo-tag pictures of land clearing happening on the ground.

a. World Resources Institute. “Global Forest Watch.”


4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED
BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH
Forest the New Economy: Sustainably extracting value from forests
An effort to create an economic model for forests that is both sustainable and
economically viable. Forests will be managed in order to develop products
such as sustainable timber and fertiliser. By maximising land-use efficiency
through inter-cropping, the target will be to create a forest that is able to
generate value equivalent to logging or palm oil.
Ecosystem Payment Services
Recognising that the environment provides many benefits which are not
captured by the market, ecosystem payment services seek to balance the
‘price in’ these benefits. Under this system, payments or incentives are
offered to landowners in exchange for managing their land sustainably. This
could be piloted in Malaysia in protected forest areas under the charge of
local communities. Clients making payments would include a combination of
international bodies, local state government, private users and corporations.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-22
Pays to Recycle
An initiative to encourage citizens to recycle. Vending kiosks will be placed
in public spaces, such as shopping malls, parks, stadiums and others, where
visitors can deposit recyclables such as used bottles or cans in exchange
for points and prizes. The instant reward will hopefully encourage citizens
to recycle more often.
Other ideas collected include exploring pricing in market externalities through
a carbon trading system, implementing legislation mandating the compliance
with environmental impact assessments (EIA), creating a platform to
connect sustainability efforts with stakeholders such as volunteers, experts
and financiers, as well as adopting the Computable General Equilibrium
Modelling to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental implications
of environmental protection initiatives for improved policy making and more
effective implementation33.
7-23 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 7-24
7-25 ENV IRONMENTAL PROTE C TIO N
FOOTNOTES
1. “Malaysians increasingly concerned about green issues”, The Star Online, July 12, 2017.
2. Environmental Performance Index (EPI). “Country Rankings.” (2016)
3. Environmental Performance Index (EPI). “Our Methods.”
4. Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). “Malaysia’s Performance in Environmental Performance
Index.” (2016)
5. Laws of Malaysia. “Act 127, Environmental Quality Act, 1974.” (1974)
6. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “National Policy on Biological Diversity
2016-2025.” (2016)
7. Department of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “National
Policy on the Environment.” (2002)
8. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “National Policy on Biological Diversity
2016-2025.” (2016)
9. “Groups: Malaysians just don’t care to throw rubbish properly”, The Star Online, June 3, 2013.
10. “Enforce environmental laws”, The Star Online, December 13, 2014; Maidin, A.J., “Challenges in
Implementing and Enforcing Environmental Protection Measures in Malaysia.” (2005)
11. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “Second National Communication
(NC2) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).”
12. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “Malaysia: Biennial Update Report to
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).” (2015)
13. “Malaysia sends climate change action plan to UN”, The Star Online, November 28, 2015.
14. COP21 was held to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping
global warming below 2°C.
15. Scientific Malaysian. “Tackling Climate Change and Malaysia’s Emission Reduction Target.” (2017)
16. 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference: COP21. “Speech by HE Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku
Jaafar, Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia.” (2015)
17. Ibid
18. Das, I. and Tuen, A.T., “Naturalists, Explorers and Field Scientists in South-East Asia and Australasia”,
Springer International Publishing, 2016.
19. “Malaysia’s indigenous hit hard by deforestation”, Al Jazeera, April 2, 2015.
20. Reef Check Malaysia. “RCM Annual Survey Report 2016.” (2017)
21. “Shrinking supply of seafood”, The Star Online, January 11, 2011.
22. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia. “Sustainable Seafood Guide.” (2010)
23. Clean Malaysia. “Waste Management in Malaysia: In the Dumps.” (2015)
24. “Total aims to be 20% low-carbon by 2035”, Financial Times, May 25, 2016.
25. Convention on Biological Diversity. “Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Targets.”
(2010); Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia. “National Policy on Biological
Biodiversity 2016-2025.” (2016)
26. Streamline responsibilities and workflows to remove overlapping in governance structures.
27. Under marine biodiversity, there are different ministries in charge of fish, sharks, and other creatures.
As for marine flora or fauna, it is under federal or state jurisdiction depending on whether it is rooted to
the seabed or free-floating.
28. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets standards for responsible forest management. FSC certification
ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and
economic benefits.
29. The V5 Seabin unit is a floating debris interception device designed to capture an estimated 1.5 kgs of
floating debris per day, weather and debris volumes depending.
30. “In Switzerland, a giant new machine is sucking carbon directly from the air”, The ScienceMag, June 1,
2017
31. The Ocean Cleanup. “The Ocean Cleanup Announces Pacific Cleanup To Start In 2018.” (2017)
32. United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Green Industry. “Selected Japanese
Environmental Technologies for Green Industry.” (2012)
33. Banerjee,O. and Alavalapati, J. “A computable general equilibrium analysis of forest concessions in Brazil.”
(2009)
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-26
7-27

ENER Y
SECURITY
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-28
7-29 ENERGY S ECURITY

SECTION OVERVIEW: ENERGY SECURITY

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Energy production predominantly based on fossil A country powered by renewable energy

fuels
• Strong policy commitment •E
 nergy production is
to change energy mix to decentralised; households
renewables and becoming can produce and sell
ENERGY carbon neutral surplus energy
PRODUCTION

Limited consumer choice Consumer-oriented energy

• Multiple energy providers that provide consumers choice

ENERGY
DISTRIBUTION

Energy efficiency not a part of daily life An energy-efficient nation

• A nation that adopts and •C
 ompanies and individuals
embeds the latest energy- have an energy-efficient
efficient technology and design mindset
ENERGY principles in its infrastructure
CONSUMPTION
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-30

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

A
LIBERALISED
MARKET
TOP 20
ENABLING GLOBALLY FOR
AN
CONSUMERS VEHICLE
ALL NEW ANENERGY
ENERGY BUILDINGS
TO CHOOSE FUEL EFFICIENT
MIX BUILT TO
A CARBON- CONSISTING ENERGY EFFICIENCY ‘GREEN’
NATION
WITH ENERGY
NEUTRAL MOSTLY OF PROVIDERS AND EMISSIONS CERTIFICATION INTENSITY INDEX
NATION RENEWABLES STANDARDS STANDARDS OF <11

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

EMISSIONS INDEX HOUR-BY-HOUR VARIABLE ENERGY PRICING

Measuring and publishing emissions and energy efficiency by sector Give consumers better control over bills and power usage by charging
and by company consumers the hourly price of energy
7-31 ENERGY S ECURITY

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia, an energy exporter, has traditionally

prioritised economic development in its energy
policy.

In developing its energy policy, Malaysia has traditionally prioritised

economic growth and energy affordability. A net energy exporter, Malaysia
currently exports its oil and gas, while subsidising power costs for domestic
industries. However, given the country’s international carbon commitment,
together with its increasing reliance on imported coal for power generation,
Malaysia is now at a crossroads in its energy security priorities.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-32

2 MALAYSIA TODAY

Malaysia’s energy security position today is influenced by each part of the importing neighbours. However, as Malaysia’s energy consumption continues
energy value chain – from energy generation, through to distribution and to grow, the country is expected to shift toward becoming a net energy
finally consumption. importer by 2025-20302. Fulfilling Malaysia’s growing energy demand
has led the country to increase its reliance on imported coal. Moreover,
Malaysia’s energy generation has traditionally relied on oil and gas. The coal is imported from only a few countries – Australia and Indonesia make
choice of energy mix is the result of a trade-off between three priorities – up over 80 percent of Malaysia’s coal imports – which represents a clear
sustainability, affordability and security of supply. Sustainability focuses concentration risk.
on the ability to minimise emissions through low-emission energy sources,
such as solar power. Affordability meanwhile focuses on providing cost-
effective power to support economic development, typically using fuels such
FIGURE 1 • MALAYSIA POWER GENERATION MIX 1
as coal. Lastly, security of supply focuses on using domestic fuel sources
with limited imports.
Power generation mix (%) Others
Of the three, Malaysia has traditionally prioritised affordability in its energy Gas
mix, reflected in its reliance on cost-effective fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and gas 100
Coal
make up around 90 percent of the country’s total primary energy mix –
with oil being the dominant fuel in the transport sector and coal and gas 75
primarily used in electricity generation and the industrial sector. Between 56 44 51 53 41
1970 and 2000, Malaysia’s power generation was dominated by oil and gas. 50
In recent years however, reliance has shifted in favour of comparatively lower
priced coal. Coal’s share in Malaysia’s electricity generation has increased
25
significantly, rising from 34 percent in 2008 to 52 percent in 2016.
34 47 44 42 52

Malaysia’s increasing reliance on coal has raised concerns over the question 0
of security of supply and sustainability. As one of three net energy exporters 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
in ASEAN alongside Indonesia and Vietnam, Malaysia has been able to Source: Energy Commission. “Malaysia Energy Statistics Handbook 2016” (2016)
enjoy relative protection from energy supply shocks compared to its energy
7-33 ENERGY S ECURITY
The large proportion of coal in Malaysia’s power generation also raises
sustainability concerns as coal is a heavily polluting fuel source, emitting
twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas. As of 2013, Malaysia has
achieved 33 percent reduction in emissions intensity3. Meeting Malaysia’s
2030 COP21 sustainability target of a 45 percent reduction in emissions
intensity will therefore necessarily require switching to cleaner fuel sources4.
Recent improvements in renewable energy technology are presenting
renewables as a solution that combines sustainability with affordability and
security of supply. In the near future, renewables are expected to be cost-
competitive with fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency estimates that
by the mid-2020s, the cost of renewable electricity will converge with fossil
fuels and that by 2040, wind and solar will be the world’s largest sources
of electricity output. Bloomberg New Energy Finance has estimated that in
Germany and the U.S., the cost of utility scale solar farms already rivals the
cost of new coal power plants, with the same expected to occur in quick-
growing markets such as China and India by 20215.
Even though the prospect of renewables is promising, infrastructural
challenges remain. While Malaysia has an estimated hydropower capacity
of 20 MW — which is around half the estimated 2050 national requirement
— supply and demand remain mismatched. Most hydropower capacity lies
in East Malaysia while the majority of power demand lies in the Peninsular.
Beyond hydro, solar power offers tremendous opportunities. Malaysia’s
sunny weather is conducive to solar power, with estimates suggesting that
with appropriate technological advancements, solar power could provide
at least half of Malaysia’s energy requirements by 20506, compared to only
0.1 percent today7.
Even with the increasing promise of renewables, fossil fuels are expected
to continue to play a major role in the country’s energy mix. Amongst fossil
fuels, gas shows the greatest potential of becoming the dominant fossil
fuel in Malaysia’s energy mix. Gas releases less than half of coal’s carbon
dioxide emissions. Gas also presents greater security of supply as Malaysia
possesses ample gas reserves, estimated to be enough for over 100 years
of domestic production8.
In terms of carbon emissions, nuclear power offers a relatively sustainable
power source, though its adoption in Malaysia is challenged by safety and
national security concerns. Preliminary feasibility studies for nuclear power
in Malaysia are already underway but, according to a survey conducted by
Agensi Nuklear Malaysia, the majority of Malaysians are unsure or against
nuclear power. This, coupled with high costs9 as well as reduced global
acceptance after the 2012 Fukushima accident and the move by European
countries such as Germany, Italy, and Switzerland to phase out nuclear
power, raises doubts over its feasibility as a component of Malaysia’s future
energy mix.
Renewable energy has begun changing conventional ways of thinking about
energy generation and distribution. Traditionally, power is supplied by large
power generators to operators who, in turn, sell it to consumers. However,
with renewables such as solar power becoming increasingly more affordable
and widespread, the traditional divide between consumers and producers
are becoming less distinct. Households and companies with rooftop solar
panels or solar farms for example, may at times draw electricity from the
grid and at other times feed surplus power back into the grid, essentially
becoming both producer and consumer of solar energy.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-34

FIGURE 2 • MALAYSIAN RESPONSE TO AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FIGURE 3 • MALAYSIA POWER PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
FOR NUCLEAR POWER 6 2010 (MW) 8

% respondents 25 20 17 9

Coal Oil
100 5 19
9%
Disagree 20%2 Gas Electricity
33 No 23%
47% Hydro
24%
50 64 Maybe 98%
3%
62 Yes
47%
56% 1.  Includes residential, commercial,
Agree agriculture
0 17 44% 2. Including coal, biomass and
waste, used for cooking among
21% 2%
Are you aware that Do you know agree with the 6% rural population and as fuel for
agricultural mills
Malaysia is considering plan to construct nuclear
Source: Energy Commission. “Malaysia
nuclear energy? plants in Malaysia? Electricity Industry Others1 Energy Statistics Handbook 2016”
(2016)
Source: Nik Hanis Mansor & Nor Ezreen Ahmad. “A plan for nuclear acceptance in Malaysia.” Survey. (2011) Transportation

This decentralisation of power production raises technical challenges of its
own. The more production sources feed into the grid, the more difficult it
becomes to balance demand and supply10. In other words, the grid would
require a complex re-balancing mechanism to deal with the excess of power
generated from renewables flowing into the grid and to keep supply in sync
with demand. Upgrading and adapting the national grid will therefore be of
great importance in shifting towards more decentralised power generation
in the future.
Any discussion on Malaysia’s energy security would also need to address
the efficiency of Malaysians’ energy consumption. While we outperform
some ASEAN neighbours such as Thailand and Vietnam, Malaysia lags
behind neighbours such as Indonesia and Singapore in energy efficiency,
measured by the amount of GDP generated per unit of energy consumed11.
Two of the largest energy consumers in Malaysia are the industrial and
transport sectors. In the industrial sector, opportunities for greater energy
efficiency have been recognised. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
in 2014 highlighted that electric consumption could be reduced by 10 percent
at little or no extra cost, just by introducing better practices and simple
fixes such as reducing heat leaks12. In the transport sector, which accounts
for approximately 40 percent of energy consumption, Malaysia has made
commendable efforts toward increasing sustainability and energy efficiency.
By shifting towards public transport and electric vehicle usage, both have
offered significant sustainability and energy efficiency gains.
Today, technological innovations by electric car producers like Tesla coupled
with significant investments by BMW and Volvo, among others, have begun
to successfully drive costs of electric vehicles down. With even major
economies such as France going so far as to announce a ban on diesel and
petrol cars by 2040, pundits have begun to suggest that the days of diesel
and petrol cars are numbered13. Malaysia itself has launched the National
Electric Mobility Blueprint in 2015 that targets 100,000 electric cars in the
country by 2020, while outlining the country’s strategy towards becoming
an electric vehicle marketplace in the coming decades14.
7-35 ENERGY S ECURITY

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

On the topic of energy security, the most frequently heard youth aspiration
was for Malaysia to increase the proportion of renewable energy in its energy
mix, with some aspiring for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. There
were also aspirations for liberalised energy distribution market and a culture
of energy efficiency.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-36

RENEWABLE ENERGY ENERGY DISTRIBUTION MARKET ENERGY CONSUMPTION

“Memperbanyakkan penggunaan tenaga
semulajadi seperti solar dan hidroelektrik
untuk mengurangkan bahan-bahan yang
mencemar alam seperti petroleum”
Negeri Sembilan
“Malaysia to have more than 60%
renewable energy in 2050”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“Ingin melihat semua penduduk
Malaysia mampu memiliki sistem
tenaga solar sendiri”
Dialog Alam Sekitar
“To be a green energy producing country”
Kedah
“I want to see us having a proper energy
plan, to explore other energy sources
such as solar and nano fuel cells. Need to
educate the youth that having cheap energy
will lead to environmental consequences”
Terengganu
“Open the market to enable multiple
energy retailers”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“We should have liberalisation of
the energy market”
Petronas Dialogue
“TNB should regulate but market should open
up for all to supply energy”
Petronas Dialogue
“Aspire for a deregulated energy market”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
energy meter to track, monitor and regulate
“Houses with energy-efficient systems”
Selangor
“Malaysia that is energy efficient”
Terengganu
“Malaysia to promote and encourage
energy efficient buildings”
Touch n Go Dialogue
“Penciptaan alatan yang sangat
menjimatkan tenaga”
Johor
“Aspire for implementation of smart
everyday energy consumption”
KeTTHA Dialogue

“Nuclear energy can be the way,

so long as it is safe and secure”
Young Corporate Malaysians Dialogue
7-37 ENERGY S ECURITY

COMMITTED DECENTRALISED

Malaysia displays strong policy Energy production is decentralised

commitment to achieving and citizens share electricity with
sustainability targets and having a one another easily
majority-renewables energy mix

3.1
ENERGY SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
A Country Powered By Renewable Energy

In various youth engagement platforms, Malaysian youth

expressed their aspiration for a nation that strives to be carbon-
neutral, with an energy mix comprising mostly or entirely of
renewable energy by 2050. In smaller workshops, the Circles
expanded on this aspiration in two areas; firstly, strong policy
commitment and secondly, decentralisation.

COMMITTED
Achieving COP21 targets and having a majority-
renewables energy mix will require strong
policy commitment, backed up by a clear plan
that includes strategic long-term investments.
The youth raise their concerns about plans for
new coal plants, with some proposing gas as
the major fossil fuel source instead due to its
lower carbon emissions and greater security of
supply. The Circles further hope to see Malaysia
deepening R&D capabilities in renewable energy
technologies and developing renewable energy
into a major economic sector. Another area that
the Circles believe could be developed further is
the waste-to-energy sector, where biomass such
as oil palm is converted into biofuels or wood
waste is mixed with coal to generate electricity.
On the topic of nuclear energy, opinions were
divided and the majority view was that any steps
to adopt nuclear energy must not be taken without
extensive public consultation.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-38
DECENTRALISED
Renewable energy blurs the lines between
producer and consumer, presenting the possibility
of greater decentralisation in energy production
over the coming years. Some Malaysian youth
envision a future where citizens share electricity
with one another easily, and where energy-
independent communities with renewable
energy farms could provide electricity locally
while directing their energy surpluses onto the
grid in exchange for money or credits. In achieving
this vision, the Circles recognise that significant
changes to our national infrastructure or power
grid would be required. They particularly wish to
see technical infrastructure improvements in the
form of smart grid sensors that will collect data
flows and artificial intelligence that will effectively
balance energy supply and demand in real-time,
thus ensuring grid stability and efficiency over
the long-term.
7-39 ENERGY S ECURITY
CASE STUDY
THE RISE OF SOLAR POWER
The price of solar power has dropped by over 60% since 2009. Research
conducted by Bloomberg predicts that solar power will be a more cost-
effective method to generate electricity compared to coal in most parts
of the world by 2021. The trend toward a reduction of costs associated
with building solar farms, together with the lowering of costs along the
supply chain are expected to continue, further reducing the cost needed
to generate one Kilowatt. Solar power could overtake coal as the largest
energy source by 2027a.
a. “Solar Could Beat Coal to Become the Cheapest Power on Earth.” Bloomberg, January 3, 2017
b. “China’s solar power capacity more than doubles in 2016.” Reuters, February 4, 2017
Countries around the world have taken notice. China doubled its solar
power capacity in 2016 alone, turning the country into the largest solar
energy producer in the world with a solar-generated capacity of 77
gigawattsb. China plans to increase capacity up to 110 gigawatts by
2020 by investing over $350 billion in renewable energy to achieve
their targetsc. In addition, India will build 10 times more solar capacity
than net additions of coal to 2040, as it shifts to lower-cost renewables
to meet a more than threefold rise in energy demand. India targets to
increase their cumulative solar PV capacity from 10 gigawatts in 2016
to 670 gigawatts in 2040.d
c. Ibid
d. “China, India Seen as $4 Trillion Opportunity for Energy by 2040”. Bloomberg, June 15, 2017
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-40

CONSUMER-ORIENTED

The grid is liberalised to allow

for multiple energy retailers, enabling
Malaysians to choose energy plans
best suited for themselves

3.2
ENERGY SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Consumer-Oriented Energy
The youth of Malaysia aspire for energy distribution to be consumer-oriented,
with a liberalised grid that allows for multiple energy retailers. They envision
a future where Malaysians are able to choose energy plans best suited for
themselves from multiple electricity providers, for example, an all-renewable
energy plan for consumers that prioritise sustainability or a low-budget plan
for low-income households.

To achieve this, the Circles propose significant changes to the retail side
of Malaysia’s electricity distribution setup. To facilitate and encourage an
open and competitive energy retail market, legislation would be needed to
deregulate the energy distribution market, potentially allowing producers
to sell directly to consumers.
7-41 ENERGY S ECURITY

EMBEDDED INTO ALL ENERGY-EFFICIENT

INFRASTRUCTURE MINDSET

A nation that adopts and embeds Companies and citizens are

the latest energy-efficient technology mindful of the latest energy efficiency
and design principles in practices and actively seek ways
its infrastructure to apply them

3.3
ENERGY SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
An Energy-Efficient Nation
The youth aspire for Malaysia to embrace energy-efficiency and
make it a way of life. Towards this, the Circles highlighted two
aspects of energy-efficiency: energy-efficient infrastructure as
well as a shift in mindset.

EMBEDDED INTO ALL INFRASTRUCTURE
In the future, the youth wish to see Malaysia adopt
and embed the latest energy-efficient technology
and design principles into its infrastructure. They
envision a Malaysia in which electric vehicles are
widespread, enabled by electric charging stations
throughout the country. Their vision for Malaysia
is one where all new buildings are built to energy-
efficient standards an existing buildings are
incentivised to adopt these standards. To achieve
this, an important first step highlighted by the
Circles is an energy-efficiency index that would
allow Malaysia to monitor energy-efficiency by
sector, in order to more efficiently identify and
monitor areas for improvement. The Circles also
hope that legislation would play an active role in
mandating energy-efficient minimum standards in
the transport, industry, residential and commercial
sectors respectively.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-42
ENERGY-EFFICIENT
MINDSET
The youth also aspire for a culture of energy
efficiency to become widespread in Malaysia.
They envision a future in which companies and
citizens know their total energy consumption and
actively seek ways to be more energy-efficient.
They recognise that in many cases, this requires
technological improvements in energy-efficient
products to drive down costs for the consumer
such as LED lighting in homes and offices. To
encourage more of such energy-efficient and
economical solutions, the Circles hope for
greater financing across private and government
sources for the development of energy efficiency
initiatives. For example, the Green Investment
Bank set up by the UK government supports the
financing of green initiatives under the Clean
Growth Plan15, which aims to deliver on ambitious
new policies to promote energy efficiency, green
transport and low carbon industries. In the
example of the Netherlands, the Green Funds
Scheme is a tax incentive scheme by the Dutch
government that allows individual investors to
place their money into projects that benefit the
environment16.
7-43 ENERGY S ECURITY
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-44

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Energy productivity index

Energy productivity and low emissions is a hallmark of a developed nation.
To make this easily monitored, a public index is proposed to measure every
sector and company’s energy productivity, towards motivating improvements.

Hour-by-hour variable pricing

An initiative to give better consumer control over bills, by charging consumers
the real price of purchasing energy at a given time of the day. Consumers
looking to trim their bill could simply turn off the air-conditioning during
the hours when prices are above normal. This would encourage mindful use
of electricity and ease pressure on energy production during peak hours.
Other ideas collected include imposing an expiry date for diesel and petrol
cars, introducing a pollution charge on vehicles in selected cities and
switching to biomass as a carbon-neutral fossil fuel.

Other ideas collected include imposing an expiry date for diesel and petrol
cars and introducing a pollution charge on vehicles in cities.
7-45 ENERGY S ECURITY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 7-46
7-47 ENERGY S ECURITY

FOOTNOTES

1. A score of <1 means that the country is more efficient, using less energy to produce more GDP.
2. The World Bank. “East Asia and Pacific Economic Update 2011, Volume 1.” (2011)
3. Scientific Malaysian. “Tackling Climate Change and Malaysia’s Emission Reduction Target.” (2017)
4. 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference: COP21. “Speech by HE Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku
Jaafar, Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Malaysia.” (2015)
5. Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). “New Energy Outlook 2017.” (2017)
6. Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia. “Malaysia updates on RE programme.” (2017)
7. Energy Commission. “Malaysia Energy Statistics Handbook 2016.” (2016)
8. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
9. “Solar panel capacity to overtake nuclear energy next year in historic landmark”, The Independent,
August 22, 2017.
10. “Renewables may face grid management challenge”, The Hindu Business Line, September 7, 2017.
11. Blok, K. et al. “2015 Energy Productivity and Economic Prosperity Index.” (2015)
12. Government of Malaysia, United Nations Development Programme and Global Environment Facility.
“Final Evaluation: Malaysia Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Project (MIEEIP).” (2008)
13. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Countries are announcing plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars. Is
yours on the list?” (2017)
14. Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. “National Electric Mobility Blueprint (NEMB).” (2015) [Key
strategic thrusts to achieve NEMB are to promote use electric vehicles in public and private transportation,
strengthen supporting infrastructure (such as charging points) and to accelerate electric mobility
technology in Malaysia.]
15. “UK government completes sale of Green Investment Bank”, BBC News, August 18, 2017.
16. NL Agency, Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. “The Green Funds Scheme.”
(2010)
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-48
7-49

FO D
SECURITY
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-50
7-51 FOOD S ECURITY

SECTION OVERVIEW: FOOD SECURITY

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Food security mainly focused on sufficiency. Nutritious food is affordable and widely available
Limited emphasis on security of nutrition
• Malaysia’s food supply consists of high quality and nutritious food

FOOD ACCESS • Nutritious food is affordable. Malaysia is a ‘zero hunger’ country

in terms of nutrition

Agriculture becoming more advanced but farming World-class domestic food production
methods are largely still conventional and low-
yield • Malaysia’s food production is high-tech, achieving world-class
yields
DOMESTIC
PRODUCTION • Malaysia produces food in a manner that is sustainable and
adaptive to climate change
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-52

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

NUTRITIOUS WORLD-CLASS
URBAN FARMING
FOOD CROP YIELDS IS WELL ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT
PER HECTARE THE COUNTRY
THROUGHOUT MALAYSIA’S
FOOD SUPPLY

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

SUSTAINABLE LAND USE INDEX

A proposal to establish and utilise an index measuring sustainability of land use for every
piece of inhabited or opened land, towards optimising food production and to reduce the
need for clearing new lands
7-53 FOOD S ECURITY

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia as a nation with sufficient and

nutritious food with long-term sustainability of
supply, against the backdrop of climate change
and population growth.

A growing population coupled with climate change present several challenges

for Malaysia’s food security. As the country develops, it needs to ensure the
ability to provide adequate and nutritious food for its people.

The food security section of this chapter looks at Malaysia’s future food
position across the aspects of food access and production. The section
considers the impact of megatrends such as global population growth
and climate change, and also discusses new agricultural models and
technological advancements in the field of food production. The section
presents the youth’s vision for food security in Malaysia by 2050 as a nation
with sufficient and nutritious food with long-term sustainability of supply.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-54

2 MALAYSIA TODAY

Food security presents a multi-layered challenge to Malaysia given growing

populations, changing diets, climate change as well as land and water FIGURE 1 • MALAYSIA RICE CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA
scarcity. Today, the Malaysian debate on food security is focused heavily
on the issue of sufficiency, particularly of staples like rice. This is a reflection Total consumption (kg/capita)
of Malaysia’s historical development from a low to middle income nation and
its traditional focus on reducing hunger rates. Through the years, significant 95
strides have been made with Malaysia successfully halving its hunger rate
from 4 percent to 2 percent between 1992 to 20161. Further improvements
90
are expected, with Malaysia committing to achieve zero hunger by 2030
as part of its sustainable development goals2.
-2%
85
However, as Malaysian incomes continue to increase and the country
progresses to a higher level of development, the debate on food security
80 Rice
will inevitably shift. Nutritional security — defined as reliable access to
nutritional food — will become more important. The shift away from staples
can already be seen in today’s changing diets. With meat and vegetables 0
replacing staples such as rice, the emphasis within food security must be
2010 2015
broadened to include not just rice and carbohydrates, but key sources of
other nutrients such as protein and vegetables.
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit population data; Business Monitor International. “Malaysia
Agribusiness Report: Q4 2010.” (2011)
7-55 FOOD S ECURITY

Malaysian food production across the major food-types – carbohydrates,

FIGURE 2 • MALAYSIA CONSUMPTION PER CAPITA protein, and vegetables and fruit — is mixed. On carbohydrates, Malaysia
produces approximately 70 percent of its main staple, rice. Increasing the
Total consumption (kg/capita) Protein amount of land dedicated to rice could raise production to a level of self-
Vegetables sufficiency, but would also reduce the production of cash crops such as palm
100 oil and rubber that are more profitable3. On protein, livestock supply is self-
sufficient, with a particularly efficient poultry sector, although 70 percent of
80 feedstock for poultry is imported. While Malaysia is self-sufficient in poultry,
eggs, fish and pork, it is still heavily reliant on imports for beef, mutton and
60 milk. Nevertheless, it must be noted that fish stocks are reducing at an
alarming rate4. On vegetables and fruit, Malaysia’s production continues to
40 grow, but Malaysian farmers are finding it difficult to compete on cost with
mass producers in China and Vietnam5.
20
Improving Malaysia’s food security position would require improving
0 Malaysia’s food production, both in terms of yields and food quality. One
opportunity lies in modernising conventional farming. To date, the adoption
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2017
of high-tech farming has remained low6, negatively impacting yields and
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit, actual rice consumption data (2017) quality standards.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-56

FIGURE 3 • MALAYSIA SELF-SUFFICIENCY BY FOOD PRODUCTS

Production / consumption (%) 2000 2010 2020

200
Self-sufficient, but reliant on imported feed Large domestic production

150
132
119
128 115 110
93
102 102
100 Self-sufficient
76 64
71 68
111 116 86 99 66
41
76 33
50 49 31
72 29 11 6
16
6 5
3
0
Poulty meat Eggs Fish Pork Fruits Rice Vegetables Beef Mutton Milk (Mil’ Litre)

High value-add food products, Staple

more suitable for future consumption patters Seen as benchmark for self-sufficiency

Improving productivity and quality will not be an easy task for Malaysia’s
agricultural sector. Malaysia’s climate poses challenges for achieving the
yields of temperate countries such as Australia. Furthermore, the average farm
size in Malaysia is around one to two hectares, far below the recommended
economic size of 300 hectares for paddy and 1,000 hectares for fruits and
aquaculture7. The small size of Malaysian farms reduces the capability to
invest in productivity enhancers such as mechanisation, fertilisers and better
crop strains, all of which require significant up-front investment. The lack
of capacity also challenges attempts to introduce quality improvement
standards such as improved standard operating procedures and traceability.
On top of this, the agricultural sector’s workforce is ageing; the average age
of Malaysian farmers and agriculturalists is above 60 years old8.
To tackle these challenges, several efforts are underway. The government
programme Agropreneur Muda seeks to develop a new breed of
agriculturalists to modernise the farming industry. Other programmes seek
to encourage new agricultural models such as vertical farming, towards
growing high-quality foods in urban settings.
Climate change presents a major challenge to the current agricultural model.
If global temperatures rise more than two degrees Celsius, heat waves,
droughts and lower germination are expected to ensue, reducing yields
significantly. To ensure food sustainability, Malaysia will have to adapt,
embracing new technology, techniques and even crops.
7-57 FOOD S ECURITY

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Many aspirations for food security were collected from both online and offline
engagement with Malaysian youth. Among the most frequent aspirations
received in this area was for Malaysia to be self-sufficient in food production,
for Malaysians to have increased access to nutritious food and for the country
to be more technologically advanced in food production.

NUTRITION
“More healthy food, more organic food,
water we can drink safely”
NGO Dialogue
“Sumber makanan hendaklah bebas
daripada sumber yang tidak sihat”
Terengganu
“Mampu mengeluarkan makanan
organik tersendiri”
Johor
“Our agricultural industry to
produce more healthy food and make
Malaysia a healthier country”
Kedah
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
“Mempunyai bekal makanan yang mencukupi
atau tahan lama untuk rakyat yang ada”
Negeri Sembilan
“Setiap rumah ada kawasan hijau
sendiri untuk bercucuk tanam sayur-sayuran
supaya dapat memenuhi keperluan
makanan keluarga”
Putrajaya
“Negara mengeluarkan 100% sumber
makanan dalam negara”
Kelantan
“Meningkatkan pengeluaran sumber
makanan supaya negara kita tidak hanya
bergantung dengan negara luar”
Terengganu
“Food security adalah paling penting untuk
negara. Kalau negara kita dipulau, rakyat kita
akan kebuluran dalam masa 3 bulan”
Terengganu
“Currently food imports cost 40bil. We need to
have a farming initiative enabling urban areas
to provide sustainable supply of food”
Penang
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-58
AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENT
“Harapan saya memajukan sistem pertanian
negara dengan merancakkan vertical
planting memandangkan ruang tanah
semakin terhad dan mahal”
Johor
“Cara pertanian yang moden - cepat,
mudah, bersih, tanpa bahan kimia”
Dialog KPK
“Aspire for the importance of farmers
to be well highlighted and supported
with the right technologies”
Entrepreneur Dialogue
“Mengubah sektor pertanian dan
perikanan ke arah yang lebih komersial,
maju dan moden”
Perak
“Aspirasi saya adalah untuk industri
perikanan negara yang moden dan
mampan... Malaysia sebagai hab perikanan”
Perak
“Harapan saya biar pada tahun
2050 kita mengeksport makanan yang
berlebihan ke luar negara”
Terengganu
7-59 FOOD S ECURITY

NUTRIENT-RICH AFFORDABLE ACCESS

Malaysia’s food supply is made up of All Malaysians have access to

nutritious food, enabling Malaysians to eat affordable food and there is zero hunger
healthily and ensure quality of life throughout the country

3.1
FOOD SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Nutritious Food Is Affordable And Widely Available

The youth of Malaysia envision a future in which all citizens have

easy access to nutritious and affordable food. Understanding
that food access is as much a question of nutrition as it is about
sufficiency, they also envision a future in which nutritious food is
readily available to all Malaysians, enabling them to eat healthily
and ensuring a better quality of life.

NUTRIENT-RICH
The youth aspire for Malaysia’s food supply to
consist of high quality and nutrient-rich food.
With regard to food supply, the Circles wish
for the implementation of particular standards,
for example to limit the use of pesticides
and encourage the balance of carbohydrates
and vitamins in crops. An example would be
the United States adherence to the Pesticide
Residue Limits (Tolerances) imposed by the US
Environmental Protection Agency. The Circles also
hope that there will be a shift towards safer and
healthier alternatives, such as lab grown meat
or insects which are a rich source of protein that
can be used as feed for livestock as well as for
human consumption. the Circles also see new
food technologies such as 3D printing as an
opportunity to create more nutritious foods by
working in alternative ingredients into foods
without changing taste and texture. Nevertheless,
Circle members recognise that efforts would
be needed to address potential religious and
ethical concerns over embracing alternative food
ingredients.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-60
AFFORDABLE ACCESS
The youth aspire for a Malaysia where nutritious
food is affordable to all, re-affirming Malaysia’s
commitment to achieving ‘zero hunger’ as part
of its Sustainable Development Goals9. They
recognise that achieving this requires cost
effective production of sufficient quantities of
food. Furthermore, financial support systems as
well as robust transportation networks must be in
place. The Circles emphasise that infrastructure
such as food storage and transportation systems
must be further improved and made robust enough
to ensure the continued distribution of food in the
event of a crisis. To support affordable access to
nutritious food, financial support systems such as
food vouchers could be allocated to low income
Malaysians. Currently, the 1Malaysia People’s
Aid (BR1M) allows recipients to use the money
provided on non-food essentials such as infant
formula milk, rent, utility bills and clothing as
opposed to vouchers that are to be used strictly
for food.
7-61 FOOD S ECURITY

CASE STUDY

OVERCOMING THE ‘YUCK’ FACTOR: INSECTS AS AN ALTERNATIVE

SOURCE OF PROTEIN

With the world’s population expected to grow to almost 10 billion by
2050, experts globally are raising concerns on how to ensure sufficient
protein for a growing population. We are in danger of pushing the land
that is available to us for productive agriculture to its limits.
Insects offer a potential solution to this, if we can overcome the
‘yuck’ factor. They are highly efficient in converting feed to edible
material, much more so than beef, and so present a much reduced
environmental footprint and sustainable solution. They are also
nutritious with a high content of vitamins and protein. Each insect is
about 50 percent protein in dry weight.
The largest challenge for the adoption of insects as a mainstream
source of protein remains consumer acceptance. However, this is
expected to subside with time. Numerous insect start-ups have
already sprung up marketing a range of insect foods, from cricket
powder-based protein shakes to mealworm-based cookies. Valued
at around $100 million today, it is a market expected to expand to
over $1.5 billion by 2021.
By 2050, we may not be surprised to read this nutritional label on
a packet of chips:

Edible insect market size

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

Value for 2017-2021 are forecasts

ARCLUSTER VALUE FOR 2017-2021 FORECASTA PRECISION NUTRITION B

a. “Taste for insects takes wings thanks to booming population.” Financial Times, June 18, 2017
b. Precision Nutrition. “Edible bugs and insects: Are these protein critters the future food?” Available at < http://www.precisionnutrition.com/eating-bugs>
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-62

HIGH-TECH SUSTAINABLE

Malaysia’s food production is Malaysia produces food in a manner

high-tech, achieving world-class yields that is sustainable and adaptive to
climate change

3.2
FOOD SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
World-Class Domestic Food Production

Recognising the risks that climate change poses to global food

production, the youth stress the importance of Malaysian
domestic food production. They aspire for Malaysia to develop
a reputation as a high-tech, high-quality food producer. They
also wish for production to be environmentally sustainable to
ensure Malaysia’s food security in the long-run.
7-63 FOOD S ECURITY
HIGH-TECH
The youth aspire for domestic food production
to be high-tech. They envision a future in
which Malaysia achieves world-class quality
in conventional farming while embracing new
production models such as urban farming. In order
to boost the quality of conventional farms, the
Circles highlight that smallholder farms should
be consolidated, potentially through the creation
of a co-operative. The creation of larger holdings
would enable investments in high-tech farming
infrastructure such as precision sensors and
mechanisation to improve yields.
At the same time, the youth emphasise the
importance of embracing new production models.
They envision a high-tech future where vertical
farms supply vegetables and meat is lab-grown,
guaranteeing citizens locally-produced food of
the highest quality and freshness. Meanwhile,
the Circles highlight the importance of creating
a new class of agricultural innovators to explore
new food production models. They also suggest
upgrading agri-science courses at universities to
focus on high-tech innovative farming methods,
opening up legislation to support research on
biotechnical options such as GMO crops and
supporting agricultural entrepreneurs in the start-
up ecosystem – with the eventual aim of creating
a dynamic and innovative agricultural sector that
uses technology to challenge established models
of production. The Circles also emphasise the
need to support and invest in promising new
agricultural models such as urban farming. The
adoption of urban farming in Malaysia will become
increasingly imperative given the expected rise in
the rate of urbanisation towards 2050.
SUSTAINABLE
Sustainability in food production is yet another
important aspect of Malaysian youth’s aspirations.
The Circles emphasise the importance of natural
resources management, crop diversification and
sustainable land use. While they recognise that
technology such as genetic modification may offer
a solution, they also wish for Malaysia to not place
all its eggs in one basket and so stress the benefits
of diversification. One proposal was to explore
crops more suited to a Malaysia undergoing
climate change such as the Bambara groundnut,
and begin to introduce it into the Malaysian diet.
Such crops, including protein sources such as
insects, could be grown on currently marginal
land unsuitable for crop production such as rice,
thus providing additional food sources.
In addition, the Circles aspire for careful
management of Malaysia’s fish stocks and its
water resources. They cite the need for improved
regulation, such as the implementation of species-
specific fishing quota to halt the decline in fishery
levels or a Water Demand Management (WDM)
system10 to manage the country’s use of water
resources.
While the youth emphasise the importance of
domestic food production, they note that this
should not be taken as a call for Malaysia to shun
food trade. Recognising that Malaysia is a deeply
connected member of the global community,
they wish to see continued food trade take place
between Malaysia and the world. They aspire for
Malaysia to take part in and drive international
food collaboration, such as in the setting up of
international food frameworks and standards to
facilitate trade and food security treaties within
ASEAN.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 7-64

CASE STUDY

PLENTY: HIGH-QUALITY, COST-COMPETITIVE VERTICAL FARMING

Vertical farming is the practice of producing food using vertical planes,

typically within the confines of a building. In San Francisco, Plenty
Inc.’s vertical farm utilises state-of-the-art technology to grow food
that not only provides reliable harvests of nutritious food but also
enhanced in tastea. Over 7,000 infrared cameras around in the vertical
farm’s compound and 35,000 sensors hidden among the vertical
planes constantly monitor the temperature, humidity and carbon
dioxide levelsb. All this data is sent to Plenty’s botanists and Artificial
Intelligence systems for analysis for the purpose of adjusting the
environment in order to maximise harvests and produce taste.

Plenty’s vertical farm estimates to grow 350 times more produce in the
same amount of space as conventional farming, offering substantially
greater yields per land unit area. The company’s vertical farm estimates
it uses 1% of the water conventional farming uses. Water is typically
fed into vertical planes merely using gravity rather than through water Vertical farming at Plenty Inc.

pumps typically used on conventional farms, leading to greater energy

efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. Vertical farms have the added
benefit of being within or in close proximity to urban areas. Plenty is
able to cut its supply chain from 3,000 miles to merely 50 miles, thanks
to being able to get its produce to stores within hours of harvesting.
This allows for consumers to enjoy highly nutritious food that is bred
for taste within hours of harvesting.
Utilising vertical farming systems such as Plenty Inc.’s in urban areas
would allow everyday Malaysians to enjoy high-quality, nutritious and
incredibly fresh produce year round. In the supermarkets of future,
vegetables on display would have been harvested on that same day in
a vertical farm located in the same city.

a. “Has this silicon valley startup finally nailed the indoor farming model?” Fast Company, August 18, 2017
b. “This High-Tech Vertical Farm Promises Whole Foods Quality at Walmart Prices.” Bloomberg Businessweek, September 6, 2017
7-65 FOOD S ECURITY

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Sustainable land use for food production

Conventional farming methods in agriculture today have limited efficiency,
while unsustainable forest harvesting may lead to increasing loss of
biodiversity and high carbon emissions. This idea proposes institutionalising
best practices in efficient land use for food production such as edible gardens
built in previously idle public urban spaces, and inter-cropping in plantations
to generate additional food. The ultimate aim is to establish and utilise an
index measuring sustainability of land use for every piece of inhabited or
opened land, towards optimising food production and to reduce the need
for clearing new lands.
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-66
7-67 FOOD S ECURITY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 7-68
7-69 FOOD S ECURITY

FOOTNOTES

1. International Food Policy Research Institute. “Global Hunger Index 2016.” (2016)
2. United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. “Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and
improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
3. Najim, M.M.M. et al. “Sustainability of Rice Production: A Malaysian Perspective.” (2007)
4. “Overfishing, rampant demand driving fish prices, say environmentalists”, Malay Mail Online, May 1,
2014.
5. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service. “Global Agriculture
Information Network (GAIN) Report Malaysia Retail Foods Annual 2016.” (2016)
6. Oxford Business Group. “Implementing new technology and techniques in Malaysia agriculture.”
7. Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Economic Transformation Programme
Chapter 15: Transitioning from Agriculture to Agribusiness.” (2013)
8. Ibid
9. United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. “Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and
improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
10. Malek, M.A. et al. “Water security and its challenges for Malaysia.” (2013) [Water Demand Management
(WDM) involves the adoption of policies or investment by a water utility to achieve efficient water use
by all members of the community.]
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-70
08
CHAPTER

ACCOUNTABLE AND
EFFECTIVE
GOVERNANCE
Effective and accountable governance is essential - this was a clear message conveyed by the
youth. Throughout the TN50 youth engagement process, calls for a transparent, citizen-driven
and forward-looking government were often heard, to serve today’s needs and to deliver the
country’s ambitious TN50 aspirations.

The youth engaged by MOYS also recognised the increasingly complex security issues facing
Malaysia. Governance for the future also meant continuously being prepared to protect the
country and its citizens against ever-changing threats.

These aspirations are outlined in three sections, as follows:

8-03 GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY

8-27 GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS

8-51 DIPLOMACY, DEFENCE AND

SECURITY
8-3

GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTABIL TY
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-4
8-5 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY
SECTION OVERVIEW: GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
MOVING FROM TODAY…
Citizen engagement is improving, with more
efforts being made to gather citizen input on
policies at the federal and local levels. However
clear response to citizen input and feedback is
CITIZEN an area for improvement
ENGAGEMENT
Transparency perceived to be limited1 but with
efforts for improvement, such as the open data
policy adopted in 2016 as part of RMK112
TRANSPARENCY
AND INTEGRITY
Concerns about decreasing civil liberties
particularly in freedom of speech and press3
CIVIL LIBERTIES
TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS
Active citizen participation at every level
• Citizens are proactively and • Mature, capable residents
systematically engaged for their are directly involved in local
input on policy and legislation community institutions such
formulation. as schools and resident
associations.
Governance with transparency and integrity
• Open data widely practiced and • A government that takes a
guaranteed by legislation zero-tolerance approach to
corruption and conducts
itself with the highest level of
integrity
Freedoms with responsibility
• The government guarantees citizens’ liberties through citizen-
endorsed guidelines, promoting responsible use of freedoms
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

TOP 10TH
PERCENTILE IN
TRANSPARENCY TOP 20 ON THE TOP 10TH PERCENTILE IN
INTERNATIONAL’S WORLD JUSTICE FREEDOM IN THE
CORRUPTION PROJECT WORLD CIVIL LIBERTIES
PERCEPTION INDEX OPEN GOVERNANCE INDEX INDEX

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

CITIZEN 4.0 OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP

Citizen 4.0 app to enable deeper citizen A multi-country partnership to promote

involvement in local government transparency and enhance accountability
8-7 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

1 INTRODUCTION

As Malaysia’s democracy matures, youth

aspire for greater accountability in the nation’s
governance in which every level of society plays
a role.

Malaysia’s maturing as a democracy is accompanied by rising citizens’

demands for government accountability, namely holding people and
institutions responsible for the performance of their roles and duties. Much
of this entails enabling greater oversight on government by the people.
Relatedly, many youth call for better avenues or channels that allow more
meaningful citizen participation in government, particularly in policy
formulation and decision-making.

In various dialogues, youth also called for a more transparent government,

particularly concerning sharing of data collected by the government. Civil
liberties are also a lever of government oversight, an area where youth would
like to see freedoms being practised and upheld but with correctness and
responsibility.
2
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-8

MALAYSIA TODAY

Galvanised by greater exposure afforded by ICT and social media, citizens of
countries around the world are asking for more consultative and collaborative
government4. In response, governments are endeavouring to increase citizen
engagement. The World Justice Project, an independent organisation that
seeks to advance the rule of law around the world, notes increasing citizen
engagement as governments step up efforts to bring citizens into policy-
making5. However, according to Freedom House, there has been a decline in
government transparency and civil liberties worldwide6, two other important
pillars of government accountability.
Malaysia’s scores in citizen engagement, transparency and civil liberties
over the past five years have mirrored global trends7. From 2014 to 2015,
Malaysia’s citizen engagement scores increased from 0.34 to 0.378, while
transparency and civil liberties scores decreased from 0.63 to 0.339, and
from 28 to 26 respectively10.
Malaysia’s citizen engagement scores likely reflect the increased efforts of
government in the past decade. The government has, for example, launched

FIGURE 1 • GLOBAL CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY, AND CIVIL LIBERTIES SCORES

Citizen engagement score Gov’t transparency score Civil liberties score

+4% -2% -1%

0.6 0.6
0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 40 37 37
0.5 0.5 0.5 36 36 36
0.5 0.5 0.5

30
0.4 0.4

20

0.2 0.2
10

0 0 0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Source: The World Justice Project, Freedom House
8-9 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

FIGURE 2 • MALAYSIAN CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY, AND CIVIL LIBERTIES SCORES

OGI citizen engagement score OGI gov’t transparency score FIW civil liberties score

1.0 1.0 -14.8 60

% -1.8% Top 20

Top 20
Top 20
40

0.5 +1.8% 0.5

Partly free
20

Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia

0.0 0.0 0

2012 2014 2016 2012 2014 2016 2012 2014 2016

Source: The World Justice Project, Freedom House

online channels to engage and crowd-source citizens’ ideas and feedback for
the National Budget since 201411. As part of the formulation of initiatives for
the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Roadmap 2.0 in 2012,
the government conducted large scale Open Days and various discussion
forums to elicit citizen feedback on proposed initiatives12. The TN50 Youth
Engagement process itself, which forms the basis of this report, is another
example of citizen engagement in government policymaking and nation-
building.
Nevertheless, there are opportunities to further deepen citizen engagement
in Malaysia, particularly at the local level. Some youth mention examples
of deeper citizen engagement and oversight on local councils, pointing to
examples of joint citizen decision-making and participatory budgeting in
cities in Europe, North America and South America. In an example from
Reykjavik, Iceland, residents are invited to submit their ideas for improvement
projects, to vote on these projects on the council’s online platform, and to
be end-users of the implemented ideas13.
While Malaysia’s citizen engagement score has increased, Malaysia has
gaps to close with best-in-class countries in areas such as open data14 and
transparency, reflected in its declining scores in the Open Governance Index
and the Corruption Perception Index15. However, many youth also recognise
efforts in these areas, noting initiatives under the Government Transformation
Programme (GTP) to increase transparency such as the development of
an online portal to track government procurement16. Government tender
information has been published online since 2013, allowing the public to view
open tenders and winning bids. Additionally, the public can track the progress
and outcome of audit cases by the Auditor General via an online dashboard17.
Further, since 2015, the Auditor General’s Performance Audit Report is shared
in two series per year, instead of annually as was the previous practice, to
enable greater public scrutiny over government expenditure and to allow
the public more time in responding to reported wrongdoings18.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-10

In the spirit of joining the best in class, some youth point to New Zealand as As Malaysia’s democracy continues to mature, the following decades will
a model in its open data efforts, making high-value public data19 accessible see significant movement in these pillars of government accountability of
online20 such as costs breakdowns of public services or reported crime citizen engagement, transparency and civil liberties.
occurrences in a given area. Some youth also look to the United States of
America as an example where citizens are guaranteed the right to request
data and information collected by the government, through legislation.21

In terms of civil liberties, there is a high degree of freedom of expression

on the internet and social media. In other areas however, international
organisations have highlighted challenges faced by activists, human rights
movements and the press, particularly in criticising authorities without fear
of detention or other repercussions22. WEF’s Global Shaper’s Annual Survey
(2017) affirms that youth see alternative and social media as empowering
youth in the country23, though at the same time the youth are not entirely
confident that all members of society will use freedoms in such channels
responsibly24.
8-11 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-12

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

The year-long engagement with Malaysian youth generated spirited discussions

and aspirations on government accountability. Amongst the most frequently
voiced aspirations were hopes for more citizen engagement on policy matters,
a more citizen-centred government, measures to ensure greater transparency
and integrity, as well as measures to guarantee freedoms with responsibility.
8-13 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY
CITIZEN-CENTRED
“Pentadbiran yang lebih
terbuka dan lebih banyak
platform bagi rakyat untuk
mengekspresi idea, termasuk
pelajar & penjawat awam”
Diaspora Malaysia di Ireland
“To have effective platforms
for citizens to voice their
concerns and contribute in
planning and development”
PNB Dialogue
“Government to have an organisation
to collate ideas of students”
Campus Dialogue
“Mempunyai “leadership” yang
suka bergaul dengan rakyat,
mempunyai idea yang banyak untuk
merapatkan lagi jurang antara
pemimpin dengan rakyat”
Kelantan
“Untuk para pemimpin mampu
mendengar suara rakyat dan
mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya
terhadap suara hati rakyat”
Kelantan
“A government that listens to the
people and responds to the issues”
Dialogue with Indian Youths
TRANSPARENCY &
INTEGRITY
“To improve availability and flow of
information services”
KTAR Dialogue
“Malaysia aman, makmur ditadbir dan
urus tadbir yang amanah dan integriti”
Putrajaya
“Checks and balances between
government branches”
Selangor
“Malaysia ditadbir oleh
pemimpin-pemimpin yang bersih,
berintegriti, amanah & terbaik”
Terengganu
“Transparent and integrity-filled
leaders who put the nation above all”
EPF Dialogue
“Saya mahu Malaysia ditadbir
dengan telus tanpa rasuah”
Dialog Kanak-Kanak
DIVERSE
REPRESENTATION
“To have younger ministers, who have
a lot of aspirations about changing
Malaysia to be a better nation”
Touch n Go Dialogue
“Inclusive government that includes
minorities including OKUs”
Perak
“By 2050, at least 50% of Parliament
should consist of youths”
Sarawak
“A more diverse cabinet in parliament
to cater to the vast societal spectrum
that exists in Malaysia. Promote far
greater intellectual discourse”
Negeri Sembilan
“We need more women in politics.
We’re 43% of the population, but have
far less representation in politics”
Women’s Dialogue
“No race or gender limitations to
become leaders in Malaysia”
Sarawak
FREEDOM OF
EXPRESSION
“Freedom of expression is
celebrated in an atmosphere of
open debate without prejudice”
Civil Servant Dialogue
“We should have social regulations
like freedom of speech that comes
with responsibility”
PNB Dialogue
“Malaysia to have true democracy,
true freedom of speech and
freedom of press”
Johor
“More freedom for the press, as
well as encouraging the rakyat to
speak their minds”
Selangor
“A society where people are able to
convey their views without fear”
Kedah
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-14

NATIONAL LEVEL LOCAL LEVEL

Citizens are proactively and effectively Citizens play an active role in their
engaged, providing input on major policies communities such as local authorities,
and legislation schools and community centres

3.1
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Active Citizen Engagement at Every Level

The youth of Malaysia aspire for greater citizen participation at

all levels of government. At the national level, they envision a
government that frequently and systematically engages citizens
in policy and decision-making. At the local level, they aspire for
communities where residents are actively involved in shaping
their local cities and neighbourhoods.
8-15 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

NATIONAL LEVEL

A survey by MOYS TN50 Secretariat found that

more than 70 percent of Malaysian youth want
greater citizen engagement in policy decisions by
205025. Though many acknowledge the efforts
taken in recent years to solicit and collect citizen
input, youth want an assurance of attempts to
engage all segments of the population as well
as a clearer demonstration of how citizen input
is being weighed and taken into consideration.
In smaller discussions, Circles members talked
about the need for well-designed feedback
channels that are easily accessible, simple to use
and transparent in terms of other citizens’ input
as well as government’s response.

The Circles also propose engaging citizens

at multiple points throughout the policy
cycle, enabling citizens to have a say from the
early stages of policy formulation through
to implementation and potentially, course
corrections or improvements in future years.
Of additional interest are citizen engagement
scorecards for policies or legislation in which
citizen inputs are solicited, that show citizens’
inputs in the aggregate as well as levels of
engagement across demographics, such as by
region or age.
Putting a note of caution, some Circles members
highlighted the importance of setting up criteria
for determining policies and legislation in which
direct citizen input would be most beneficial
and effective. Several policies and legislations,
particularly involving macroeconomics and
national security, require highly in-depth subject
matter expertise as the basis of policy formulation.
Nevertheless, in all cases Circles members
advocate clear descriptions and communication
of policies and legislations to all citizens as it is a
prerequisite for better citizen engagement.
LOCAL LEVEL
The youth envision a future where citizens are
involved in shaping their local communities.
They aspire for residents to play an active role in
providing ideas as well as participating in decision-
making of local councils’ planning and budget
priorities. Similarly, Circles members discussed
the need for continuous improvement on local
community or local council feedback channels
with many proposing mobile apps that enable
feedback on local services, voting on local plans as
well as feedback and voting on ideas proposed by
fellow local residents. Examples cited included the
Participatory Budgeting New York City (PBNYC)
initiative which enables the city’s residents to
decide how public funds will be used in their given
districts26. Residents propose ideas and engage in
discussions on issues such as improvements to
schools, parks, libraries and public housing before
voting through their smartphone or personal
computers. The Circles further propose bolstering
citizen feedback channels with live streaming of
key municipal meetings to the public.
Apart from the aforementioned, youth feel that
the expertise and knowledge of select citizens
have the potential to greatly increase local
government performance if harnessed fully.
The Circles suggest that it should be standard
practice by 2050 for citizens to sit on boards and
steering committees for local services, offering
citizens with the right capabilities and experience
the opportunity to participate directly in the
programme formulation or implementation. In the
same vein, the youth also aspire for greater direct
citizen engagement in other local institutions such
as schools, hospitals and community centres.
Retired residents with the experience and subject
matter expertise, for example, could provide
highly relevant guidance for such institutions.
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-16
8-17 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

CASE STUDY

REYKJAVIK’S BETTER NEIGHBOURHOODS PLATFORM FOR CITIZEN

PARTICIPATION

Reykjavik’s Better Neighbourhoods initiative allows citizens to use an 164 of the more than 500 ideas submitted in 2014, and citizens voted
online platform to propose, debate and vote on ideas for improving to approve 78 of those. Once approved by citizens, ideas are executed
the capital city. Between 2012 and 2015, citizens approved 420 ideas. by the City Board.

Citizens use an online platform to submit ideas on how they can improve
their neighbourhoods. Typical ideas involve improving communal
facilities or making improvements to the environment, such as footpaths,
dog parks or cycling lanes. Citizens submitted more than 500 ideas in
2014 alone.
The platform allows citizens to play an active role in shaping their city,
while educating citizens on the importance of budget management. More
than 70,000 citizens out of a population of 120,000 have participated
in the initiative since its inception, allowing over €18M to be directly
allocated by citizens.

Once ideas are submitted, the City of Reykjavik Construction Board

evaluates the cost and feasibility of each proposal. If the City Board
approves a proposal, citizens vote on it online. The Board approved

Source: Citizens Foundation

 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-18

TRANSPARENCY INTEGRITY

Data collected by government and A government known for integrity in

information of public interest is daily conduct and in system checks
accessible and balances

3.2
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Governance with Transparency and Integrity

The youth of Malaysia aspire for a government that strives to

be transparent, allowing citizen oversight by making available
key information and data. Malaysian youth also aspire for a
government that conducts itself with integrity, clearly upholding
integrity as a value in daily behaviour as well as strengthening
legislation and administrative practices towards effecting zero-
tolerance of corruption.
8-19 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY
TRANSPARENCY
The youth aspire for a government that inculcates
the practice and culture of transparency across
all levels. In doing so, the Circles highlight the
importance of Open Data practices to improve
transparency in policy formulation and delivery.
They acknowledge the government’s recent Open
Data efforts and plans27 and look forward to better
access to government datasets, such as air and
water pollution and crime statistics. At the same
time, however, they acknowledge that documents
crucial to national interest, for example defence
intelligence documents and citizens’ personal
information should remain protected. Further, the
Circles suggest that the government considers
introducing a national Freedom of Information
Act, which will give citizens legal recourse to
request information on issues of public interest.
On other major aspects of government
transparency, the Circles propose reforming
political campaign funding in order to make
sources of funding more transparent, with
some aspiring for public disclosure of political
parties’ accounts as is the case in New Zealand.
Additionally, they propose mandatory public
declaration of assets of all high-ranking public
officials and members of the judiciary, going
further than current Malaysian law which requires
ministers and other high-ranking public officials
to declare their assets in confidence to the Prime
Minister’s office.
Many youth noted that the perception of
government accountability is also greatly affected
by the transparency and professionalism of
government procurement. Several hope that
government procurement rules and processes will
be continuously improved, with all ministries and
departments demonstrating the same high level
of clarity and transparency.

INTEGRITY
The youth aspire for a future Malaysia in which the
government conducts itself with the highest levels
of integrity. The youth want to be confident in the
integrity of public officials as a whole to the extent
that experiences or anecdotes of corruption are
rare. In line with this, many want the government
to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to
corruption and to entrench practices aimed at
deterring corruption and promoting integrity.
Circles members see the need for the government
to entrench the independence of public institutions
such as the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) and the Election Commission of
Malaysia (ECM) through regulations that enforce
independent and impartial reporting. They also
propose that these institutions report directly to
Parliament.
Additionally, the Circles propose a system that
identifies and rewards high-integrity public
officials such as a peer nomination system in
the civil service to nominate public officials that
exemplify good conduct. High integrity public
officials with the highest nominations across
the civil service will be commended by the
government. The Circles also note that the system
should increase protection of whistle-blowers
further, acknowledging the government’s plans to
review the Whistleblower Protection Act towards
greater identity protection of the whistleblower28.
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-20
The Circles also propose private sector involvement
in assessing integrity in government. The Circles
propose introducing independent integrity audits
of government agencies, whereby auditing is
carried out by impartial, private companies,
such as the case in the United Kingdom. They
suggest that this adds an additional check on
ensuring compliance with laws and adherence
to proper financial procedures. Some Circles
members also propose utilising technology to
crowdsource anonymous integrity assessments
on government departments, particularly from
vendors and members of the public.
8-21 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

HIGH CIVIL LIBERTIES

The government guarantees citizens’

liberties through citizen-endorsed
guidelines, promoting responsible use

3.3
of freedoms

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
Freedom with Responsibility
Youth believe that freedom of speech, press and assembly are fundamental
rights. The youth aspire to a future in which the relationship between the
Malaysian government and its citizens is based on open and constructive
discourse. The youth aspire for Malaysia to be able to practice their civil
liberties without fear of retribution. Whilst acknowledging progressive efforts
such as ending indefinite detention without trial, amongst others, many note
that there are still areas requiring improvement.

Specifically, the Circles suggest reviewing legislation such as the Printing

Presses and Publications Act 1984 towards removing restrictions on
publishing licenses, but to be balanced by industry regulations on fair and
substantiated reporting. In the same theme of freedom with responsibility,
the Circles also advocate clarifying the definition of security offences in line
with citizens’ values today. Many recognise the misuse of civil liberties in
Malaysia, however they hope for measures that inculcate better conduct
rather than responses that result in broad reductions of freedoms. The Circles
believe that these steps would foster constructive criticism and debate as
well as ensuring an effective check and balance.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-22

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Citizen 4.0 app

Citizen 4.0 seeks to increase citizen engagement at the local level by
establishing an online platform that enables residents to give feedback and
ideas to their local councils as well as viewing progress on local issues. It also
seeks to drive greater accountability by allowing citizens to vote on issues
such as local budget priorities. A pilot programme is proposed to test the
initiative in a city before expanding it nationwide.
the public to track the progress of all participating countries, with annual
independent progress reports providing assessments on development and
implementation of country-specific action plans, stimulating dialogue and
promoting accountability between members’ governments and citizens.

Open Government Partnership

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-country initiative
involving 75 countries to date, that have undertaken a set of commitments
to promote transparent government, empower citizens, eradicate corruption,
and deploy new technologies to enhance governance. To join the OGP,
Malaysia would need to meet three requirements: endorse the Open
Government Declaration (OGD); produce a national strategy in line with
the OGD developed through public consultation; and provide publicly
accessible progress reports on their national strategy. The OGP enables
8-23 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 8-24
8-25 GOV ERNMENT ACCOUN TABIL ITY
FOOTNOTES
1. Transparency International. “Corruption Perceptions Index 2016.” (2017)
2. The World Bank. “Open Data Readiness Assessment: Malaysia.” (2017)
3. Freedom House. “Freedom in the World 2017: Malaysia Profile.” (2017)
4. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “Open Government: The Global
Context and the Way Forward.” (2017)
5. World Justice Project. “What is the Rule of Law?” [The four universal principles of rule of law are
accountability, just laws, open government and accessible and impartial dispute resolution]
6. Freedom House. “Freedom in the World 2017.” (2017)
7. Ibid
8. World Justice Project (WJP). “WJP Rule of Law Index 2016.” (2016)
9. Ibid
10. Freedom House. ‘Freedom in the World 2017.’ (2017)
11. Global Voices. “Crowdsourcing Malaysia’s 2014 budget.” (2013); Commonwealth Association for Public
Administration and Management (CAPAM). “Crowdsourcing for Citizen Engagement.” (2015); “Got ideas
for Budget 2016? Drop me a line, Najib tells Malaysians”, Malay Mail Online, September 6, 2015; “More
than 90 institutions forward input for Budget 2017 preparation”, Malay Mail Online, June 16, 2016.
12. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Government Transformation Programme
(GTP) the Roadmap 2.0, Catalysing Transformation for a Brighter Future.” (2012) [‘Teh Tarik’ discussions
were informal discussions held in coffee shops where citizens and stakeholders discussed and suggested
improvements to the proposed initiatives under GTP 2.0]
13. Citizens Foundation. “Better Neighbourhoods 2012 to 2014, Participatory budgeting in Reykjavik.” (2014)
14. ‘Open data’ refers to the concept of making data collected by the government (from ministries to local
councils) easily accessible to citizens for any purpose and use.
15. Transparency International. “Corruption Perceptions Index 2016.” (2017)
16. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Government Transformation Programme
(GTP) Annual Report 2012.” (2012)
17. Performance Management And Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). “Government Transformation Programme
(GTP) Annual Report 2013.” (2013)
18. “Gov’t committed to eradication of corrupt practices, says GTP Report”, Bernama News, May 12, 2014.
19. Government Information Services Department of Internal Affairs. “Prioritisation and Release of High
Value Public Data for Reuse Process and Guidelines.” (2012) [High value public data is considered to
be a combination of data which: is considered to add value, innovate & create new products to spur
economic growth, provides details of government funding and/or expenditure, reports on the performance
of an agency or service, supports cross-sector service delivery, e.g. other agencies & NGOs can use it to
improve their services, or helps align central &local government initiatives through a more coordinated
national view of government data.]
20. New Zealand Government ICT Functional Leader. “Open and Transparent Government.” (2017)
21. Through the Freedom of Information Act, enacted in 1966.
22. Human Rights Watch. “World Report 2017: Malaysia.” (2017)
23. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Global Shapers Annual Survey 2017.” (2017)
24. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
25. Survey undertaken by Ministry of Youth and Sports TN50 Secretariat, representative sample of 3048
survey participants, June-July 2017.
26. New York City Council. “Participatory Budgeting.” (2017)
27. The Public Sector Open Data Initiative, Malaysian Public Sector ICT Plan 2016-2020
28. “Government plans review of Whistleblower Protection Act”, Malay Mail Online, March 10, 2016.
 
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-26
7-27

G VERNMENT
EFFECTIVENESS
TN50 Youth Canvas 7-28
8-29 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

SECTION OVERVIEW: GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Many government services available online, with A citizen-centric, data-driven government

varying levels of user satisfaction1
• Dynamic public services • Policy making based on data,
designed to cater for evidence and learnings
individual citizens’ needs and
PUBLIC usage behaviour
SERVICES

Improving civil service, but performance uneven A world-renowned civil service

across range of ministries, agencies and local
authorities • A civil service recognised as amongst the best globally

CIVIL SERVICE

Early stages of ‘whole-of-society’ approach Collaborative, partnership-based service delivery

where public services are delivered in
partnership with service delivery partners • Government that partners with companies, social enterprises,
NGOs and communities to maximise service quality and cost
effectiveness
SERVICE
DELIVERY MODEL
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-30

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

TOP 10TH
PERCENTILE IN
UN’s TOP 20 IN THE
TOP 20 IN THE
TOP 20 IN THE E-GOVERNMENT WORLD BANK’S
WORLD BANK’S INTERNATIONAL INDEX EASE OF DOING
GOVERNMENT
EFFECTIVENESS CIVIL SERVICE BUSINESS
INDICATOR EFFECTIVENESS INDEX2 RANKINGS

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GOVERNMENT CHIEF CITIZEN EXPERIENCE OFFICERS

Institutionalisation of AI, data and analytics in government to solve Major user-facing ministries, departments, agencies and local
public services challenges via public-private pilot projects and authorities appoint qualified officers dedicated to redesigning
partnerships current services towards improving the user experience
8-31 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

1 INTRODUCTION

Changes in technology and citizen expectations

requires Malaysia’s government service delivery
to adapt faster than ever

Advancements in technology are increasing citizens’ expectations of an

effective government. Malaysian youth envision a world-class government
that adopts appropriate technology to address the needs of individual
citizens via well designed services. To deliver this, the youth aspire for a
world-renowned civil service that is continuously improving and up to date
with the necessary skills and subject matter knowledge. The youth also note
new models of service delivery, where services are increasingly delivered in
partnership with service delivery partners such as social enterprises.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-32

2 MALAYSIA TODAY

Since 1998, Malaysia has scored among the top quartile of countries in the
World Bank’s Government Effectiveness indicator. However, Malaysia’s
position has declined slightly over the last decade as other countries also
increase their attention on service delivery3. Government effectiveness is
an area where the bar for excellence is constantly rising, driven by changes
in technology and citizens’ expectations.
The shift towards digitalisation, computerised processing and online service
delivery has been taking place for several years4. Examples of digitalised
high-volume public services in Malaysia include online passport renewal5,
online license renewals, bill payments and tax filing6. Digitalising government
services continues to be a work in progress, with progressive improvements
needed to match the quality of online services provided by the private sector7.
Nevertheless, public satisfaction scores are increasing; online services
such as application for building permits and accessing public education
institutions’ services receive high scores amongst users8.
the decades. The Eleventh Malaysia Plan devotes a chapter exclusively to
civil service productivity and transformation, highlighting government’s
focus on areas such as strengthening talent management, adopting variable
compensation and fast-track promotion amongst others12.
In line with global trends in public sector management, innovative approaches
and new service models are being explored to enable greater government
effectiveness. As articulated in the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, the government
is looking to foster a whole-of-society approach by encouraging partnerships
with suitable private sector companies, social enterprises, NGOs and local
communities in the delivery of public services such as healthcare and
education13.
FIGURE 1 • WORLD BANK GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS INDEX
PERCENTILE RANKING

Gov’t effectiveness percentile ranking

New technologies offer even further opportunities to transform public
services. Data analytics has the potential to enable a personalised public 100 Singapore
service experience9, with governments harmonising and harnessing their
large data sets to tailor-make services for diverse citizens and their individual
needs10. However, according to the United Nations (UN) E-Government 80
Malaysia
Survey, governments around the world will need considerable effort to
overcome significant challenges around digital infrastructure and data Thailand
integration11. 60 Philippines
Vietnam
Indonesia
Underpinning improvements in government effectiveness and service
0
delivery is a high calibre civil service. In Circles discussions, several youth
2005 2010 2015
noted the gradually changing face and dynamism of the civil service, though
this is felt in some departments more than others and is still not generally Source: World Bank
perceived across the board. The civil service will continue to change over
8-33 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-34

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

The youth voiced diverse aspirations on government effectiveness, making

it the fifth most popular topic overall. Among the most frequently voiced
aspirations on government effectiveness touched on increasing the use of
technology in service delivery and improvement, nurturing more collaborative
approaches, more decentralisation to the local level and the calibre of leaders
and public servants.
8-35 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

COLLABORATIVE QUALITY OF LEADERS &

USE OF TECHNOLOGY DECENTRALISATION
APPROACH PUBLIC SERVANTS

“Pentadbiran awam yang “Better collaboration between “To have a decentraliszed “Perkhidmatan Awam yang
efisyen dan digital” government and corporates” government structure and to mementingkan kualiti staff.
Dialog KPKT NGO Dialogue have people be more involved in Staff junior yang komited dgn
policy making” tugasan layak naik pangkat”
“Our government systems, “Better urban planning Malaysian Diaspora in London Putrajaya
SOPs, processes and between federal states and
communication should be fully central government” “More devolution of power “Negara Malaysia dipimpin oleh
digitalised and integrated MOF Dialogue from Putrajaya to states” pemimpin yang bagus, adil dan
among all ministries” Selangor betul-betul berkelayakan”
Johor “To have better collaboration Kelantan
so that patients have a seamless “More decisions are made at
“Big Data for decision making experience between public and the level of schools rather than “My TN50 aspiration is for
and data analysis to make the private hospitals” at ministry level, including hiring meritocracy, quality and
government more efficient” NGO Dialogue and firing teachers “ enthusiasm pave the path to
Sarawak Kuala Lumpur hierarchy and promotion in the
“Both the government and public sector”
“Kerajaan perlu ‘master’ opposition should also learn to Penang
teknologi supaya tidak discuss with one another in the
ketinggalan dan tidak ada parliament, and work towards the “A Malaysia that is
jurang antara rakyat betterment of all Malaysians” governed by those elected
dengan kerajaan” Selangor and appointed on merit”
Perak INTAN Dialogue
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-36

CITIZEN-CENTRIC EFFECTIVE DATA

GOVERNMENT UTILISATION

Dynamic public services designed to

cater for individual citizens’ needs Policy making based on data & analytics

3.1
GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
A Citizen-Centric, Data-Driven Government
The youth aspire for Malaysia’s government to design
services with the citizens’ new and modern lifestyle in mind.
Digitalisation is embraced at all levels, with data and analytics
used to anticipate the needs of individual citizens and improve
the quality of service delivered.
8-37 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

CITIZEN-CENTRIC DESIGN

Youth wish to see user experience being embedded

in all public service design. At the simplest level,
public services should be designed around
citizens’ modern lifestyle and usage behaviour,
making it simpler and easier to receive the service.
In further discussions, the Circles envision a single
point of contact for citizens, akin to a one-stop
portal, which allows individuals and businesses to
easily look up information and securely transact or
obtain the most frequently needed public services
across multiple ministries and agencies, from tax
declaration forms to applications for student aid
and business permits.

At the next level, many youth aspire to see public

services that are more personalised and forward
thinking. Drawing from the private sector, Circles
aspire for public services that can anticipate
citizens’ needs responsively, from relatively
simple services such as automatic reminders
for driving license renewals or application forms
pre-filled with personal information to more
complex interventions. In the latter case, some
cite the potential for data analytics to help shift
the balance of public services from corrective
action to prevention, such as the case of the Early
Intervention System (EIS) in the US that analyses
a jurisdiction’s usage data of mental health
services, justice, emergency medical response
and social services to identify individuals most
at-risk of being involved in crime14.
The Circles note that increased usage of data
analytics in delivering public services or in
formulating policy raises concerns over the
security of citizens’ personal data. They suggest
that data security becomes a top government
priority, with clear legislation and administrative
safeguards to protect citizens’ privacy rights.
The Circles also highlighted the need for citizens
to understand and accept how data is being
acquired, shared, and used.
EFFECTIVE DATA UTILISATION
Youth want a data-driven culture to be entrenched
in government. In order to support this, the
Circles emphasise the importance of effective
organisation and use of data within government.
Today, individual government ministries and
agencies are data-rich but awareness and
coordination with data collected and produced
by other agencies is still limited15. In line with
the aspiration for a data-driven government, the
Circles envision seamless data pooling or sharing
between ministries, departments and agencies
so as to enable more effective analytics, towards
better designed and integrated solutions for
citizens.
Echoing a similar aspiration on government
accountability, youth also aspire for citizens
to be allowed access to information and data
from any government agency to enable citizens
to propose improvements to policy and public
services. Ideally, citizens would be enabled simple
access to well organised government data from
a single point.
To speed up the shift to a more digital government,
the Circles also call for a tech-savvy civil
service who are driven to deliver a more digital
government. The Circles proposed establishing
digital teams in each ministry that would ensure
digitalisation of ministry information and effective
utilisation of data within and across ministries.
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-38
8-39 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

CASE STUDY

DATA-DRIVEN PUBLIC SERVICES

Governments have already begun using big data analytics to improve • 

Transportation: Singapore’s use of data to price congestionc
solutions in the areas of healthcare, energy and transport. Examples Singapore’s Intelligent Transport System consolidates a range of data,
include: such as real-time traffic information delivered through GPS-enabled
taxis, to set congestion charges.
• 
Healthcare: NHS collaborates with DeepMind AI-assisted medical
diagnosisa • 
Social services: Newcastle City Council’s use of data in social workd
Thousands of preventable deaths are caused by late diagnosis of Social workers work alongside data analysts to identify and intervene
acute kidney injury in the UK. DeepMind developed an AI system to protect vulnerable children and families. For example, data analysis
that can quickly review test results for serious issues. found the factors that were most likely to lead to a child dropping out
of school, enabling social workers to identify families requiring early
• E
 nergy: UK National Grid in talks with DeepMind to balance power intervention.
supply and demandb
The two companies are exploring how machine learning can be used
to predict peaks in energy demand and supply in order to effectively
integrate renewable energy resources. It is estimated that UK energy
usage can be reduced by as much as 10 percent through AI-assisted
optimisation.

a. “Google DeepMind: How, why, and where it’s working with the NHS” The Guardian, July 10,2016
b. “DeepMind and National Grid in AI talks to balance energy supply” Financial Times, March 12,2017
c. Siemens. “Intelligent City Infrastructure winner 2013: Intelligent Transport System (ITS)”. (2014)
d. Nesta. “The data-driven social worker”. (2017)
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-40

WORLD-RENOWNED

Malaysia’s civil service is known to be

amongst the best in the world

3.2
GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
A World-Renowned Civil Service

The youth wish for a civil service known as amongst the best
in the world, one which draws the best talents in Malaysia
and has one of the best people development and performance
management practices. The youth want civil servants to be
admired not only for their effectiveness and drive, but also for
their passion and sense of duty for public service.
8-41 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S
In terms of recruitment, youth aspire for a civil
service that seeks to attract and hire the best
talents, including suitable talents from the private
sector. Taking this further, the Circles aspire for
public service to be considered as amongst the
top careers of choice by fresh graduates and
experienced workers alike.
To attract and retain the best talents, youth
hope to see continuous improvement in the civil
service’s talent and performance management
system. In Circles discussions, emphasis was
placed on identifying top talent early, placing
them in strategic posts or fast-tracking them for
bigger roles.
Circles members hope that the remuneration
and promotion system will increasingly reward
performance rather than tenure, supported
by good performance assessment methods.
Encouraging team performance rather than just
individual performance was also advocated,
and Circles hoped to see team performance
recognised and rewarded. Also, the Circles hope
to see a more tailored performance improvement
programme for underperformers, accompanied by
strict enforcement of an exit policy whereby civil
servants who do not meet clear, agreed objectives
can be dismissed upon fair and comprehensive
review.
Circles members propose that greater autonomy
and flexibility be given to ministries to hire and
fire talent themselves, for suitable ranks, to
enable more targeted hiring and more direct
dismissal decisions. Lastly, the Circles hope that
the Malaysia will progressively develop amongst
the best public sector training and people
development programmes in the world, tailored
to the individual to ensure that public servants are
always up to date on applicable subject matter
areas as well as the 21st century skills needed to
execute their public duty effectively.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-42

PARTNERSHIPS DECENTRALISED

Government that partners with the private Decentralised government enabling public
sector, social enterprises, NGOs and local services tailored to local needs
communities to deliver public services

3.3
GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
New Models of Service Delivery

The youth of Malaysia aspire for a government that collaborates

more deeply with entities such as private sector companies,
social enterprises, NGOs and local communities to deliver
services to the public where appropriate. They also envision
a future government where delivery of public services is
decentralised to local and state municipalities, who have more
intimate knowledge of local needs.
8-43 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S
PARTNERSHIPS
The youth aspire for a government that takes
an increasingly collaborative and ‘whole-of-
society’ approach in delivering public services,
partnering with suitable entities with the right
local knowledge or skill sets to deliver public
services more effectively. The introduction of the
Social Public Private Partnership (PPP)16 model
in 2015 was lauded in Circles discussions as a
step in that direction, and Circles members look
forward to seeing examples of collaborations
between government, private sector organisations
and NGOs bringing greater on-the-ground impact.
Programmes that benefit from ground networks
such as at-risk youth assistance or minority
communities outreach could particularly benefit
from such a collaborative approach. Programmes
involving innovative IT application could also
benefit from collaborations, such as the use of AI
in solving public health issues like dengue (refer
to Ideas & Initiatives section).
The Circles also propose to open suitable public
services for delivery by private companies, social
enterprises or NGOs that have expertise in those
areas. Such entities could assume the delivery
of public services on behalf of the government
based on fair assessments of value for money
and capability to deliver. Examples of services
that could benefit from this approach include
the running of elderly and palliative care homes,
drug rehabilitation centres, education centres for
special needs children, amongst others. In this
scenario, the government would play a greater
role in supervision and quality control, ensuring
that service levels are met.
DECENTRALISED
Youth aspire for the government to move away
from centralised provision of public services
towards a more decentralised system, whereby
local authorities are given greater decision-
making power in the provision of services at
the local level. The Circles feel that this would
empower local bodies to refine and tailor services
to meet local needs as well as grant them the
space to experiment and innovate in order to
improve on-the-ground impact. In education,
for example, they suggest that local levels play a
larger role in school-level management in areas
such as budgeting, recruitment of teaching staff
and adapting instruction methods while centrally,
the Federal Government focuses on developing
the national education curriculum. However,
the Circles caution that in order to achieve the
benefits of greater decentralisation, capabilities
at the local level will need to be greatly enhanced.
On a related note, Circles members discussed the
need to revise the grade seniority assigned to top
management posts at the local level which are
relatively low compared to federal posts, despite
the need for similarly high calibre at the local level.

CASE STUDY
COLLABORATIVE ‘WHOLE OF SOCIETY’ APPROACH: THE ONE SERVICE
AND THE PETERBOROUGH PRISON SOCIAL IMPACT BOND
The One Service was a three-year pilot project aimed at providing post-
release support to short term offenders. The support services were
delivered by qualified external entities, and included drug rehabilitation
programmes and employment training to short-sentenced offenders
before and 12 months after their release from prison. Additionally, if an
offender re-offended within 12 months, the One Service ensured that
support services would be continued in prison.
The One Service was financed through a Social Impact Bond (SIB), itself
a collaborative and whole-of-society’ approach to public services delivery
but in the area of funding. Investors of the SIB were paid a return on
the bond upon the achievement of certain results, such as a targeted
Source: Ministry of Justice, Social Impact Bond Pilot at HMP Peterborough: Final Process Evaluation Report, 2015
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-44
reduction in the rate of re-offences. The repayment scheme from the
bond was calculated such that the lower the rate of recidivism, the
higher the return for investors (capped at a maximum of 13 percent per
year). If the reoffending rate was above 7.5 percent, investors would not
receive their money back. Essentially, the SIB investors were ‘paid back’
by the ultimate funders of the service, namely the government as well
as donations from charitable bodies and philanthropists.
The Peterborough Prison SIB enabled the provision of a service that was
previously unavailable. Furthermore, the inclusion of the SIB removed
the government’s financial risk.
8-45 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S
GOVERNMENT EFFECTIVENESS: SUSTAINABLE GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR 2050
Beyond the aspirations outlined above, the TN50 Circles of the Future
expressed concerns on the sustainability of government finances,
given expected pressures on expenditure resulting from rising citizen
expectations on public services and social protection as well as an
ageing society. Given the rise in government debt as well, from 42% of
GDP (2005) to 55% of GDP (2015)a, Circle members identified the need
to develop a sustainable long-term funding model for the country, to
deliver society’s needs and to realise TN50 aspirations.
The Circles advocated for taxes on wealth as well as on income, such as
inheritance taxes, seeing this as a fairer system. Circle members also
propose a taxation model that taxes every individual, where those that
fall below the taxable income threshold receive a‘negative tax’, namely
a. World Bank Databank. “Central government debt, total, % of GDP” (2015)
a supplemental cash transfer. This system would ensure that everyone
has a stake in the system, nurturing a society which accepts the role of
taxes in funding society.
Nevertheless, the Circles acknowledge that consumption tax such as
Malaysia’s GST will be one of the most sustainable sources of funding
in the long-term. In this context, Circles members advocate a more
progressive consumption tax, with higher taxes on goods and services
thataretypicallyconsumedbyhighincomeindividualsandhouseholds.
Higher taxes on unhealthy goods such as cigarettes and sugar should
also be considered, as well as pollution taxes for both individuals and
corporates.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-46

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Utilising artificial intelligence in government

This initiative seeks to institutionalise AI and data analytics in government
towards improving public services through collaboration with the private
sector. An example is a programme where historical data from clinics is
combined and analysed to predict future dengue outbreaks, with high
predictive accuracy. The programme is to serve as a demonstration, with
the aim of extending similar partnerships beyond healthcare to other areas
such as energy, transport, and more.
Other ideas collected include a ‘Code for Malaysia’ programme (based on
Code For Australia),which reaches out to coders to lend their expertise
in helping to create user-friendly online government services as well as
establishing a unified data warehouse that stores and integrates cross-
ministerial data, enabling more powerful analysis and citizen access through
a single access point.

Chief Citizen Experience Officers

The proposal is for ministries, departments, agencies and local authorities
to appoint qualified officers in charge of improving citizens’ user experience
of the respective entities’ services. The goal is to increase the usage of
available public services by making them easier to use, thereby maximising
the impact from resources devoted to the service’s provision. Improving the
user experience is also aimed at reducing or eliminating spending on service
delivery mechanisms that do not fit with citizens’ usage preferences today.
8-47 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 8-48
8-49 GOV ERNMENT EF F EC TIV E N E S S

FOOTNOTES

1. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Perspectives. “Digital Government Services by the Numbers.” (2017)
[Survey of Digital Government services]
2. The International Civil Service Effectiveness Index (InCiSE), a collaboration between the Blavatnik School
of Government at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Government, UK
3. The World Bank. “Worldwide Governance Indicators Data.” (2017)
4. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). “Malaysia in Prime Position to Lead the Digital Economy”.
(2016)
5. “Passports can be renewed online beginning Sept 1”, Malay Mail Online, August 28, 2016.
6. Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Publications. “Digital Government Services by the Numbers.” (2017)
7. Ibid
8. Ibid
9. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “Digital Government Strategies for
Transforming Public Services in the Welfare Areas.’ (2016)
10. “Making Better Use of Big Data”, Stanford Social Innovation Review, November 17, 2015.
11. United Nations (UN). “United Nations E-government Survey 2016.” (2016)
12. Economic Planning Unit (EPU). “Eleventh Malaysia Plan 2016 – 2020: Anchoring Growth on People.”
(2015)

13. Ibid
14. Center for Data Science and Public Policy, University of Chicago. “Data Driven Justice Initiative: Identifying
Frequent Users of Multiple Public Systems for More Effective Early Assistance.”
15. The World Bank. “Open Data Readiness Assessment: Malaysia.” (2017)
16. Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM). “SIX Global Council Ideas for the Future: Malaysia’s Innovative Social
Private-Public Partnership Model for Societal Good.” (2015) [Social PPP is an initiative under Agensi
Inovasi Malaysia (AIM), in collaboration with the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS). It has dual
aims: (1) To develop a PPP model for social good and (2) empowering the social sector.]
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-50
5-51

DIPLOMACY,
DEFENCE AND
SEC RITY
TN50 Youth Canvas 5-52
8-53 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY

SECTION OVERVIEW: DIPLOMACY, DEFENCE AND SECURITY

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Malaysia continues to maintain a policy of Active and nimble in global diplomacy

neutrality, though this is becoming more
• Malaysia maintains status as non-partisan but an engaged global
challenging in an increasingly multi-polar world player through deft diplomacy

INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS

Calls for continuous updating of military World-class defence forces

responses as well as for streamlining military
• Well-equipped and well-trained Malaysian military, with a
assets procurement to reduce complexity strategic long-term view

DEFENCE

Nature of threats changing to cyber attacks, A society resilient against new threats
bio attacks and others. Nature of ‘enemy’ also
• Malaysian society is resilient against non-traditional security
changing to non-state actors threats, undertaking a holistic approach to tackle their root cause

SECURITY
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-54

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

DEEPER ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL
INTEGRATION WITH
ASEAN NATIONS, WITH MALAYSIANS HOLD
SECURITY AND TOP 20 COUNTRY IN THE
LEADERSHIP
MALAYSIA’S MILITARY
DEVELOPS
POLITICAL GLOBAL ROLES NATIONAL
COLLABORATION DIPLOMACY
IN INTERNATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS
CYBER DEFENCE
INDEX THE UNITED NATIONS FORCE

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

GAMIFICATION-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON SAFE SPACES INITIATIVE

CYBER SECURITY
An initiative to provide safe physical spaces in the community for
A programme to teach Malaysian school children as well as individuals to discuss challenging subjects
the general public about security concepts for computers and
networks, and how to protect against cyber attacks
8-55 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY

1 INTRODUCTION

While affirming the country’s commitment to

peace, youth want Malaysia to continue ensuring
the security of its citizens and national assets in
light of new security threats.

In light of rising new security threats and rapid advancements in defence

technology, Malaysian youth identified diplomacy, defence and security
as an important governance area for 2050. While affirming the country’s
commitment to peace, youth want Malaysia to continue ensuring the security
of its citizens and national assets.

For clarity, this section limits the scope of coverage on ‘defence’ to traditional
threats such as interstate and intrastate conflict whereas ‘security’ comprises
non-traditional threats such as terrorism and cyber warfare.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Violent conflict involving state-to-state actors remains a top security concern.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report considers interstate war as
a top 10 global risk1, capable of causing immense damage and devastation
given the level of weaponry sophistication today2. Malaysia is not immune
from the threat of interstate war; Southeast Asia is considered a high-risk
theatre of conflict3 The South China Sea dispute highlights the tensions
in the region, with multiple claims of sovereignty affecting four out of ten
ASEAN members in one of the world’s busiest waterways4.
Malaysia relies on diplomacy and international relations to reduce the threat
of violent interstate conflict5 whilst maintaining its military forces to defend
and deter. Southeast Asian co-operation is a major diplomatic platform.
Formed in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
today finds itself at the early stages of evolving into a closer regional
integration or the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as announced in
2015. The continued development of the AEC is expected to bring significant
socioeconomic and security benefits: improving trade within ASEAN,
increasing the region’s attractiveness as an investment destination, and
reducing the threat of regional war6. Beyond the AEC, further regional co-
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-56
operation in the sphere of politics also offers significant benefits, such as
being able to negotiate collectively with global superpowers.
Malaysia’s defence also relies on its direct relations with the world’s
superpowers. Malaysia’s diplomatic and foreign policy stance has been
consistent in this regard, based on the principle of neutrality and upholding
peaceful relations with all countries regardless of ideology. While it strives
to maintain peaceful relations with the world’s superpowers and other
countries, Malaysia however has not shied away from taking a clear and at
times critical stand on divisive global issues, such as the circumstances of
Rohingyas in Myanmar7, the Palestinian issue as well as territorial claims
over Jerusalem8.
Nevertheless, Malaysia’s longstanding stance of neutrality will face increasing
challenges in a multi-polar future with new powers increasingly exerting their
influence on a global scale9. The United States will likely continue to remain
the pre-eminent military power, but countries such as China and India will
create stronger alternative poles of economic and military influence in the
future10.
8-57 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
While international relations play a central role in Malaysia’s defence, the
country still needs to ensure that its defensive military capabilities are
equipped and up to date. Defence has become a high-tech endeavour and
military forces globally are ramping up their offensive cyber capabilities to
tackle their enemies11. Hybrid warfare, a combination of traditional armed
forces with cyber-attacks, is becoming increasingly common12.
As defence becomes increasingly driven by technology, the debate on the
role of artificial intelligence (AI) in defence becomes more pertinent13. Today,
AI primarily plays a supporting role in assisting human decision makers14
but in the future, AI will play an increasing role in selecting targets and
executing engagements autonomously. While there are ethical issues to
consider, such as whether software should be allowed to make decisions
involving life or death, the increasing use of AI and autonomous weapons
means that defence forces around the world will need to continuously review
their technological capabilities and prepare for more complex attacks15. In
turn, the rise of AI and autonomous weapons also requires greater defence
of these very same assets. Germany, for example, recently launched a
standalone cyber command force, a military unit focused on protecting
Germany’s IT-supported weapons systems from cyber attacks, equivalent
in status to its navy and air force16.
Defence forces around the world are placing greater emphasis on
international joint operations to tackle security issues more effectively17.
Joint operations will require Malaysia’s systems and equipment to be able to
connect seamlessly across different forces. Whereas seamless connection, or
interoperability, does not require common military equipment, the equipment
must be able to communicate with other equipment18. Currently, Malaysia
buys military equipment from various countries for strategic economic
and diplomatic reasons19 which could add complexity due to the multiple
systems in use. In an effort to simplify future procurement and operability,
the Royal Malaysian Navy has embarked on an initiative to streamline the
nation’s armada from 15 vessel classes to 5 main classes20. Meanwhile,
general concerns about equipment maintenance and adherence to safety
requirements remains an area for attention and resolution21.
Conventional threats of interstate conflict are now accompanied by
increasing threats from non-state actors, such as terrorist groups and
hackers. Terrorism is considered one of the main non-traditional security
threats of the 21st century22, increasing from nearly 2,000 reported terrorist
incidents in the year 2000 to over 12,000 in 201523. This growth is partly
driven by radicalised groups’ activities on new outreach channels such
as social media, where socially alienated or vulnerable individuals can be
profiled, targeted and recruited24.
Cyber-attacks by hackers also present a significant non-traditional security
threat. The growing adoption of the Internet of Things (IOT) is changing
the cybersecurity landscape, where ordinary devices such as smart home
devices, medical devices and others are at risk of mass cyber-attacks25.
Cyber-attacks are also causing massive damage not only in the digital
realm but also the physical realm, damaging national infrastructure such
as electricity grids and power plants. A 2016 cyber-attack in Northern
Kiev caused a widespread power outage; in 2015, Chrysler recalled more
than 1.3 million cars worldwide after hackers revealed vulnerabilities in
their cybersecurity systems26. Apart from cyber-attacks, the potential for
meddling in a nation’s elections is also now a possibility, driven by social
media targeting and concerted disinformation campaigns27.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-58

FIGURE 1 • INTERNET OF THINGS PRESENTS CYBERSECURITY RISKS ACROSS NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

8-59 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
Today, Malaysia is a leader in cyber preparedness, ranking third in the
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index28. The National Cyber Security Policy
(NCSP), implemented in 2006, laid the foundation in charting Malaysia’s
cyber preparedness, focusing on protecting Critical National Information
Infrastructure (CNII) such as transportation, health and emergency services,
banking and finance and energy infrastructure29. The policy is soon to be
strengthened via plans by the government to introduce new cybersecurity
legislation placing the National Cyber Security Agency under the umbrella
of the National Security Council to empower the agency in coordinating
all efforts to protect Malaysia from cybersecurity threats30. The move was
announced during an eventful year of global cyber attacks; as recently as
May 2017, a global ransomware cyber-attack called WannaCry infiltrated
more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries including Malaysia31 and
in October 2017, a massive national data breach was reported potentially
involving personal details of over 46 million mobile number subscriptions,
amongst others32. Given the wide reaching consequences of such threats,
protecting Malaysia against them will require joint efforts between
government, private companies, and citizens, with some quarters calling
for mandating intelligence sharing and disclosure of all hacking incidents,
in the public interest33.
Malaysia today is home to an estimated three million immigrants34, of which
two million are documented. Rapid and significant levels of immigration
have raised public opposition, with concerns on crime, health, culture clash
and a worsening of Malaysia’s dependency on cheap low-skilled labour35. A
related concern is the security threat emerging from competing identities
and loyalties rooted in history amongst specific groups. The Sulu people are
one such example; their concept of identity cuts across both Malaysia and
Southern Philippines and challenges the notion of national borders, such
as that seen in 2013 when 200 gunmen of the Sulu Royal Army occupied
Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu36. The effectiveness of greater enforcement
as a truly sustainable solution comes into question in such cases 37, in
comparison to tackling social issues such as access to basic education,
healthcare and employment38.
Malaysia today faces important challenges to both its defence and its
security. The country requires strong international relations to tackle these
challenges effectively. At the same time, rapid technological changes mean
that defence forces will need to keep up-to-date, both against traditional
and non-traditional threats.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-60

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Aspirations on Malaysia’s security emphasised the importance of continued

defence against traditional threats as well as increasing focus and expertise
on responding to non-traditional threats.
8-61 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
STRONG MILITARY
“I want Malaysia to have a
respected army, similar to the
US army that people feel
proud to serve and other
countries look up to”
Johor
“Well trained army and police
to protect ourselves”
Melaka
“To make national service
compulsory for all men”
LIMA Dialogue
“To develop and produce military
technology in Malaysia to reduce
dependency on imported foreign
military technology”
Perlis
“Negara mempunyai sistem
pertahanan yang canggih
dan dipantau menggunakan
satelit dan radar. Negara dapat
melancarkan satelit sendiri dan
mencipta sistem pertahanan yang
canggih bagi mengawal ruang
udara dan perairan negara”
Sarawak
“Perlukan keamanan dan
keselamatan dengan
jaminan keselamatan
melalui teknologi yang
lebih canggih setanding
dengan negara lain”
Sabah
TACKLING
EXTREMISM
“Tangani ekstremisme. Umat
Islam tidak boleh saling
membenci sesama umat Islam
dan menjauhi mereka yang
menolak atau melonggarkan
hukum Islam”
Dialog Perspektif Islam
“Umat Islam menguasai media
sosial agar kita dapat tangani
radikalisme dan ekstremisme”
Dialog Perspektif Islam
“Supaya Malaysia
mampu bertahan daripada
anasir-anasir luar yang
cuba menghapuskan
ketenteraman Malaysia”
Kelantan
“By 2050, it is rare to
hear about Malaysian
extremist fighters. We
understand how people get
radicalised and we know
how to address it before it
goes too far”
Kuala Lumpur
SECURE BORDERS
“People to continue to
live in peace and harmony to
be able to protect its borders”
Sabah
“Sempadan negara di persisir
pantai perlu dikawal 24 jam
oleh pihak berwajib”
Kelantan
“Pada tahun 2050,
mempertingkatkan
keselamatan negara daripada
aspek keluar masuk pintu
sempadan”
Selangor
“Mahukan Malaysia bebas
dari segala pencerobohan
pendatang tanpa izin dengan
mengetatkan lagi kawalan di
setiap sempadan negara”
Terengganu
CYBERSECURITY
“To raise awareness of digital
citizenship and cyber security
among Malaysians”
Belia India Dialogue
“Mengawasi keadaan siber
supaya tidak dicerobohi
terutama dalam urusan
pentadbiran serta
keselamatan Negara”
Negeri Sembilan
“Data is well protected,
with control over cyber
security threats”
Petronas Dialogue
“Ancaman siber dihentikan
menjelang 2050”
Perak
“Mewujudkan mahkamah
yang khusus untuk
menangani jenayah siber”
Sarawak
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
“Malaysia mempunyai hubungan
baik dgn banyak negara
dan negara yang pertama
mengajukan isu-isu global”
Perak
“I hope Malaysia will be a
peace icon especially for the
ASEAN region”
LIMA Dialogue
“Kerjasama dengan negara luar,
mengekalkan hubungan yang
rapat dengan negara lain”
Sambutan Hari Belia
“Malaysia menjadi pusat
kecemerlangan politik, ekonomi
dan sosio-budaya ASEAN dan
rakyatnya memahami serta
bangga menjadi sebahagian dari
Komuniti Besar ASEAN”
Selangor
“Sebuah negara yang makmur
dan maju dan mempunyai sistem
diplomatik yang baik”
Johor
“Aspire for the relationship
between Malaysia and
Indonesia to remain
strong, if not stronger”
Young Corporate Malaysians
Dialogue
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-62

NEUTRAL ACTIVE

Malaysia maintains its position of More Malaysians are active in top tiers
non-partisanship in foreign policy and of international organisations and global
international relations diplomacy

3.1
DEFENCE AND SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Active and Nimble in Global Diplomacy

The youth aspire for Malaysia to maintain its position of non-partisanship and
neutrality in an increasingly multipolar world, while being actively engaged
in global diplomacy. In deeper discussions, Circles members expressed
the hope that Malaysia continues to maintain a close and careful view on
the impact of foreign investments on Malaysia’s sovereignty and capacity
for maintaining a non-partisan foreign policy. Additionally, they hope to
see Malaysia becoming more active and prominent on global international
relations platforms such as the United Nations and the OIC, in order to
assert Malaysia’s standing and influence.
The youth also aspire for Malaysia to continue playing an active role in
nurturing ASEAN cooperation across defence, economics, environmental
protection and other areas. Circles members look forward to see the
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) realised, creating a more integrated
and cohesive ASEAN market by 202539. On top of economic cooperation,
youth see the need to build infrastructure to better connect the region,
such as fast rail networks. Understanding that developing true cooperation
requires creating people-to-people relations, the Circles also considered
the importance of connecting individuals across ASEAN. Beyond formal
treaties and official state discourses, the Circles hope for more activities
such as tourism and education exchanges to strengthen ASEAN ties at the
individual level.
8-63 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY

WELL-EQUIPPED AND STRATEGIC AND

WELL-TRAINED LONG-TERM VIEW

Malaysian Armed Forces are Defence procurement strategy promotes

well-equipped and well-trained to interoperability across the defence forces,
counter any potential threats with accountability mechanisms in place

3.2
DEFENCE AND SECURITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
World-Class Defence Forces

The youth of Malaysia aspire for up-to-date technologies

and human capabilities in the armed forces, ready to counter
potential threats effectively. They also aspire for interoperable
capabilities across the armed forces to be supported by a local
defence industry, and for greater accountability mechanisms
in defence matters such as procurement.

WELL-EQUIPPED AND WELL-TRAINED
The youth aspire for Malaysian Armed forces
that are well-equipped and well-trained - ready
to counter any potential threats effectively. They
aspire for armed forces with highly skilled military
personnel who have the necessary skills and
knowledge to utilise up-to-date weaponry, greater
joint operations capabilities with international
partners and a clear consensus on the extent of
AI deployment in the armed forces.
On skilful and knowledgeable personnel, the
Circles emphasise the importance of military
personnel being continuously trained in the
latest technologies. This includes civilian defence
personnel who carry out supporting functions.
Post active-duty service, the Circles also touch
upon the need to re-look at welfare schemes for
retired defence personnel to offer better post-
retirement financial and social assistance.
On joint operations, the Circles propose greater
coordinated defence efforts within ASEAN,
including setting up an ASEAN-wide defence
unit. They also emphasise participation in
strategic joint-operations with leading, foreign
armed forces. In line with this, they highlight the
relevance of international agreements, such as the
NATO Standardisation Agreement (STANAG)40,
which requires countries to standardise
procedures and equipment usage across their
armed forces, towards facilitating joint operations
with international partners.
Lastly, the Circles consider the need to have a
clear consensus on the extent of AI deployment
in Malaysian armed forces. They note that some
foreign armed forces aim to deploy AI-controlled
unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAV) that
engage targets autonomously by 203041. While
the Circles accept that robots will continue to play
a larger role, they stress that humans must always
retain a high level of accountability for the use of
AI technologies. This could exist in the form of a
legal mechanism in which software developers
or defence leaders are held accountable for all
actions of AI.
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-64
STRATEGIC AND
LONG-TERM VIEW
The youth of Malaysia aspire for procurement
of military equipment that ensures operability
across different systems as well as cost-effective
maintenance. Recent initiatives such as the
Royal Malaysian Navy’s Armada Transformation
Programme was acknowledged as a step in the
right direction. Improving transparency and
accountability in defence procurement was also
a major topic of discussion, with many calling for
greater disclosure on the basis of procurement
decisions as well as more independent oversight
mechanisms.
In addition, Circles members see a need to
adopt a long-term view on defence procurement
towards 2050, including serious consideration on
supplementing procurement with development
of a local defence industry. Circles members
identified the need to enable knowledge transfer
from OEMs that will allow local players to
manufacture and maintain selected defence
equipment more easily, thus improving Malaysia’s
self-sufficiency and the cost of maintenance in
the long run. To encourage technology transfer,
the Circles propose establishing a Malaysian
defence certification system that is recognised
by all suppliers. By 2050, the aspiration is
for local players to design, manufacture and
maintain a significant proportion of Malaysia’s
defence equipment, thereby also contributing to
Malaysia’s high-tech manufacturing sector.
With the increasing use of technology in the
military, a strategic and long-term view of
Malaysia’s defence would also entail a review of
the appropriate size for maintaining a standing
army. Some youth call for reducing the number
of a standing army long-term in favour of a
civilian reservist force, not only to improve
cost effectiveness and but also to strengthen
patriotism and national identity amongst ordinary
Malaysians.
8-65 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
CASE STUDY
OVERSIGHT MECHANISMS OF DEFENCE: UNITED STATES COMMITTEES
ON ARMED SERVICES
The United States provides two Congressional oversight mechanisms
of the nation’s armed services: the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed
Services (SASC) and the House Committee on Armed Services. Both
Senate and House Committees exercise active oversight over the armed
services and wield wide-ranging powers to ensure accountability. The
Committees are the primary mechanism for providing high transparency
and scrutiny over defence policies and spending.
The SASC seeks to work in a bipartisan manner in providing
legislative oversight of the nation’s military capabilities, comprising
seven subcommittees: Airland, Cybersecurity, Emerging Threats and
Capabilities, Personnel, Readiness and Management Support, Seapower,
and Strategic Forces. These subcommittees within the SASC provide
legislative oversight of various military matters including research and
development, traditional and non-traditional operations, procurement
of military equipment and technology, nuclear energy and other matters
related to national security. In addition to its legislative oversight, the
SASC possesses the power to “try all impeachments”a, but only with
two-thirds of its Members present. In practice, the Senate Committee’s
wide-ranging mandate allows it to report, enforce and make amendments
to legislation as they see fit in the interest of national security.
a. Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 3
b. Transparency International, Global Barometer 2013
Source: United States Senate Committee on Armed Services website; U.S. House of Representatives; Committee on Armed Services 115th Congress, Oversight Plan, 2017; The House and the Senate: Differences
in Responsibilities and Representation
The U.S. House Committee on Armed Services provides bipartisan
oversight of the Department of Defense (DoD), including matters
pertaining to DoD’s annual defence budget as well as strategic and
operational concerns of the armed services. Additionally, the Committee
provides oversight over a large part of the Department of Energy (DoE).
The Committee’s oversight of the DoD and DOE includes common
defence matters; benefits for members of the armed services; materials
necessary for the production of weaponry; and scientific research and
development. In addition to the House Committee’s power to initiate
spending bills for national defence, the House Committee has the
exclusive authority to impeach public officials. The Senate’s and House’s
power to impeach public officials provides a powerful and fundamental
check and balance within the civil service.
These clearly articulated mechanisms of accountability play an integral
role in ensuring that military personnel and organisations follow
procurement protocols. They also promote positive views towards the
armed services. American citizens hold favourable views of the DoD’s
procurement procedures, with 70 percent of respondents considering
the DoD to be free from corruptionb. The USA is considered a low-risk
country for corruption in the defence and armed servicesc.
c. Government Defence Anti-Corruption Index 2015
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-66

KNOWLEDGEABLE AND
EQUIPPED

Malaysian society is resilient against

non-traditional security threats, undertaking
a holistic approach towards new threats in

3.3
order to tackle their root causes

DEFENCE AND SECURITY:

TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
A Society Resilient Against New Threats

The youth aspire for a society that is resilient towards security threats such
as those of a cyber, chemical, biological or radiation nature, and for Malaysia
to take a holistic approach in addressing root causes such as alienation and
socioeconomic need. In line with the aspirations of the youth, Circles highlight
the need for appropriate security systems to be in place to protect the public
from these threats and the strategic use of socioeconomic programmes to
tackle radicalism and border instability.

On appropriate security systems, the Circles emphasise the need for

heightened protection against growing modern threats such as cyber-attacks
or bio-based threats. They recognise that rapid technological changes in
these areas will require investment in more sophisticated systems and
equipment, such as securely encrypted Internet of Things (IOT) devices.
8-67 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
They also urge greater coordination with the
private sector, who can offer expertise in these
new areas, for example through the setting up of
cyber response teams or research labs to counter
biological diseases. The government’s plans to
establish a central command on cybersecurity
was lauded as a positive step, and it was hoped
that such a centre will also effectively coordinate
efforts between government and private forces,
integrating companies early on in the stage of
security planning. There were also calls to ensure
that capabilities to combat non-traditional threats
be integrated into the Malaysian Armed Forces.
On the use of socioeconomic programmes to
tackle radicalism and border instability, the
Circles call for a multi-pronged solution whereby
government enforcement efforts are supported
and supplemented by social solutions that seek to
resolve the underlying issues that spur individuals
to acts of violence42. The Circles advocate the
approach of integrating stability and security
considerations, with focus on known hotspots.
Targeted social programmes such as vocational
training and employment programmes could be
offered alongside safe spaces for discussion to
enable at-risk or radicalised individuals to share
their concerns.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 8-68

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED

BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH

Gamification-based Education Programme on Cyber Security

An elective secondary school programme is proposed to teach school
children about cyber security and how to deal against cyber-attacks,
employing gamification techniques to demonstrate security concepts for
computers and networks.

Safe Spaces Initiative

An initiative to provide safe physical spaces in the community for individuals
to discuss challenging subjects, for example the attraction towards extremist
or violent ideologies. Discussions are facilitated to ensure an open and non-
judgmental atmosphere.
8-69 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 8-70
8-71 DIPLOMACY, D EF ENCE AN D S E C UR ITY
FOOTNOTES
1. World Economic Forum (WEF). “Global Risks Report 2017.” (2017)
2. “US Navy’s electromagnetic railgun leaves the lab for field demos”, New Atlas, July 26, 2017.
3. “The South China Sea is the Future of Conflict”, Foreign Policy, August 15, 2011.
4. “ASEAN deadlocked on South China Sea, Cambodia blocks statement”, Reuters, July 25, 2016.
5. Ministry of Defence Malaysia. “Malaysia’s National Defence Policy.”
6. Aggarwal, V.K. and Govella, K., “Linking Trade and Security: Evolving Institutions and Strategies in Asia,
Europe, and the United States”, New York: Springer-Verlag, 2013.
7. “Malaysia will continue to voice Rohingya issue at world stage – DPM”, Astro Awani News, September
27, 2017.
8. “Defiant Donald Trump confirms US will recognise Jerusalem as capital of Israel”, The Guardian, December
7, 2017.
9. Varisco, A.E. “Towards a Multi-Polar International System: Which Prospects for Global Peace?” (2013)
10. “China, India and the clash of two great civilisations”, Financial Times, June 5, 2017.
11. “How the US military is beating hackers at their own game”, Business Insider, May 24, 2016
12. “Can Hybrid War Become the Main Security Challenge for Eastern Europe?” European Leadership
Network, October 17, 2014
13. Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs. “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of
Warfare.” (2017) [Artificial Intellligence (AI) is the capability of a computer system to perform tasks
that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition and decision
making]
14. “AI and robots line up for battlefield service”, Financial Times, November 6, 2016.
15. Department of Defense. “Fact Sheet: The Department Of Defense (Dod) Cyber Strategy.” (2015).
16. “German army launches new cyber command.” Deutsche Welle, April 1, 2017
17. Sylvain Paile-Calvo. “From European Mobility to Military Interoperability.” (2016)
18. “Interoperability for joint operations”, NATO (2006).
19. “Malaysia’s Najib Razak seeks closer military ties with China.” Financial Times, October 31, 2016.
20. “Royal Malaysian Navy to revamp armada.” The Malay Mail, March 11, 2016.
21. “Hawk Crash Pilot was concerned about ageing fleets.” New Straits Times, June 16, 2017
22. “Climate Change and Terrorism Biggest Threats to Humanity: PM Modi at Elysee Palace in Paris.” Huff
Post, June 3, 2017
23. Institute for Economics and Peace. “Global Terrorism Index 2016” (2016)
24. “Path to terror: Alienation, Isolation”, CNN, August 11, 2010
25. “The Internet of Things Is Growing Faster Than the Ability to Defend It”, Scientific American, October
26, 2016.
26. “Cyber hack triggers mass Fiat Chrysler car recall”, Financial Times, July 24, 2015.
27. “Russia investigations: Election meddling and fallout”, NPR News, 2017
28. International Telecommunication Union (ITU). “Global Cyber Security Index” (2014)
29. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). “Introduction to National Cyber Security
Policy.” (2010)
30. “Zahid: Malaysia to introduce new cybersecurity law”, The Star Online, June 9, 2017
31. “WannaCry ransomware attack in Malaysia confirmed”, The Sun Daily, 16 May, 2017
32. “Malaysia sees biggest mobile data breach”, The Star Online, October 31, 2017
33. “Expert: Malaysia ill-prepared for cyber attack”, The Star Malaysia, December 30, 2017
34. “Malaysia’s Immigrant Worker Debate”, The New York Times, March 28, 2016.
35. “Malaysia’s plan to import more foreign workers sparks a backlash”, Nikkei Asian Review, March 10,
2016.
36. “Sulu Sultan Still Wants to Claim Sabah”, Straits Times Asia, February 12, 2016.
37. China Institute of International Studies. “The Sabah Conflict: Grim Vision for ASEAN Security Community?”
(2013)
38. “Malaysia’s invisible children”, Al Jazeera, July 5, 2016.
39. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “ASEAN Economic Community at a Glance.” (2015)
40. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). “Standardization.” (2017)
41. “AI and robots line up for battlefield service”, Financial Times, November 6, 2016.
42. Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN). “The Root Causes of Violent Extremism.” (2016)
TN50 Youth Canvas 8-72
09
CHAPTER

A VIBRANT, WINNING
NATION
Arts, culture and sports are powerful expressions of a country’s soul and identity. They strengthen our sense of
national pride, display the Malaysian spirit to the world and bring Malaysians together. Increasingly, they are
also becoming important economic sectors to the nation.

Towards 2050, Malaysian youth want Malaysian arts, culture and sports to shine even brighter on the global
stage. They also want arts, culture and sports to be an integral part of people’s daily lives.

Towards 2050 and a vibrant, winning nation! This chapter of the TN50 Youth Aspiration Report is divided into:

9-03 ARTS AND CULTURE

9-31 SPORTS
9-3 ARTS AND CU LTU RE

ARTS AND
CULT RE
TN50TN50
Youth
Youth
Canvas
Canvas 9-4
9-5 ARTS AND CU LTU RE

SECTION OVERVIEW: ARTS AND CULTURE

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Potential for increasing mass appreciation and A society that values and seeks arts and culture,
demand for local arts and culture encouraged through:
• An education system that • Technological advances that
imparts arts appreciation redefine the arts and culture
SOCIETAL experience and delivery of
APPRECIATION • Community-centred events that content
enable artistic expression and
inculcate a sense of community

A relatively young industry, underpinned by a still A vibrant, globally recognised arts and culture
developing ecosystem industry

ECOSYSTEM FOR
CREATION

Growing community efforts in heritage Grassroots cultures are honoured and conserved
preservation

HERITAGE
CONSERVATION
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-6

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

A MINIMUM OF TEN
INTERNATIONALLY
ACCLAIMED
CREATIONS OF
AT LEAST FIVE FINE ART, CRAFT, FILM,
UNESCO MUSIC, LITERATURE, AT LEAST FIVE MALAYSIAN
HERITAGE SITES OR PERFORMING ARTS MICHELIN-STARRED
IN MALAYSIA EVERY YEAR RESTAURANTS

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

To know
Malaysia
is to love
Malaysia

THE MALAYSIAN CONNECTION CULTURE APPRENTICESHIP CORPORATE AND PRACTITIONER

PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM
Increasing exposure on Malaysian culture One-year apprenticeship programme that
through a ten-day experience allows skills of traditional and contemporary National culture dialogue to identify the needs
arts to be passed down for and potential sources of sustainable funding
9-7 ARTS AND CU LTU RE

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia is rich in diversity, culture and heritage

shaped by a history of people from diverse
backgrounds.

Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most distinctive cultures, shaped

by a rich history of people from diverse backgrounds. This wealth brings
with it various creative expressions, making for a unique artistic and cultural
landscape.

In an increasingly globalised and homogenised world, Malaysia’s arts

and culture is also invaluable to assert the country’s identity and make its
presence felt globally. The preservation and promotion of heritage artefacts,
historical landmarks, traditional architecture, and handicrafts encourage
tourism and contribute to economic growth. Moreover, global familiarity
with a country’s unique culture creates demand for its cultural exports in
various art forms, thus enhancing incomes across society and helping a
country build a positive global image. Malaysia must therefore seize the
opportunities to cultivate a robust arts and culture scene for its present
and future generations.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Malaysia’s culture and heritage are among the most distinctive in the world,
shaped by a rich history of people from diverse backgrounds. Malaysia is
home to one of the oldest advanced civilisations in South East Asia1, with
evidence of iron manufacturing as early as the third century CE. Malaysia’s
culture evolved through intercultural exchanges as people from different
parts of the world conversed and shared their art and culture during the
Malaccan empire, which thrived as a global trade hub throughout the 1500s2;
through waves of immigration as Chinese and Indians settled in the country
during British colonisation in the 1800s3; and through the independence of
Malaya4 from colonial rule in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Ethnic pluralism, as displayed in the nation’s diverse languages, cuisines,
traditions and art forms, is integral to Malaysia’s culture and heritage today.
Given the richness and diversity of its history, if properly promoted, Malaysia
has a strong claim to global recognition as a hub for South East Asian-based
arts and culture.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-8
Traditional Malaysian culture is celebrated today in many tangible and
intangible forms. Passionate groups practise traditional arts such as joget,
gamelan and zapin dances and the wayang kulit shadow puppet theatre,
while batik, songket and mengkuang artisans fashion beautiful pieces of
traditional, practical art. As Malaysia continues to develop, pressure for
increased modernisation will grow, posing a threat to the conservation
of traditional cultural practices and heritage, even while it gives rise to
new hybrid forms of cultural expressions. As urbanisation in the country
is expected to reach approximately 85 percent by 20505, heritage sites
will necessarily face risks as the need for more living space challenges the
willingness to comply with laws aimed at protecting these places. Traditional
forms of architecture may also disappear, making way for high-rises and
shopping malls.
Globalisation and the subsequent rise of the internet and new media have
led to the free flow and access of information and ideas across borders.
This phenomenon will continue to shape Malaysian culture and traditional
practices, putting some traditions such as wau or kite-making, Mak Yong
9-9 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
dances and communal cooking during festivals at risk of losing their
distinctive spirit6. Even today, local art and culture performers raise concerns
about low public appreciation and demand for homegrown arts and culture
as more people gravitate towards international pop culture. Compounding
this is perceived tepid interest and insufficient education about local cultures,
alongside inadequate access to cultural facilities and local cultural products.
There is also a sense of increasing religious conservatism, which have had an
impact on forms of expression perceived as contradicting religious beliefs7.
Therefore, a concerted effort to educate the public and raise the level of
societal appreciation for local arts and culture across all generations is a
crucial first step towards understanding who Malaysians are as a nation and
promoting our best attributes globally.
Malaysia has strong potential to be a global example of a rich, harmonious
and multicultural nation from which national brand names and globally
recognised culture industries can emerge. There is evidence of this taking
place in a few culture industries. Malaysia’s unique cuisine – a melange
of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural influences – which has long been
appreciated by locals and adventurous foreign epicureans, is gaining much
wider global acceptance. Local Malaysian food franchises are rapidly
expanding their foothold overseas8 while Masterchef competitions in the
United Kingdom9 and Australia10 have featured winning Malaysian recipes,
expanding knowledge of Malaysian food around the world.
The Malaysian fashion industry featuring fashionable Muslim modest wear
and contemporary wear that uses traditional songket and batik fabrics,
once thought of as a niche business, is fast gaining global acceptance and
acclaim, with rising numbers of Malaysians are showcasing their designs
at runway events in the world’s fashion capitals11. Homegrown animation
is also proving to be a force to be reckoned with, garnering popularity and
awards globally. The Malaysian animation industry has been internationally
recognised for its work on Oscar-nominated movies such as Life of Pi and
Snow White12, while Malaysian animation series ‘Upin and Ipin’ is deeply
popular across the ASEAN region13. In 2015, Malaysia’s creative industries
contributed an aggregate RM33 billion to gross national income14, with this
figure poised to grow even further.
Indeed, Malaysian creative industries, from film, art, fashion to food, is in its
early stages of growth but shows strong potential to set the pace and trends
for the rest of the region, and would be increasingly critical to the country’s
diplomacy15. This recent history shows Malaysia’s strong potential to be
a culturally influential country by 2050, positively recognised as a global
centre of excellence for South East Asian-based culture, where local culture
products and talents are in high demand.

While practitioners in industries that are not language-dependent such as
fashion, food and visual arts have successfully transcended international
borders and built global brands abroad, their contemporaries in language-
dependent industries such as music and film continue to face challenges
in raising demand for their works both locally and abroad. Nevertheless, a
number of Malaysian singers have gained popularity in Chinese-speaking
countries such as China, Taiwan and Singapore, and Malaysian-Indian
actors have had similar success in Tamil-speaking countries, providing some
evidence that these language-based issues could be surmounted given
proper attention.
More pervasive structural issues, however, hamper the growth and promotion
of Malaysian culture industries locally and abroad. They underscore areas
where the arts and culture ecosystem could be improved, to raise the quality
and vibrancy of the Malaysian arts and culture scene. Today, multiple
government bodies16 share responsibility for promoting Malaysian arts and
culture. Artists and producers often face difficulty in finding a comprehensive
source of information about government support, be it financial assistance,
trade promotion or even collaboration opportunities with other artists.
Recognising this, the Malaysian government established the Cultural
Economy Development Agency (Cendana) in September 2017 to spearhead
the development of the industry. Their efforts to grow the cultural economy,
support artists and communities, and increase access to art for all are still in
their infancy. The ground-up effort supported by the Malaysian government
through MyCreative Ventures, demonstrates the government’s commitment
to increasing opportunities for the arts and culture communities. This is done
to ensure more people in more places have access to local arts and culture.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-10
Notwithstanding the commendable actions mentioned above, the scarcity
of sustainable funding for arts and culture remains a challenge to raising
the public profile of arts and culture locally and internationally. In 2015,
Malaysia allocated 0.12 percent of the country’s annual budget to culture
and tourism17, while most countries allocate between one and two percent
of their annual budgets exclusively to develop their national arts and culture
scene18. These investments allow countries to create attractive national
brands and promote their arts and culture around the globe. Ireland, South
Korea, France and India are amongst the countries that have conducted
successful campaigns to increase public interest and support for their arts
and culture scene, sustaining a thriving cultural scene.
Efforts to continue Malaysia’s legacy in traditional arts and culture are also
hampered by challenges in garnering sustained public interest. Lack of
exposure and understanding of these cultures cause many to frown upon
works that are swathed in mysticism and ancient traditions, and draw limited
interest from the public at large19. Educating the general public and promoting
to them traditional arts and culture are therefore becoming increasingly
important. These efforts can release Malaysia’s untapped potential in
the traditional arts by elevating them to new heights on the global stage,
appealing to a wider audience abroad.
9-11 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
CASE STUDY
CENDANA TO DEVELOP MALAYSIA’S CULTURAL ECONOMY AND PROMOTE
THE NATION’S SOUL TO THE WORLD
On 6th September 2017, the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd
Najib Tun Razak launched the Cultural Economy Development Agency
(Cendana) to direct and develop Malaysia’s cultural economy, focusing
on developing the arts and culture sector within the creative industry,
promoting local arts and culture to a wider audience and supporting
the international trade of work created. A new asset for Malaysia,
the creative economy is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in
the world’s economy, creating job opportunities, income and export
earnings.
As a start, Cendana will kick off its efforts in Klang Valley in performing
arts, visual arts and independent music in small, medium and public
spaces. One of Cendana’s priorities is to come up with a five-year
plan to grow the cultural economy, support artists and communities,
and increase access to art for all. Cendana plans three steps towards
these goals:
Source: “PM: Arts and culture vital too.” The Star Online, September 7, 2017
1. Increase demand: Cendana aims to help create more demand for
the arts by making art more easily accessible. This might be done
through increased public programming, a centralised online portal
for cultural events, or targeted PR campaigns. There will also be
more efforts to market our art and culture internationally.
2. Improve supply: This effort aims to increase the quality of works
and increasing opportunities of success for all artist from all levels,
ranging from new to emerging to established artists. This may
come in the form of mentorship opportunities, funding assistance,
exposure to different networks and platforms among others.
3. Reorganise policies: Cendana will review and refine existing policies
and frameworks together with existing agencies to make them
more relevant, encouraging sustainability. Reforms will be based
on evidence that tracks employment and added value.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-12

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

The aspirations of Malaysian youth in the areas of arts and culture combined
desires for deeper arts appreciation among Malaysians across generations
with hopes that Malaysian arts and culture gains global renown. In their
understanding that arts and culture can contribute to Malaysia’s global
standing, the youth also acknowledge that domestically, local arts and heritage
must be preserved and celebrated as reflections of Malaysia’s unique cultural
identity.
9-13 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
ARTS & CULTURE
DEVELOPMENT
“To elevate Malaysia’s animation film
industry to the same level as America”
TVET Dialogue
“Saya ingin melihat Malaysia
menjadi sebuah negara yang maju dalam
bidang industri perfileman setanding
industri Hollywood”
Sarawak
“Internationally known film making industry
and free media agencies that produce fair
and balanced reporting”
KTAR Dialogue
“A mature local music industry, making
Malaysia prominent on the global stage”
Johor
“Traditional music preserved and modernised”
“To have more world renowned authors
and writers from Malaysia”
Malaysian Diaspora in Australia
“Special schools to develop special
artistic and musical talents”
MOE Dialogue
CULTURAL PRESERVATION
“Warisan dan budaya Malaysia
dipelihara supaya tidak pupus untuk
generasi akan datang”
Perak
“Saya nak Malaysia sebagai negara yang
pandai menghargai sejarah Malaysia”
Dialog NGO
“Kita harus mengekalkan budaya dan adat
37 etnik Sabah pada tahun 2050. Maintain
the customs of our ethnicity”
Sabah
“To preserve and protect arts and
culture in Malaysia”
Melaka
Sarawak
“Malaysia mengekalkan kebudayaan semua
kaum, terutamanya pemakanan”
Perak
SOCIETAL APPRECIATION
“Memajukan dan menambahbaikkan
sastera negara yang kurang diminati oleh
warga negara ini. Mencontohi negara maju
seperti Amerika Syarikat dan Jepun yang
menerapkan nilai sastera sejak kecil”
Negeri Sembilan
“We need to know how to value
our own art work”
NGO Dialogue
“Meningkatkan lagi program budaya
dan mempraktik dikalangan masyarakat
supaya generasi baru tidak melupakan
tradisi yang telah dikekalkan”
Perak
“Masyarakat Malaysia mampu mengetahui
dan menerapkan seni kebudayaan di dalam
diri, sekaligus mengangkat martabat seni
warisan dan kebudayaan di pentas dunia”
Kelantan
“Menetapkan seni visual sebagai
subjek teras untuk melahirkan
generasi yang kreatif”
Negeri Sembilan
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-14

SOCIETAL APPRECIATION

Malaysians greatly appreciate arts

and culture and make them an integral
part of everyday life

3.1
ARTS AND CULTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
A Society That Values And Seeks Arts And Culture

Malaysian youth aspire for a society that values arts and culture
and would like to see it becoming an essential part of every
Malaysian’s daily life. They want arts and culture to retain
an important place in society, and not lose out to society’s
pursuits of economic development and material success. In their
discussions, the Circles recognise that among the most effective
and pervasive ways to inculcate appreciation of arts and culture
among all levels of society is through schools, community-based
activities and technology.
9-15 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
ARTS AND CULTURE IN SCHOOLS
The youth consider education as a major prong in
cultivating lifelong appreciation of arts and culture
amongst Malaysians. They wish for a bigger role
for arts and culture in the national education
system and curriculum, beginning in preschool
through primary and secondary school up to the
tertiary level.
The arts and culture curriculum would include age-
appropriate modules from preschool to university.
Preschool lessons that introduce children to
culture and identity through hands-on activities
would be followed by more structured lessons in
primary and secondary school to expose students
to various aspects of arts and culture. Universities
would offer culture contextualisation and research
modules, expanding the current arts programmes
to include theoretical classes on arts and culture.
The youth also want to see arts and culture introduction of part-time teaching programmes
education to be informed by more moderate in schools would enable local artists, musicians
and knowledgeable religious influence. They and authors to teach, make the teacher pool more
recommend fostering positive relationships sustainable, and allow students to learn first-hand
among government agencies, religious bodies from practitioners.
and cultural practitioners through dialogues
every five years to update the curriculum. The The youth believe that introducing an expanded
curriculum would be developed by practitioners arts and culture programme into the education
with consultations from relevant Government system would expose Malaysians to local
agencies. The youth believe that this will help artworks, at the very least, and might even inspire
develop an interesting and relevant curriculum them to participate directly in the local scene.
that showcases the vibrancy of Malaysian arts,
culture and heritage and also enjoys government
support.
Providing students an arts education that is both
sound and enjoyable will require a larger pool
of highly trained, specialised Art teachers. The

CASE STUDY
SINGAPORE’S THINK! CONTEMPORARY PROGRAMME
Beyond their value to whole-person development, arts and culture have
acquired strategic value for Singapore by having arts and culture enrich
the lives of its citizens, strengthen communities and boost Singapore’s
competitiveness. By 2025, Singapore aims to be globally recognised
as a home to diverse and distinctive arts, which in turn inspires and
connects local communitiesa.
Recognising this vision, arts and culture was made an integral part of
the national curriculum through the Think! Contemporary Programme,
which is a multi-visit, museum based school program that aims to
promote educational learning through art for both primary and
secondary school students. Making use of artworks from the Singapore
Art Museum’s permanent collection for classroom learning of Arts,
Humanities and the English Language, the aim of the program is to use
art as an integral learning tool, providing students with both critical
and creative thinking skills through a multi-disciplinary approach in
addition to the regular school syllabusb.
Although some customisation would be required for the Malaysian
context, there are some lessons that can be learnt from Singapore’s
efforts:
a. National Arts Council Singapore. “Mission, Vision & Values”
b. Singapore Art Museum. “Education”
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-16
1) Start art and culture appreciation young: The introduction of
arts and culture in schools will broaden the learning experiences
of students, such that they can have exposure and a better
understanding of Malaysia’s diverse arts and cultural heritagec.
By doing so, perceptions may be changed to include a better
appreciation for arts and culture, ultimately achieving a more
dynamic social sector and civil society.
2) Standardise curriculum: Teachers will be better equipped through
training, development and continual upgrading, to introduce arts and
culture to students in a standardized manner, promoting a culture
of life-long learning and continuous up-skilling for students and
teachers alike.
3) Create space for children to explore and create new cultures:
Culture evolves over time, and as Malaysia becomes an ageing
population in the future, the young may become less familiar with
the culture and practices of the forefathers. By introducing a program
such as this in Malaysia, it would help ensure that our cultural
development is directed “bottom-up”, such that our culture would
continue to flourish and be preserved.
9-17 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Outside the school system, the youth wish for
better promotion of arts and culture among the
public. By 2050, they hope that arts and culture
would be a highlight of every individual’s life
in Malaysia, bringing the population together
frequently to consume and participate in
creative arts and culture. They emphasise need
to inculcate a genuine love for arts and culture, so
that people not only want to have access to arts
and culture-based activities, but are also excited
to participate in them.
To encourage the public to participate in the local
arts and culture scene, the youth hope to live
in an open-minded and respectful society that
allows culture to evolve as individuals freely and
confidently incorporate and practice art forms,
customs, beliefs, storytelling and more into
their daily lives. They wish to see families and
communities actively supporting and participating
in arts and culture activities.
The youth also aspire for more collaboration
between local councils, local museums and
performing art centres to develop community-
centred events, which would encourage mass
participation and commitment to developing
the local arts and culture scene together. Family-
centred activities, for example, could encourage
families with young children to visit different
museums, performing art centres or cultural
venues on a weekly basis, unlocking interest and
talents in arts and culture from a young age.
More rigorous promotion of local arts and culture
events to boost interest and participation among
Malaysians from all walks of life and across all
age groups is also needed. For example, weekend
arts and culture fairs could be organised across
Malaysia, with robust promotion on social media
platforms and locations in areas with high public
traffic that could draw a crowd.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-18

CASE STUDY

THE BRITISH MUSEUM – LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Since 2007, the British Museum and and the Mary Ward Centre have
been bringing communities together through art. Local pARTnerships is
a programme developed to provide support to the local communities
by creating a space for adults and children to learn about other cultures
through their artwork and other the Museum collections.
The Local pARTnership programme features a series of events that
enables communities to share their stories through art. Participants
join creative arts sessions at the British Museum and in community
venues, where they can develop a range of practical skills from single
disciplines such as printmaking or silk painting to mixed media arts
where a number of different creative techniques are employed. The
results are regularly displayed at the Museum and local community
events where participants introduce the public to their work. This has
encouraged local citizens to learn about various cultures and appreciate
different art forms from across the globe. Some of the exhibitions that
have been showcased are as below.

THE BOAT, NOUKA, 2007 A BANGLADESHI HOUSE, TRADITIONAL MAHMAL, 2011

More than 50 women BANGLA GHOR, 2008 BANGLADESHI MAT, The project was inspired
learnt weaving, collage, Participants engaged in NAKSHI PATI, 2010 by the journey to the heart
embellishments and other the full design process, Showcasing traditional of Islam, Hajj. Participants
techniques. The different from brainstorming ideas Bangladeshi mats used combined contemporary
groups worked together, and sharing memories and since ancient times and now design and technique
making use of mixed media stories to developing designs incorporated as modern with historical techniques
techniques to create a and making the final panels furniture in Bengali homes employed in some of the
traditional Bangladeshi original Mahmal
fishing boat, Nouka

Source: The British Museum, “Local pARTnerships Artistic engagement with the Museum”
9-19 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
ARTS AND CULTURE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
The youth also recognise and deliberated on the
role of technology in increasing appreciation for
Malaysia’s arts and culture scene. The TN50
Circles of the Future note that technology
advancements are inevitable and should be used
to elevate the sector. Technologies such as 8K
televisions, holograms and virtual reality already
exists today. By 2050, these technologies will
become more affordable and more accessible
around the world. These technologies have
the power to transform the cultural landscape
completely by changing the delivery of arts and
culture, rejuvenating interest and elevating the
perceived value of Malaysian arts and culture.
Holograms and projection mapping, for example,
could be used to recreate the audience experience
of the Malaysian football match in the 1980
Summer Olympics as a theatrical production,
bringing this moment to a new generation.
Holograms and virtual reality can then also be
used to broaden the audience, by transporting the
experience to other areas such as rural locations
or overseas.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-20

GLOBALLY RENOWNED

Malaysia, a global hub for

arts and culture

3.2
ARTS AND CULTURE:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
A Vibrant, Globally Recognised Arts And Culture Industry

The youth seek greater support for the creative industries, to enable the emerge. Given the economic value that creative industries can contribute to
development of quality cultural and creative works. This supports their view the nation, encouraging demand for arts and culture will have a positively
of Malaysia as an example of a vibrant and multicultural nation from which reinforcing effect on Malaysia’s economy, auguring well for the country’s
national brand names and globally-recognised creative culture industries can economic future.

The TN50 Circles of the Future underscore the importance of a holistic

approach towards developing Malaysia’s creative cultural ecosystem,
highlighting on one hand measures to develop and raise the quality of local
creative culture industries, and on the other hand concerted efforts and
targeted strategies to promote home-grown creative industries and products
internationally.

By 2050, the youth want Malaysia’s arts and culture industry to be

recognised globally for its rich and vibrant artistry that reflects the diverse
and vibrant composition of the country. To achieve this aspiration, the youth
seek concerted efforts to promote local arts and culture overseas, together
with measures to elevate the arts and culture domestically.
9-21 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
GLOBALLY RECOGNISED
In order for Malaysia’s arts and culture to achieve
global renown, the youth believe that more effort
must be put into promotion of the arts, alongside
better international collaboration opportunities for
local arts practitioners. The aim is to strengthen
Malaysia’s branding at the international level.
For industries where Malaysia has already carved
a wider global following such as digital arts,
fashion and food, specific talent development
programmes and facilitation of market
opportunities are needed. In addition, the Circles
wish to see Malaysian talents trained overseas be
encouraged to bring back expertise, technology
and market insights to the benefit of the industry.
The knowledge circulation that would result in the
local industry would strengthen the joint effort to
increase Malaysia’s brand recognition globally.
To better promote Malaysian arts and culture
globally, the Circles also call for the development
of a strategic fund to promote local cultural
content at the international level, starting with
already developed industries such as the digital
arts, food and fashion industries.
In order to create more opportunities to expose
local artists to a wider international audience, the
Circles hope for more international collaboration
opportunities to be established, where Malaysian
artists collaborate with foreign artists through
collaborative music festivals, films, dramas, art
galleries and also cooking shows. These efforts
would also help to increase global reach, focus
and interest in Malaysian arts and culture at the
international level.
VIBRANT
When discussing ways to develop and raise the
quality of local arts and culture industries, the
youth highlight the importance of public-private
sector collaboration to elevate the industry and
stronger talent development initiatives.
By working together, the public and private
sectors would combine their complementary
strengths and expertise, creating a conducive
and competitive environment for the industry
to flourish. To create a richer arts and culture
industry, the government’s expertise in regulatory
and policy frameworks would benefit from
cooperation with the private sector. As industry
experts, the private sector would have the
knowledge and exposure to the latest industry
standards, as well as an understanding of audience
expectations and demands, making them well-
placed to ensure the production of high-quality
and in-demand creative works.
An important pillar of private sector participation
in arts and culture is the financial support that
can be provided to practitioners. The support
could be provided by investing in quality works
by local creators, boosting public access to arts
and culture facilities, or complementing the
government’s financial support in the adoption
of new technology such as VR in experiencing
art exhibitions.
To professionalise the arts and culture industry
while also allowing more freedom to create, the
Circles hope for increased public and private
sector collaboration in the sphere of censorship.
In particular, they hope for a revision of current
censorship regulations, where practitioners and
relevant government bodies can work together
to develop censorship guidelines that encourage
tasteful creative expressions while considering
cultural sensitivities.
To sustain local arts and culture, talent
development is essential. The youth recognise that
arts and culture should be inclusive, and people
from all walks of life can be considered talents if
they practice arts and culture. However, they also
see the need for structured talent development
programmes to ensure a strong pipeline of talent
to continue the legacy and to educate the general
public about traditional arts. They wish to see
more community-based training programmes
and apprenticeships being made available for
youth to experience and learn traditional arts from
established local practitioners. This would be in
addition to structured, public sector-funded talent
development programmes that could also include
programmes for support occupations such as
marketers, researchers, art curators, directors and
publishers which are vital to increase awareness,
build audiences and reinforce the value of the arts
and culture industry.

CASE STUDY
MADE IN KOREA: KOREA’S CULTURAL JUGGERNAUT AS A SOFT POWER
STRATEGY
Since the turn of the century, South Korea has undertaken a path to
raise its international profile and influence by aggressively promoting
the South Korean ‘brand’. Its soft power has been expanding through the
expanding global appeal and attraction of its popular culture, also known
as Korean Wave or Hallyu. As a result, the government has vigorously
promoted Korean popular culture, taking advantage of its popularity to
enhance Korea’s international standing and national image, and shape
foreigners’ attitudes and preferences on issues of importance to Koreaa.
South Korea achieved this success through:
1. Strong government supportb: Korea’s budget for arts and culture is a
staggering USD 500 million, with the goal of building a USD 10 billion
cultural industry export industry by 2019c. Additionally, the Korean
government sponsors 20-30 percent of a USD 1 billion investment
fund earmarked to nurture and export popular culture. The remaining
funds comes from investment banks and private companies and are
managed by the Korean Venture Investment Corporation. The Korean
government has also been very active in managing Hallyu outside of
Korea by conducting different cultural festivals displaying the Korean
offerings, conducting PR campaigns to publicize Korean uniqueness
and indirectly helping the entertainment industry by creating a very
conducive environment. As of January 2016, the Korean Culture and
Information Service has set up 28 Korean Cultural Centers in 24
countries across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and America to promote
Hallyu.
a. The National Interest. “Korea’s Cultural Juggernaut is a Soft-Power Strategy Worth Copying.” (2016)
b. Martin Roll. “Korean Wave (Hallyu) – The Rise of Korea’s Cultural Economy & Pop Culture.” (2017)
c. Keith Negus. “The South Korean Music Industry: A Literature Review - CREATe Working Paper
2015/12.” (2015)
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-22
2. Strong private companies that “package” holistic global performersd:
Music companies drive the direction of the South Korean popular
music by developing ideal performers who go through a series of
stringent auditions before being taught to sing and dance, act, and
learn foreign languagese. Some K-pop performers are also recruited
from other countries such as Thailand, China, Japan, and the United
States to facilitate the entry of K-pop groups in foreign marketsf.
3. Technology assisted deliverye: The use of new technologies such as
social media is also an integral part of the agencies’ strategy to spread
the K-pop wave around the globe. Heavy reliance on the internet and
social media significantly reduces the time and expense of entering
the overseas markets while enabling the Korean idols to communicate
with their fans. Together with the offer of free content that becomes
widely shared, the groups can often be launched entirely online before
making any live appearance anywhere.
The popularity of Korean dramas and pop music, in turn, has had an
enormous ripple effect by generating heightened interest in Korean
society, traditional culture, language, fashions and food. Fascinated by
Korea, foreign fans of K-dramas and K-pop want to study, travel and work
in Korea and experience Korea and its rich, diverse culture. Therefore,
the Korean Wave, through TV dramas and pop music, has not only
generated enormous goodwill toward and self-identification with Korea
and Koreans, but also has been instrumental in shaping Korea’s image as
an advanced economy, as a cultural power and as an attractive country.
d. The Verge. “K-Pop takes America: how South Korea’s music machine is conquering the world.”
(2012)
e. Grammy.com. “Why is K-pop’s popularity exploding in the United States?” (2017)
9-23 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
3.3
NATIONAL IDENTITY:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 3
Our Traditional Art Forms Are Preserved
Malaysia’s heritage tells the story of the country, its identity and its people.
The TN50 Circles of the Future discussions recognised that culture grows
and evolves over time. Nevertheless, the Circles hope to see more efforts to
preserve the essence or core of our heritage, and for grassroots communities
to play a larger role in this endeavour.
For example, the push for greater economic development and the rapid
urbanisation that has taken place in recent decades have led to the loss
of many heritage sites forced to make way for commercial development20.
Throughout the TN50 engagements carried out in 2017, the youth expressed
a common vision for better and more active conservation of local heritage.
The Circles agree that heritage is increasingly accepted as an important
bridge between a new generation and its predecessors, thus acting as a
channel for education, social cohesion and nationalism.
HONOURED AND
CONSERVED
Grassroots cultures are honoured,
respected, appreciated and preserved
Communities should also be empowered to preserve their local cultures
at the grassroots level, complementing efforts undertaken by government
bodies. As custodians of art and culture practices that bear significance
to their heritage and identity, they should be empowered to preserve their
traditional art forms, without being regulated by government or religious
bodies.
To support this objective, the Circles wish to see a collaborative effort
led by the government with the management and financial support of
private corporations to establish platforms and mechanisms to help local
communities preserve their culture. These could include online platforms to
document arts and culture; heritage study, research and training programmes;
mobility programmes to allow local communities to present their culture
domestically and internationally; and community-led governance to manage
and maintain cultural landmarks.

CASE STUDY
BUILDING AN INTERNATIONALLY RESPECTED CULTURE HUB: THE CASE
OF INDIA
India is a unique example of a multicultural society. Like Malaysia, India
is home to many different ethnicities, and both Malaysia and India share
similar cultural influences from their British colonisation in the 1750s.
India’s culture has been shaped by its long history, unique geography
and diverse demography. India’s languagesa, religions, dance, music,
architecture and customs differ from place to place, but nevertheless
share a commonality. The culture of India is an amalgamation of these
diverse sub-cultures spread all over the Indian subcontinent and
traditions that are several millennia old.
Today, India has one of the world’s largest collections of songs, music,
dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals,
paintings and writingsb. The Ministry of Culture is required to preserve
and conserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as
promote arts and culturee. In order to preserve these elements, the
Ministry of Culture implements a number of schemes and programmes
that provide financial support to individuals, groups and cultural
organisations engaged in preserving heritage, promoting visual and
literary arts, and conserving cultural knowledgec. For example:
• Training for teachersd: The training programmes for in-service teachers
are designed to provide them with knowledge about the fundamental
principles underlying the development of Indian culture. Various
a. The 1961 Census of India found 1,652 indigenous languages spoken in the country. Social Sciences
India
b. National Portal of India
c. Ministry of Culture Annual Report (2016-2017)
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-24
thematic workshops are conducted for primary, middle, secondary and
senior secondary school teachers with the aim of teaching educators
how to deliver revitalising and enriching cultural lessons.
• Cultural Mapping Projecte: The Ministry of Culture, Government of
India has initiated an ambitious pilot project to survey the country’s
cultural topography. The major focus of this project is to collate
and use the existing data of artists of various genres and the NGOs
engaged in propagation of cultural manifestation. In addition to this
existing data, the Ministry would start a new survey of rare arts,
traditions and practices, which need attention and would be revived.
Since art survives only if it is being practiced, this project would also
provide support to artists and practitioners in order to preserve some
of the dying arts, traditions and practices. The project will not only
help the Ministry to create a database of Indian arts and artists, but
will also help it to provide assistance to those who are really in need
of financial and social uplift.
•C
 ultural Talent Search Scholarship Schemef: Under the Cultural
Talent Search Scholarship Scheme, the Ministry of Culture provides
scholarships to outstanding students aged from 10 to 14, making it
possible for them to study the performing arts, visual arts, creative
writing and literary arts and other art forms. The programme selected
526 students and offered them scholarships in various art forms.
d. ibid
e. ibid
f. ibid
9-25 ARTS AND CU LTU RE
4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED
BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH
The Malaysian Connection
It will be increasingly important to keep Malaysian cultures and traditions
alive and vibrant as we move towards greater urbanisation and become
further exposed to global influences.
“The Malaysian Connection” allows youth to spend ten days experiencing
and learning about different Malaysian arts and culture from the practitioners
themselves across Malaysia. Participants would experience exciting
performances, attend in-depth workshops and engage in cultural dialogues,
building life-long friendships and bridging cultural differences.
Culture Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is proposed to be a one-year government-sponsored
programme that allows skills of traditional and contemporary arts to be
passed down. Successful applicants would be matched with an artisan or
practitioner and learn the practice from them directly. Participants and
mentors would then be sponsored to perform in local art and culture events.
Corporate and practitioner partnership platform
This initiative brings together large corporations, foundations and arts and
culture practitioners at a national culture dialogue, to identify the needs
for and potential sources of sustainable funding. The programme would
encourage participants to form partnerships for long-term arts and culture
promotion.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-26
9-27 ARTS AND CU LTU RE

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 9-28
9-29 ARTS AND CU LTU RE

FOOTNOTES

1. “Proof of ancient Malaysian civilisation found”, CNN, March 6, 2009.

2. Zawawi, I., “Globalisation and National Identity: Managing Ethnicity and Cultural Pluralism in Malaysia.”
(2004)
3. Ryan, N.J., “The Cultural Heritage of Malaya”, Longman Malaysia, 1971.
4. Ibid
5. United Nations (UN). “41st Session of the Commission on Population and Development Country
Statements: Malaysia.” (2008)
6. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
7. “Malaysia’s Muslims grapple with being ‘good enough’, as conservative voices get strident”, Channel
News Asia, April 24, 2017.
8. “Malaysian brands’ global potential”, New Straits Times, February 16, 2016; Retail Asia Online. “The
Chicken Rice Shop expands to Australia.” (2014)
9. “Ipoh-born wins MasterChef UK with nasi lemak, wanton soup”, The Star Online, May 17, 2014.
10. “Malaysian Diana Chan wins Masterchef Australia trophy”, The Star Online, July 24, 2017.
11. “Songket, batik curi perhatian ramai di Milan”, Berita Harian, October 4, 2015; “‘Modest wear’ booming
as Asia Islamic Fashion Week held in Malaysia, Asian Correspondent, April 4, 2017.
12. “Malaysian team behind special effects for Life of Pi and Snow White movies”, The Star Online, January
12, 2013.
13. “Twin awards for Upin & Ipin in Jakarta”, New Straits Times, December 23, 2015.
14. “Creative industry contributes RM33 billion to nation’s GDP: DPM”, New Straits Times, March 24, 2015.
15. The Soft Power 30. “The Soft Power 30: A Global Ranking of Soft Power 2017.” (2017)
16. Academy of Sciences Malaysia. “Mega Science 3.0: Creative Industry Sector Final Report.” (2016)
17. “Budget 2016: Full speech by PM Najib”, The Star Online, 23 October, 2015.
18. Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). “Government expenditure by
function (COFOG).”
19. “Dying indigenous cultures? These young Malaysians are fighting back with music and art”, Channel
News Asia, July 12, 2017.
20. “Netizens fume over candi demolition in Lembah Bujang”, The Star Online, December 2, 2013; “Pudu
pays the price of progress”, The Sun Daily, June 23, 2010.
21. “Malaysian films to be showcased at Cannes”, Screen Daily, May 13, 2016.
22. “Yuna’s ‘Chapters’ breaks into Billboard’s Top 10 R&B album chart”, Malay Mail Online, June 3, 2016.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-30
9-31 S PORTS

SP RTS
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-32
9-33 SPORTS

SECTION OVERVIEW: SPORTS

MOVING FROM TODAY… TO YOUTHS’ 2050 ASPIRATIONS

Interest in sports and active lifestyles increasing Malaysians have active lifestyles, participating in a
nationwide wide variety of sports
• Active and sports-loving • Accessible, well maintained
mindsets public sports facilities
MASS Greater interest in sports creates Facilities are readily available
PARTICIPATION a wider base of sporting talents and accessible, and
IN SPORTS adaptable over time
• A vibrant sport clubs landscape
Strong community-led sport
clubs are open to all and
Malaysians are active members

Centralised efforts largely sponsored by the Malaysia to be a leading contender in the global
Malaysian government, with growing private sporting landscape, supported by a strong
sector investment in the development of the sustainable sports industry
industry
• Becoming an athlete is a • Sports is a high-value industry
THE ECOSYSTEM
prestigious career choice Malaysia leads the regional
FOR HIGH
Sports-related jobs become sports industry, with a well-
PERFORMANCE career of choice, with potential established, advanced and
SPORTS for personal fulfilment and long integrated sports business
career life sector where Malaysians are
the go-to talents for sport
• World-class recruitment and professionals
training
Strong base for athlete
recruitment and training, enabled
by world-class technology
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-34

WHAT ARE SOME 2050 TARGETS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH?

TOP 10
GLOBAL RANKING
IN ALL SPORTS
MALAYSIA IS A TOP 20
AT LEAST 90% OF MALAYSIANS
IDENTIFIED AS CORE NATION IN NUMBER OF
OR STRATEGIC TO
PLAY A SPORT, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS,
OR RANGE OF SPORTS,
MALAYSIA COMMENSURATE WITH LEVEL OF
REGULARLY GDP AND POPULATION

IDEAS PROPOSED BY THE YOUTH

CAREER PATHWAYS FOR ATHLETES A SPORTS R&D UNIVERSITY

Developing career pathways for athletes, Developing sporting professionals and sports
including their post-sporting careers innovations locally
9-35 SPORTS

1 INTRODUCTION

Malaysia a sports-loving nation with great

potential for global excellence.

Sports plays a key role in instilling a sense of shared national identity and
pride among Malaysian citizens. Malaysian youth made reference to the
recent 2016 Rio Olympic as well as the 2017 SEA Games and 2017 ASEAN
Para Games in Kuala Lumpur, where the entire country rallied in unity to
support national heroes on the global stage. The youth aspire to see Malaysia
competing consistently for international gold medals by 2050, and recognise
that this would require gradual changes to the nation’s high-performance
sports infrastructure as well as a sustainable wider base of mass sporting
talents.

The growing emphasis on health and wellness alongside rising concerns

about the nation’s obesity rates have raised demands for a country whose
citizens are active and consider sports as a part of everyday life. Mass
participation in sports or physical activities can be enhanced by making
current sporting infrastructure safer and closer to public transportation. In
addition, establishing more local sports leagues would facilitate the healthy
consumption of local sports.

2 MALAYSIA TODAY
Malaysia has made strides in the last 30 years towards building a stronger
international profile through its sports. The country was crowned the best
sporting nation in South-East Asia in 2017, topping the medal tally at the
SEA Games with 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals1. Malaysia’s
performance at the Olympics has also improved in recent years, climbing
from 80th in 2008 to 54th in 2016 in the rankings of GDP per weighted
Olympic medal2.
Recognising this, efforts are in motion to elevate Malaysia’s performance
by creating a sporting nation. These efforts focus on increasing mass
participation in sports, building a stronger sports ecosystem, as well as
strengthening and sustaining the pipeline for high performance talents.
Malaysia today is more of a sports-loving nation, where many enjoy watching
sports but few include active participation in their daily lives3. Growing
concerns about quality of life, the desire to stay healthy, and the need to
prevent illnesses are leading to increased spending around the world on
health and wellness products and services. This is also the case in Malaysia,
as it has the highest rate of obesity among Asian countries, with about 50
percent of adults either obese or overweight4.
Recognising the importance of sports in developing a healthy nation,
Malaysia has kick-started efforts to educate the public about the benefits
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-36
of healthy living, and to create sports movements that encourage more active
lifestyles. The Ministry of Youth and Sports introduced programmes such
as FitMalaysia, Hari Sukan Negara, and collaborated on programmes such
as 1Murid1Sukan to encourage the nation to exercise, and to educate them
on the latest ways to get fit and stay fit5. Since their introduction, many of
these home-grown programmes have catalysed the success of other sporting
activities by private firms, including Viper Challenge, Colour Run, Electric
Run and various cycling events.
Sporting facilities such as stadiums, parks, courts and pools are currently
available across the country, owned and operated by local governments or
private entities. Safety concerns such as dim lighting or proximity to main
roads, however, often deter people from making full use of these facilities,
hindering the growth of mass participation6. Access to safer or better-
managed facilities often requires expensive entrance fees, deterring the
public from participating altogether.
There is also room to improve sport participation rates in Malaysia, where
people live active lifestyles and sports is an integral part of every individual’s
life. In 2012, Malaysia’s low mass participation in sports, at only 39 percent
of the population, has led to an obese nation7 and a small pool of sporting
talents who can represent the country in future international events. While
successful national athletes have emerged, many of these athletes will
eventually need successors.
9-37 SPORTS

A negative attitude towards sports is one cause of limited participation8.
Local schools often emphasise academic achievements while reducing the
time spent on sporting activities9, restricting children’s ability to explore
sports, and losing opportunities to establish sports as a lifestyle. Negative
assumptions such as low-paying jobs, high risk of injuries, and short career
lifespans have also led parents to discourage their children from entering
sports-related careers. In hopes of improving the talent pipeline, the Ministry
of Education, with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS),
launched a Talent Identification Programme (MyTID) in 2015. MyTID is a
sports talent development programme which screens Year One students for
their potential sporting skills, measured through components such as height,
body size, flexibility, speed, endurance, sustaining power and cardiovascular
compatibility10. To accelerate the matching process, MOYS also introduced
a programme called Champions Compass in 201611. Champions Compass
is an Artificial intelligence System built using algorithms derived from the
data of athletes screened in MyTID. The Champion Compass will predict the
sporting performance of the selected students and match them to a sport.
FIGURE 1 • COMPARISON OF MASS PARTICIPATION RATES IN SPORT
FOR MALAYSIA AND SELECTED COUNTRIES
Physical activity rate (% population)
100
80
The support system for national athletes also needs to be strengthened.
National athletes need greater access to support services and mentorships.
Many national athletes train overseas when provided the opportunity due to
easier access to a strong support ecosystem which includes sports scientists,
data analysts, qualified psychologists and physicians or mentorship
opportunities between veteran and current athletes12. Experts report that
athletes who train overseas also benefit from the competitive environment
when they enter international competitions13.
In the future, technology will dramatically transform how athletes train and
improve their performance. By 2050, ‘neuro-coaching’ may train players’
brains to deliver ever-better physical performance through electrode
exercises14. Artificial intelligence may help coaches shape game strategies
and real-time decision-making15. Sensors incorporated into jerseys, athletic
wear and equipment may offer unprecedented insights into performance16.
Bioinformatics could also build genetic performance profiles to personalise
each player’s nutrition and fitness protocols. The combination of skilled
supporting talent and advanced training techniques would cultivate nimble
and strong athletes who adapt and thrive in the face of changing sports
landscapes and increasing competitiveness. Today, technology such as
analytic programmes, sport wearables and rehabilitation machines are used
in Malaysia to monitor athletes’ conditions and monitor their performances17.
However, the mass group of youth underscore Malaysia’s crucial need not
only to be aware of this changing dynamic, but also to remain at the forefront
of transformation so our athletes can continue to improve and bring world-
class performances to the global sporting stage.

60 While private sector involvement in the Malaysian sports industry has grown
in recent years, levels remain low if compared to those in developed countries
40 such as Australia and the United States. Likewise, private sponsorships in
20
Malaysia remain few, reflecting its early growth stages. Telekom Malaysia
is one of the country’s earliest sports investor, sponsoring various national
0 sports teams as well as launching Team Malaysia in 201118. Another is
Axiata, which sponsors the digital development of Putra Indoor Stadium
Cambodia

Myanmar

Netherland

Thailand

Germany

Indonesia

Australia

United States

Japan

Malaysia

United Kingdom

(now Axiata Arena)19. However, very few private organisations invest in

innovating sporting equipment, merchandise manufacturing, or even sports
marketing which could provide the much needed push to advance Malaysia’s
Note: Active as doing: 5x30 mins of moderate activity. 3x20 minutes of vigorous activity or 600 metabolic
sporting scene to the next level.
equivalent minutes per week
Source: The Lancet, 2012
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-38

3
YOUTH ASPIRATIONS
FOR 2050

Malaysian youth want to see a stronger mass sports culture and better sports
performance in global competitions in 2050. The most frequently identified
aspirations are for more inclusivity in sports; better access to sporting
infrastructure; a stronger industry ecosystem to support sporting careers;
and for the country to be viewed as a top contender in international games.
9-39 SPORTS
WORLD-CLASS SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
PERFORMANCE ECOSYSTEM
“Kemajuan sukan Malaysia “To have high performance
cemerlang sama ada di sports schools to develop
peringkat domestik ataupun future talent”
antarabangsa” Melaka
Terengganu
“Persatuan-persatuan sukan
“To see Malaysia jangan hanya mengharap
represented, and win, bantuan dari kerajaan,
at global sporting events persatuan harus mempunyai
like the Olympics and inisiatif untuk menjana
World Cup” pendapatan sendiri”
Melaka Perak
“Malaysia to host the “Mempunyai institut
Olympics game and World latihan jurulatih supaya
Cup by 2050” negara mempunyai
Sabah jurulatih berkemahiran taraf
antarabangsa”
Kedah
“Persatuan sukan lebih efektif
and menjaga kebajikan atlet
untuk pembangunan atlet kita”
Dialog Warga Sukan
“Mewujudkan sekolah
sukan antarabangsa”
Kelantan
SPORTS AS
CAREER
“Saya mahu menjadikan
sukan sebagai sumber
pendapatan utama atau
peluang pekerjaan utama”
Perak
“Menyediakan satu Institusi
Pendidikan Sukan di Negara
ini agar ada peluang kerjaya
bagi atlet-atlet Negara kita
kelak. Tiada lagi pengangguran
atau atlet terbiar selepas
perkhidmatannya telah tamat”
IKBN Melaka
“Meningkatkan peluang
pekerjaan dalam bidang sukan”
Negeri Sembilan
SPORTS SPORTING
FACILITIES CULTURE
“Perbanyakkan pusat “Cara pemakanan
rekreasi dan pusat penjagaan yang sihat dan rakyat
kesihatan di kawasan bandar sentiasa bersenam untuk
dan luar bandar, yang menjamin kesihatan”
selamat dan mudah diakses Melaka
oleh orang ramai”
Negeri Sembilan “Saya mahu kanak-kanak
di Malaysia kembali kepada
“Galakkan budaya cycling. alam semulajadi, bermain
Bina lorong basikal” di luar rumah, menghirup
Diaspora Malaysia di Germany udara segar, bukan hanya
bermain smartphone”
“To have more sports Perlis
facilities in all areas,
including villages” “Saya ingin melihat
Warga Sukan Dialogue Malaysia yang lebih sihat
dan mengamalkan cara
“Pembinaan stadium hidup sihat”
bola sepak yang baru dan Perak
fasiliti sukan yang lengkap
dan canggih selaras dengan “Supaya setiap rakyat
perubahan masa 2050” Malaysia bersenam
Kedah atau bermain sekurang-
kurangnya satu sukan
setiap minggu. Rakyat
Malaysia antara rakyat
paling aktif di dunia”
Kuala Lumpur
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-40

3.1
SPORTS:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 1
Malaysians Are Active, Sports-Loving People
Malaysian youth recognise the far-reaching importance of sports
as a way to empower individuals to lead healthier lifestyles and
build resilient mindsets, encourage a sense of community within
the nation, and groom a more active and healthy society. By
2050, Malaysian youth would like sports to be part of daily
life for every Malaysian. On one hand, this would mean strong
public participation in sports at the grassroots levels, where
Malaysians participate in a wide variety of sports on a daily
basis. On the other hand, the youth would also like to have better
access to sporting facilities, by having fully-equipped, affordable
facilities located within a shorter distance to residential areas.

SPORTS-LOVING VIBRANT SPORT WELL MAINTAINED

MINDSETS CLUBS LANSCAPES FACILITIES

Malaysians want to participate in a variety Sports clubs are open to all and Malaysians Sports are inclusive, and facilities are
of sports, encouraged by parents, society are active members, fuelling vibrant and adaptable over time, readily available
and the education system healthy competition and accessible to every individual
9-41 SPORTS

SPORTS-LOVING
MINDSETS

Malaysian youth recognise the need for public

interest and participation in sports to build a
holistic and vibrant sports culture. They seek a
shift in attitude, where Malaysians feel the desire
to participate in sports and physical activities.
While the individual desire to participate is
important, the TN50 Circles of the Future also
consider the community and the education system
as important factors that can turn individual desire
into sports accomplishment.
The Circles highlight the importance of schools,
communities and families to do more to
promote the benefits of participating in sports
and physical activities. They hope for a system
that evaluates and ranks schools based on both
academic and sporting achievements attained by
students. Under this system, a separate ranking
system would track and report schools based
on the physical performance of their students,
for example in cardio endurance. Although the
sporting achievements would not have any
bearing on a school’s academic ranking, such
cohesive efforts would heighten youth interest in
sports and expose parents to the benefit of sports.
The youth also consider it important that
the national curriculum expand to include a
structured sports programme for primary and
secondary school students, led by trained and
certified physical education teachers. By taking a
holistic approach to sports, schools can nurture
students to enjoy and value the life lessons that
involvement in sports can impart.
VIBRANT SPORT CLUBS LANDSCAPE
To ensure that Malaysians have access to sports
outside the education system, the youth would
like to see dual sports systems established, where
every individual is encouraged to participate in
sports within the school system and beyond,
be it in work or community sports clubs. The
TN50 Circles of the Future highlight the need
for more community-led sports clubs to be open
to all Malaysians and made more prominent to
the public to encourage Malaysians to be active
members. This would include government-linked
clubs such as Badminton Association of Malaysia,
Malaysia Basketball Association and Football
Association of Malaysia as well as community
sports clubs formed by neighbourhoods or even
workplaces where people could join to play sports
together outside school or working hours.
By 2050, Malaysian youth hope to see sports
made available in every district and at affordable
prices, to serve as a platform for people to
explore and have fun with sports. They wish to
see more sports clubs across Malaysia and open
to all. They note that sports clubs today are often
based in urban areas, are small in size, or charge
high membership fees to cover high coaching
fees. The Circles suggest that tax policies be
reshaped to encourage membership in sports
clubs or associations for example. This would help
promote local sports clubs, boost membership
and assist with club funding. In addition, sports
club managers would be provided training on the
ways to manage clubs in a way that is financially
sustainable.
Sports clubs would also play a role in national
sports talent development. Apart from offering
activities designed to appeal to the mass
population and improve the sporting skills of
the general population, the clubs would offer
niche programmes that develop the pipeline for
professional national athletes.

CASE STUDY
BUILDING AN INDEPENDENT AND SUSTAINABLE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
CLUB: A CASE STUDY OF THE KL DRAGONS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL
TEAM
The Westport Malaysia Dragons (popularly referred to as the KL
Dragons) is a professional basketball team established in Kuala Lumpur
in 2009. The KL Dragons have participated in the Asian Basketball
League (ABL) since the league’s inception in 2009 and won their
first ABL title in 2016, defeating Hong Kong’s Easter Long Lions in the
league’s final.
The KL Dragons’ success has led to considerable sponsorship deals
with international companies such as Gatorade, Berjaya Corp. and
Budweiser. In addition to the KL Dragons’ achieving league success,
the club’s long-term goal is to develop a sustainable and regional high
performance platform for all Malaysians, which additionally serves
as a pipeline for talented individuals towards careers as professional
basketball players.
The club aims to achieve their long-term goals as well as making
basketball the second most popular sport after football by building
new sporting infrastructure and that offers professional training to
aspiring professional basketball players and amateur sportsmen.
Comprehensive training programmes offered to athletes and amateur
sportsmen will nurture their technical skills and mental aptitude, with
the purpose of identifying and developing emerging talents.
Source: KL Dragons official website, Asian Basketball League
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-42
The success of KL Dragons offers several important lessons that can
be replicated:
1) T
 alent identification programmes should be expanded outside the
school system: Sports clubs can serve as great platforms to scout
young talents who may have developed a passion for a specific
sport after they have left school.
2) Collaboration between government agencies and privately-
owned sports clubs is crucial for the sustainability of clubs: Sport
clubs depend on the membership of their club members. Talents
scouted to national teams often have to leave the sports club to
train under national programmes, leaving the clubs scarce on talent
and membership fees.
3) Sports clubs can spur private investment in the sports industry:
Sports clubs could increase participation in sports, driving up
demand for sports apparel and equipment. In addition, inter-club
games or leagues would also spur community identities, which
could be capitalised into branding opportunities for private firms.
9-43 SPORTS
WELL-MAINTAINED FACILITIES
As interest in sports participation increases,
ensuring access to sporting facilities will be
critical. The youth want sporting facilities such as
parks, multipurpose halls and swimming pools to
be convenient, with easy access from their homes
and work. Sporting facilities should therefore be
integrated into development plans for schools,
housing areas and corporate buildings. Working
together, local sports councils and real-estate
developers could plan customised facilities and
establish technical criteria. Adequate operational
and maintenance budgets also need to be in place
to ensure sustainable maintenance of the sporting
facilities.
In order to attract membership, the facilities
must be accessible and suited to the needs of
members. Simple and convenient registration and
reservation systems such as online and mobile
platforms would enable and encourage people to
book or rent sporting facilities on a regular basis.
The Circles also express hopes for adaptable
sporting facilities to ensure that they are fully
utilised. The Circles recommended incorporating
adaptable designs in the development plans for
large facilities such as stadiums. This would
include developing multi-use facilities. For
example, multi-purpose halls could be developed
to allow communities to play badminton, train
for gymnastics, and play other sports. Stadium
walls could serve as rock-climbing walls, while
large stadiums could be scaled down after hosting
international games.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 9-44

3.2
SPORTS:
TN50 YOUTH ASPIRATION 2
Malaysia Excels On The World Sporting Stage
Malaysia has been making strides on the global sports stage in recent years.
The country won its largest number of Olympic medals to date at the 2016
Rio Olympics, with five medals and also setting world records at the 2016
Rio Paralympics, attaining two more gold medals for the country20. By 2050,
Malaysian youth aspire for Malaysia to achieve more global wins and world-
class results, and to host many world-class international games.

To ensure that Malaysia focuses and builds capabilities to win in a variety

of sports, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) introduced a strategy
to achieve world-class results in 19 sports identified as the ‘19 Core Sports’
in 2007. These 19 Core Sports include aquatic (swimming and diving),
weightlifting, cycling (track), badminton, football, lawn bowls, gymnastic
(artistic & rhythmic), hockey, karate, archery, shooting, athletics, sailing,
sepak takraw, silat, squash, taekwondo, tenpin bowling and wushu. The ‘19
Core Sports’ were selected based on medal winning prospects, the capability
of the respective national sports associations to support the athletes, and a

PRESTIGOUS CAREER WORLD-CLASS RECRUITMENT HIGH-VALUE INDUSTRY

CHOICE
Sports-related jobs become careers of
choice due to the fulfilment it offers and
its long career-life
AND TRAINING
Strong base for athlete recruitment and
training, enabled with world-class technology
Malaysia leads the regional
sports industry, with a well-established
and integrated sports business sector
and where Malaysians are the go-to
talents for sport professionals
9-45 SPORTS

series of physical factors, popular sports, facilities

and compulsory sports. To ensure relevance with
changing times, MOYS reviews and updates the
policies and strategy every few years21.

Beyond developing a strategy to target sports

Malaysia could win medals in, MOYS also sets
out to develop a stronger sporting ecosystem with
a comprehensive system of partnerships across
various Ministries, agencies and corporations.
At the grassroots level, FitMalaysia and Hari
Sukan Negara elevate sports at every level by
getting more and more Malaysians exercising.
This is then followed by a talent development
programme, with MyTID, SUKMA, Kita Juara,
the Podium Programme, and the apex being
the National Sports Awards. With these
programmes, athletes are discovered through
school assessments, coached through numerous
levels of competitions, eventually representing the
country at international games and placed in the
Podium Programme where they are groomed to be
world-class athletes. This structure is supported
by targeted development programmes like the
National Football Development Programme,
Junior Cycling Malaysia, and a slew of other
upcoming development programmes in sports
like athletic, aquatics, sepak takraw, badminton,
squash and the like. Regional games, such as the
Kuala Lumpur 2017 Games will also showcase our
next generation of champions that all Malaysians
can look up to. All these elements will form the
strong sports ecosystem that all Malaysians can
be a part of to ensure a steady supply of talents
in the years to come.
In order to be a nation with exceptional and
sustained world-class sporting performance,
the youth aspire for the development of a much
stronger sports ecosystem from now to 2050.
These aspirations mainly relate to supporting and
elevating sporting careers; building a systematic
recruitment and training infrastructure; boosting
mental resilience and cultivating a supportive
sports industry.
BECOMING AN ATHLETE IS A PRESTIGIOUS CAREER
CHOICE
Elevating Malaysia’s stature as a sporting nation
requires deep commitment to train and support
national sports figures to a level where they are
internationally competitive. The youth hope that
by 2050, Malaysian athletes will be formidable
players on the global stage, ranked among the
best in their chosen sport.
To encourage public interest in sports-related
careers, they must be perceived as respectable,
specialised careers of choice with commensurate
pay. The perception of sports careers as risky
could be overcome if the public can see athletes
doing well and also sustaining themselves
financially after their competitive days, which
would in turn encourage more young talents
to pursue sporting careers. Good government
support and the prospect of pay commensurate
with achievement and service to the country are
critical to promote sports as a rewarding career.
The Circles wish for more collaborations between
government Ministries, private corporations and
international sport organisations to develop
a structured career progression programme
for athletes, with platforms and mechanisms
that allow them to re-enter the workforce in a
meaningful way, through teaching, coaching or in
other professional pathways. Part-time job skills
training programmes would be integrated into the
athlete training programme to equip athletes with
skills that would help them in jobs that interest
them. For example, athletes could receive training
in business skills, technical skills or research skills
delivered by both the private and public sector
while they are active competitors, a move that
would facilitate their post-career job search.
These programmes would offer private companies
a broader talent base and athletes the opportunity
to have more sustainable careers. Alternatively,
retiring athletes can run grassroots development
programmes at their respective hometown
spurring the sports industry throughout Malaysia.

WORLD-CLASS RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
Malaysian youth hope to see more Malaysian
sporting heroes on the global stage. The Circles
called for a broader base of talents in order to
identify and groom more sporting talents.
To broaden the reach of talent identification
programmes (MyTID), the Circles recommend
expanding the current MyTID, which depends
on identifying potential athletes through school
competitions, towards using existing technology
to measure the biological sports potential of
every individual through medical tests. These
tests would guide design of customised training
regimens, and broaden the national talent base
for training and grooming into leading contenders.
The youth also express their hope for talent
development and research facilities to be
expanded alongside substantial investments in
performance-enhancing technology. Investments
in Big Data and Internet of Things would be needed
to track and monitor athletes’ performance, in
which sensors attached to the athletes’ equipment
or apparel collect individualised performance data.
Research facilities would analyse performance
data collected from athletes and use those
findings to develop customised training strategies.
Sports psychology should also be a component
of national athletes’ training. Athletes should
be trained in sharpening a winning mentality,
developing self-confidence and pushing
themselves to be more competitive. The Circles
also see the need to provide the same winning
mentality training to athletes’ surrounding
ecosystem, including their coaches, doctors,
managers and others so the athletes feel
empowered to win. Media training and increasing
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-46
the athletes’ exposure to the media through
international competitions and professional
leagues were cited as additional ways to boost
athletes’ confidence levels.
The Circles also wish to see good training facilities
established in each district, specifically Sports
Centres of Excellence (COEs). COEs would be
established in each Zone to provide public access
to high-performance training equipment to both
amateur sportsmen and high-performance
athletes. A COE is a high-performance training
facility equipped with a gym, pool, running
track, football pitch, basket/netball court and
gymnastics floor, which allows for multiple uses of
the space. The Circles envision talent recruitment
taking place at COEs over time as more people
train in these facilities, while also ensuring that
high-quality facilities are available in every district.
9-47 SPORTS
SPORTS IS A HIGH-VALUE INDUSTRY
By 2050, Malaysian youth aspire for a stronger
sports ecosystem, where the country is a regional
hub for sporting professionals and host to major
international tournaments and competitions, the
private sector invests heavily in the development
of the sports industry and there is a robust and
well respected field of research on performance
enhancement as well as specialised sports
industry training.
The youth also harbour aspirations for a better
support ecosystem for national athletes. They
recognise the role of highly skilled coaches,
doctors, psychologists, sports masseuses and
other professionals in helping athletes succeed on
the global stage. By 2050, Malaysian youth hope
to see sports professions such as data scientists,
sports doctors, engineers and marketers
viewed as specialised and exclusive vocations,
attracting more talents into the ecosystem and
strengthening support systems for athletes.
Malaysia’s stature as a host of major sporting
competitions should also be polished further,
supported by an enthusiastic public, world-
class facilities and a highly skilled pool of sports
professionals.
Private sector investment in the sports industry
is critical to accelerating the industry’s growth,
and the youth emphasise the need for compelling
sports content to encourage private investments
in the industry. Hence, they would like to see
the burden of funding sports development
programmes to shift from relying on government
funds to private funds. This could be achieved
through a stronger sports culture and ecosystem,
where the general public demands sports
products and private investors can invest in
branding exclusives, sponsor particular athletes
or teams, and leverage advertising space at games
to increase their reach to their customers.
The Circles call for the expansion of existing talent
development and research facilities to include
large investments in performance-enhancing
technology. They recommend the establishment
of a national sports university to house research
and specialised sports education programmes.
Sporting professionals could be trained to
handle specific sporting equipment or be trained
specifically to deliver services to athletes. The
Circles would also like to see Malaysia investing
in research and development for sports to
ensure that programmes remain relevant and
competitive.

4 TN50 IDEAS PROPOSED
BY MALAYSIAN YOUTH
Career pathways for athletes
Elevating the stature of the sports industry also means reducing the
risks inherent in a career as an athlete, such as a short career span on
the competitive circuit. The initiative is a work placement programme that
helps transition post-sporting career athletes to new career pathways in
sports-related industries.
The programme would study retiring athletes to understand their interest
and training or education needs in order to move into the workplace. Athletes
would be matched with relevant contacts or schools to land them jobs in
the sports industry. They would also have the option of applying for grants
to start programmes or businesses of their own to develop sports at the
grassroots level.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-48
A sports R&D university
A university specialising in developing talents necessary in the sports
industry such as sports marketers, engineers, doctors, massage therapists,
psychologists, event managers and many more. The university would also
be a research hub for Malaysia’s sporting performance. It would track and
analyse performance data collected from athletes during their training,
helping to develop customised training programmes for each individual
athlete or team. The university would also be an innovation hub that designs
new and better sporting equipment for a global market. The university could
be established by upgrading the existing National Sports School to include
a research centre and university courses on sports.
9-49 SPORTS

POTENTIAL JOURNEY TO 2050

TN50 Youth Canvas 9-50
9-51 SPORTS

FOOTNOTES

1. “SEA Games: Malaysia tops medal tally with 145th gold”, The Star Online, August 30, 2017.
2. Medals Per Capita. “Weighted Medals by GDP.”
3. “Youth and Sports Ministry needs RM30mil sponsorship for SEA Games”, The Star Online, May 25,
2016.
4. “Malaysia’s obesity rate highest in Asia”, The Star Online, June 16, 2014.
5. “Membudayakan sukan”, Harian Metro, August 22, 2017; “Rousing turnout at sports do”, The Star Online,
October 9, 2016. ; Ministry of Education Malaysia. “1 Murid 1 Sukan.”
6. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
7. “Malaysia’s the fattest country in Asia, so why aren’t we spending on our health?”, New Straits Times,
October 12, 2016.
8. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
9. Ibid
10. “Year One students to undergo MyTID screening: Khairy”, New Straits Times, November 18, 2014.
11. Discussion with Ben Ibrahim & Dimisthra Steven Sittampalam, Ministry of Youth and Sports discussion.
12. TN50 Circles of the Future discussions. (2017)
13. Wilson, M. et al., “Sport and the Brain: The Science of Preparing, Enduring and Winning, Part B, Volume
234, 1st Edition”, Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc, 2017.
14. Delaware North. “The Future of Sports 2016 Report.” (2016)
15. Ibid
16. Ibid
17. “The science in sports”, The Star Online, October 28, 2013.
18. “A Team Malaysia jersey”, The Star Malaysia, April 30, 2011.
19. “Putra Indoor Stadium is now ‘Axiata Arena.’” New Straits Times, January 16, 2017.
20. “Rio Paralympics: Malaysia creates history, wins two gold medals”, The Star Online, September 11, 2016.
21. Discussion with Ben Ibrahim & Dimisthra Steven Sittampalam, Ministry of Youth and Sports discussion.
TN50 Youth Canvas 9-52
10
10-1
CHAPTER
CONCLUSION
While we continue to strive towards achieving the broad goals of Vision
2020, we as Malaysians must start to cast our sights on the next phase of our
country’s growth and our society’s progress. Every worthy endeavour begins
with acts of imagining and so, the work to shape the vision for Malaysia
over the next 30-year horizon or ‘Transformasi Nasional 2050’ (TN50) was
sown early, beginning with the hopes and aspirations of Malaysians today.
The pages of this full version of the TN50 Youth Canvas encapsulates
various aspirations and proposals from almost 2 million Malaysians reached,
gathered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through an intensive year-long
engagement initiative across the country. As is clearly evident from these
pages, the youth are passionate about an extremely wide range of topics,
revealing a mixture of optimism and concern about the future and what it
holds for Malaysia.
The shifts in technology and society are at the forefront of youth’s minds,
from advances in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to the impact
of social media on societal values and behaviours. While many saw great
potential for betterment, particularly in healthcare and sustainable urban
design, many others also recognised the risks in store for Malaysia such as in
employment, financing of public services and social cohesion. Each era faces
its own specific set of challenges and the era of TN50 will be no different.
However, with collective foresight and hope, Malaysians will weather the
journey with greater clarity and determination.
Some ‘national journeys’ have been the labour of generations past and will
continue to require the commitment of generations to come. TN50 youth
aspirations for a united and equitable Malaysia, for example, represent
long-standing journeys, reflecting our unique origins as a young, multi-ethnic
nation. TN50 youth aspirations for a global and sustainable Malaysia show
a new level of care and understanding on familiar topics of development,
driven in part by changes in the operating environment such as AI adoption
and climate change. But amongst all over-arching themes, TN50 youth
aspirations for an accountable and compassionate Malaysia perhaps mark a
new long-term journey and intention for the nation, reflecting the pressures
inherent in today’s world of abundant choices, individualism and information
overload.
 TN50 Youth Canvas 10-2

The TN50 engagement initiative throughout 2017 was a unique effort at At all stages, the role of the people is critical. Just as members of the public
changing the way national visions are created. Efforts on mass awareness heartily shared their aspirations over the past year, so will the same passion
and engagement will continue but in 2018 the emphasis is shifting to the and spirit determine the success of TN50. Realising our TN50 aspirations is
work of translating diverse Malaysians’ aspirations into a long-term national an undertaking for all Malaysians. The journey is ours to shape.
policy plan. This will be led by the TN50 Unit within the Economic Planning
Unit, in close collaboration with government ministries and agencies, as well To those who courageously took the microphone at a TN50 dialogue or
as the private sector and civil society. The TN50 Youth Canvas, along with wrote down a post-it note at a TN50 aspiration wall or digitally shared their
inputs from other sections of Malaysia, will form the foundation of the TN50 hopes for the nation with us at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we extend
policy plan which is planned for launch by Malaysia Day 2018. our deepest gratitude and appreciation. We are deeply honoured and we
look forward to taking this next journey with you.
The role of a policy plan is to provide direction and broad targets but it will
be up to all of us to make our aspirations a reality. Some of this work has Bersama kita bina masa depan Negaraku.
already begun; during the TN50 youth engagement process, several youth
stepped forward to articulate and propose initiatives designed to achieve
their TN50 aspiration for the nation. Some of these TN50 initiatives were
even announced in Budget 2018, showing the drive to translate aspirations
into action. It is hoped that Malaysians young and old will continue to take
proactive action to realise their TN50 aspirations.
APPENDIX
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A-1 APP E ND IX

1 TN50 ENGAGEMENT EVENTS ORGANISED BY

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

1,737,751 youths engaged from January to November 2017

NOTES

1. Includes number of youths who attended TN50 Dialogues and those made aware via Facebook. KBS-led Dialogues (19,007), TN50x Dialogues (9,449), District and
IKBN dialogues (41,216), Ministry-led dialogues (16,152), TN50 ambassador dialogues (34,989), respondents for online surveys (1,471) and people reached on FB Live
(1,615,467).
2. Dialog Perdana “Perspektif Islam” bersama Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, Dialog Masa Depan Pertahanan Negara (MOD), Dialog Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia
(MOF), Dialog Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani (MOA), Dialog Bumiputera Bertaraf Dunia bersama TERAJU, Engagement in Wellington and Auckland
New Zealand (KLN), Dialog Pihak Pengurusan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (EPF), Dialog Guru Muda 1Malaysia bersama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia
(MOE), Engagement with Students in Frankfurt (KLN), Dialog Aspirasi Masa Depan Alam Sekitar Negara Kita (NRE), Engagement with Students in Perth (KLN),
Dialog Kementerian Kerja Raya, Executive Talk - Wacana Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50), KPKT, Dialog Membina Masa Depan Bersama Kadet PTD, Engagement
with Malaysian youths via email in Hanoi (KLN), Dialog TN50: UTM KL, Dialog TN50 bersama YB Senator Dato’ Sri S.K Devamany, Pemangku Timbalan Menteri
Kementerian Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air (KeTTHA), Sembang Santai Tan Sri Razali SUHAKAM, Dialog TN50 with Malaysians in Ireland (KLN), Dialog Membina
Generasi Kanak-kanak Gemilang (KPWKM), Aspirasi Warga FELDA Ekspresi FELDA Negaraku Malaysia, TN50 Program Semarak Generasi AKAR 2017, FELDA, Dialog
TN50 dengan komuniti Kampung Baru, Dialog TN50 dengan Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Dialog TN50: Kluster Keselamatan bersama YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi, Timbalan Perdana Menteri merangkap Menteri Dalam Negeri, Program Jelajah TN50 KSM: ADTEC Shah Alam, Penganjuran Program Bicara Komuniti
TN50 @ Kementerian Kemajuan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah (KKLW), Dialog TN50 Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi: Ke arah sistem pendidikan terbaik di dunia, Program
Jelajah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (Kedah, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan), Program Jelajah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia: Institut Pengajian Guru (Negeri
Sembilan, Gaya Sabah, Keningau Sabah, Sarikei Sarawak, Bangi Selangor).
3. Dialog bersama Doktor Muda, Dialog bersama Pelajar serta NGO Perubatan dan Pergigian, Dialog bersama Usahawan Muda bersama MaGIC, Dialog bersama Young
Corporate Malaysians (YCM), Dialog Aspirasi TVET “Masa Depan Kerjayaku”, Dialog bersama Pelajar Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR UC), Dialog bersama
Belia India, Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di Australia (Skype), Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di United Kingdom (Skype), Dialog bersama Warga Malaysia di Amerika
Syarikat (Skype), Dialog Wanita Pemacu Negara bersama MyWin Academy, Dialog YAB Perdana Menteri Bersama-sama Penjawat Awam, Sustainable Development
Goals (Sunway), Dialog Destini Bangsa, The Future of Malaysia : The Corporate View, Pembangunan Pembinaan Negara bersama staf CIDB, Dialog Profesional Muda
Petronas Merencana Masa Depan, Dialog Generasi Muda PNB Merakyatkan Pelaburan, Berkongsi Kemakmuran, Dialog TN50x: Eksekutif Muda Touch ‘n Go - ‘Peneraju
Negara Tanpa Tunai’, Dialog TN50x: Bakat Muda Rangkaian Khazanah, Dialog TN50x : Generasi Muda Belia FELDA, Dialog TN50x: Aspirasi Belia CIMB “Meneraju
Perbankan dan Memacu Sukan di Malaysia”.
4. Pertubuhan Belia dan NGO bersama Majlis Belia Malaysia, Sabah, Terengganu, Johor, Perak, Sarawak, Melaka, Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Negeri Sembilan,
Wilayah Persekutuan, Dialog Warga Sukan, Dialog TN50 Etnik Sarawak: Randau TN50 Begulai Enggau, Dialog TN50: Piba’asan Miampai, Sabah.
5. 12 Districts in Kedah, 15 Districts in Perak, 10 Districts in Kelantan, 7 Districts in Terengganu, 10 Districts in Johor, 2 Districts in Melaka, 10 Districts in Sarawak, 11
Districts in Pahang, 10 Districts in Wilayah Persekutuan, 5 Districts in Pulau Pinang, 7 Districts in Negeri Sembilan, 9 Districts in Selangor, 6 Districts in Sabah and 21
IKBN Dialogues.
 TN50 Youth Canvas A-2

6. 16 TN50 ambassador dialogues: Dialog TN50 with Ng Yeen Seen in Ipoh, Dialogue with Ganesh in UNISZA, Dialogue with Ganesh in UTEM, Dialogue with Jufitri in
USIM, Dialogue with Ganesh in UMT, Dialogue with Ganesh and Jufitri in UIAM, Dialogue with Ben and Arthur in UMS, Dialogue with Ng Yeen Seen in UMK, Dialogue
with Ganesh in UMP, Dialogue with Gabriel and Dr. Esther in UNIMAS, Dialogue with Dzameer and Zhariff in UiTM, Dialogue with Jufitri in UNIMAP, Dialogue with En.
Hamid in UUM, Dialogue with Dzameer and Faisal in UM, Dialogue with KPT ambassador in UTM and Dialogue with KPT ambassador in UPM, Nottingham University
Orientation Week, Dialog Duta TN50: “Dr. Juliana Lim TN50 D’Tour: Sabah Wow Generations Bah!”.
7. Pekan, Negaraku: Putrajaya, Negaraku: Sungai Petani, Negaraku: Kuala Kangsar, Puteri UMNO (Melaka), Expo Pemuda UMNO; Negaraku: Kelantan, Pasir Puteh, Negaraku:
Sabah, Sandakan, Sambutan Hari Pekerja (PICC), Sambutan Hari Belia Negara, Program bual bicara isu-isu semasa anjuran Kementerian Komunikasi dan Multimedia
Malaysia (KKMM), Pengunjung-pengunjung KDCA sempena Sambutan Pesta Kaamatan Peringkat Negeri Sabah, Negaraku: Melaka, Negaraku: TN50 program Aspirasi
pelajar Sekolah Alam Shah, Putrajaya, Invest Smart Fest 2017, KLCC, Himpunan Sukarelawan Kuala Lumpur 2017, Bukit Jalil, Ekspresi Negaraku Anjuran Jabatan Perdana
Menteri, Nationwide GRAD+ Workshops and GRADUAN Paper Plane Award Program.
8. 62,598 total aspirations. 28,521 from Vote-It, 5,736 from Mind Discovery, 840 from TN50 Dialogue, 439 from Website, 740 from TN50x Dialogue (Does not include
aspirations from Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di United Kingdom (Skype), Sustainable Development Goals (Sunway), 7,002 from TN50 District and IKBN Dialogue
(Does not include aspirations from 1 district in Perak, 1 district in Wilayah Persekutuan and 1 IKBN Dialogue), 18,029 from post-its, 11,178 from other ministry-led dialogues
(Does not include Dialog Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani (MOA) and 113 from TN50 ambassador dialogues (Does not include Dialogue with Ganesh in
UNISZA, Dialogue with Ganesh in UTEM, Dialogue with Jufitri in USIM, Dialogue with Ganesh in UMT, Dialogue with Ganesh and Jufitri in UIAM, Dialogue with Ben
and Arthur in UMS, Dialogue with Ng Yeen Seen in UMK, Dialogue with Ganesh in UMP, Dialogue with Gabriel and Dr. Esther in UNIMAS, Dialogue with Dzameer and
Zhariff in UiTM, Dialogue with Jufitri in UNIMAP, Dialogue with En. Hamid in UUM, Dialogue with Dzameer and Faisal in UM, Dialogue with KPT ambassador in UTM
and Dialogue with KPT ambassador in UPM)
9. 120,814 youths: Includes number of youths who attended TN50 Dialogues. KBS-led Dialogues (19,007), TN50x Dialogues (9,449), District and IKBN dialogues (41,216),
Other-ministry-led dialogues (16,152) and TN50 ambassador dialogues (34,989).
10. 57 young public servants from KBS and its associated agencies, 74 registered youths in Selangor, 96 registered youths in Sabah, 71 registered youths in Terengganu, 58
registered youths in Johor; 90 youths in Perak, 61 registered youths in Sarawak, 54 registered youths for Mind Discovery with Women, 44 registered youths for Mind
Discovery in Kelantan, 48 registered youths for Mind Discovery Negeri Sembilan.
11. 1,615,467 people that have been made aware of the event via FB. 9,360 people reached for Dialog TN50: Sabah, 30,761 people reached for Dialog TN50: Terengganu,
24,139 people reached for Dialog TN50: Johor, 270,373 people reached for KJ FB Live on Mindset, 19,119 people reached for Dialog TN50: Perak, 30,456 people reached
for Dialog TN50: Sarawak, 41,000 people reached for Dialog TN50: Melaka, 57,617 people reached for Kedah Dialogue, 42,895 people reached for Perlis Dialogue,
121,631 people reached for Penang Dialogue, 357,361 people reached for Negeri Sembilan Dialogue, 74,916 people reached for Kelantan Dialogue, 60,701 people reached
for Wilayah Persekutuan Dialogue, 91,106 people reached for Dialog Warga Sukan, 16,522 people reached for Dialog Aspirasi TVET “Masa Depan Kerjayaku”, 3,054
people reached for Dialog bersama Pelajar Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR UC), 49,228 people reached for Dialog bersama Belia India, 1,723 people reached
for Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di Australia (Skype), 3,365 people reached for Dialog Wanita Pemacu Negara bersama MyWin Academy, 2,347 people reached for
Dialog bersama Warga Malaysia di Amerika Syarikat (Skype), 4,365 people reached for Dialog YAB Perdana Menteri Bersama-sama Penjawat Awam, 59,528 people
reached for Dialog Profesional Muda Petronas Merencana Masa Depan, 45,814 people reached for Dialog Generasi Muda PNB Merakyatkan Pelaburan, Berkongsi
Kemakmuran, 79,000 people reached for Dialog Masa Depan Pertahanan Negara (MOD), 17,160 people reached for Dialog Bumiputera Bertaraf Dunia bersama TERAJU,
775 people reached for Dialog Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia, 11,943 people reached Dialog Pihak Pengurusan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (EPF), 2,435
people reached for Dialog Guru Muda 1Malaysia bersama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (MOE), 86,773 people reached for Dialog Membina Generasi Kanak-kanak
Gemilang. Figures for Dialog Pertubuhan Belia dan NGO bersama Majlis Belia Malaysia, Dialog Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani (MOA), Dialog bersama
Pelajar Malaysia di United Kingdom (Skype), Dialog Kementerian Kerja Raya and Dialog Membina Masa Depan Bersama Kadet PTD, Sustainable Development Goals
(Sunway), Dialog Destini Bangsa, The Future of Malaysia : The Corporate View, Pembangunan Pembinaan Negara bersama staf CIDB, UTM KL, Sembang Santai Tan
Sri Razali SUHAKAM are not available.
A-3 APP E ND IX

TN50 ENGAGEMENT EVENTS (CONT’D)

12. 304,912 FB Live views: 2,258 unique views for Dialog TN50: Sabah, 5,717 unique views for Dialog TN50: Terengganu, 5,195 unique views for Dialog TN50: Johor, 33,990
unique views for KJ FB Live on Mindset, 3,081 unique viewers for Dialog TN50: Perak, 4,900 unique viewers for Dialog TN50: Sarawak, 7,600 unique viewers for Dialog
TN50: Melaka, 9,900 unique viewers for Kedah Dialogue, 6,480 unique viewers for Perlis Dialogue, 22,769 unique viewers for Penang Dialogue, 78,721 unique viewers
for Negeri Sembilan Dialogue, 13,645 unique viewers for Kelantan Dialogue, 15,859 unique viewers for Wilayah Persekutuan Dialogue, 21,203 unique viewers for Dialog
Warga Sukan, 3,334 unique viewers for Dialog Aspirasi TVET “Masa Depan Kerjayaku”, 511 unique viewers for Dialog bersama Pelajar Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul
Rahman (TAR UC), 9,174 unique viewers for Dialog bersama Belia India, 408 unique viewers for Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di Australia (Skype), 1,096 unique
viewers for Dialog Wanita Pemacu Negara bersama MyWin Academy, 595 unique viewers for Dialog bersama Warga Malaysia di Amerika Syarikat (Skype), 1,207
unique viewers for Dialog YAB Perdana Menteri Bersama-sama Penjawat Awam, 13,745 unique viewers for Dialog Profesional Muda Petronas Merencana Masa Depan,
7,748 unique viewers for Dialog Generasi Muda PNB Merakyatkan Pelaburan, Berkongsi Kemakmuran, 15,000 unique viewers for Dialog Masa Depan Pertahanan Negara
(MOD), 3,423 unique viewers for Dialog Bumiputera Bertaraf Dunia bersama TERAJU, 354 unique viewers for Dialog Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia, 2,681 unique
viewers for Dialog Pihak Pengurusan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (EPF), 592 unique viewers for Dialog Guru Muda 1Malaysia bersama Kementerian Pendidikan
Malaysia (MOE), 13,726 unique viewers for Dialog Membina Generasi Kanak-kanak Gemilang. Figures for Dialog Pertubuhan Belia dan NGO bersama Majlis Belia
Malaysia, Dialog Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri Asas Tani (MOA), Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di United Kingdom (Skype), Dialog Kementerian Kerja Raya
and Dialog Membina Masa Depan Bersama Kadet PTD, Sustainable Development Goals (Sunway), Dialog Destini Bangsa, The Future of Malaysia : The Corporate
View, Pembangunan Pembinaan Negara bersama staf CIDB UTM KL and Sembang Santai Tan Sri Razali SUHAKAM are not available.
13. 9,449 youths. 391 in Dialog bersama Doktor Muda, pelajar serta NGO Perubatan dan Pergigian, 220 in Dialog bersama Usahawan Muda bersama MaGIC, 416 in Dialog
bersama Young Corporate Malaysians (YCM), 450 in Dialog Aspirasi TVET “Masa Depan Kerjayaku”, 1,300 in Dialog bersama Pelajar Kolej Universiti Tunku Abdul
Rahman (TAR UC), 810 in Dialog bersama Belia India, 300 in Dialog bersama Warga Malaysia di Amerika Syarikat (Skype), 470 in Dialog Wanita Pemacu Negara
bersama MyWin Academy, 15 in Dialog Bersama Belia OKU Penglihatan, 1300 in Dialog YAB Perdana Menteri Bersama-sama Penjawat Awam, 100 in Dialog Destini
Bangsa, 90 in The Future of Malaysia : The Corporate View, 362 in Dialog Pembangunan Pembinaan Negara bersama staf CIDB, 250 in Dialog Profesional Muda
Petronas Merencana Masa Depan, 600 in Dialog Generasi Muda PNB Merakyatkan Pelaburan, Berkongsi Kemakmuran, 32 in Dialog TN50x: Where Aspirations Take
Flight: Reaching Out to First-Year Freshies in London, 340 in Dialog TN50x: Eksekutif Muda Touch ‘n Go - ‘Peneraju Negara Tanpa Tunai’, 700 in Dialog TN50x: Bakat
Muda Rangkaian Khazanah, 700 in Dialog TN50x : Generasi Muda Belia FELDA, 600 in Dialog TN50x: Aspirasi Belia CIMB “Meneraju Perbankan dan Memacu Sukan
di Malaysia”. Figures for Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di United Kingdom (Skype), Dialog bersama Pelajar Malaysia di Australia (Skype), Sustainable Development
Goals (Sunway), Dialog TN50x: Where Aspirations Take Flight in Edinburgh are not available.
14. 403 from Dialog Perdana survey, 629 from January website survey and 439 from Website aspirations
15. 420 participants: Includes number of circle members who attended Circle Meet 1(88), Circle Launch (93), Circle Meet 2 (112), Circle Meet 3 (66) and Ideation Lab
(61).

Note: Inclusive of data up to 24th November 2017

 TN50 Youth Canvas A-4

2 TN50 CIRCLES OF THE FUTURE MEMBERS

The TN50 Secretariat wishes to express immense gratitude to the TN50 Circles of the Future members for contributing towards refining aspirations,
framing the strategic vision, and charting initiatives. Members discussed topics in their Circles, and some members also participated in topic discussions
of other Circles. The members come from a diverse range of backgrounds, specialise in different fields, and volunteered their time, effort, and ideas for
this nation-building programme. Their contributions are greatly appreciated.

Adif Zulkifli Work and Value Creation Dr. Aizan Sofia Amin Society
Ahmad Fareedzal Abu Bakar Work and Value Creation Ari Zulkarnain Society
Ahmad Zulqarnain Work and Value Creation Arvin Tajari Society
Alina Amir Work and Value Creation Azlina Ahmad Kamal Society
Allen Ng Work and Value Creation Chia Wei Lim Society
Dzameer Dzulkifli Work and Value Creation Chua Choon Hwa Society
Faisal Ariff Work and Value Creation Clive Allen Society
Harlena Harris Work and Value Creation Dina Zaman Society
June Yap Work and Value Creation Dr. Esther Michael Society
Kamarozaman Abd Razak Work and Value Creation Dr. Hartini Zainudin Society
Kuhanesapathy Thavaras Pathy Work and Value Creation Jufitri Joha Society
Leow Wee Jonn Work and Value Creation Mawar Suria Ismail Society
Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai Work and Value Creation Mazlena Mazlan Society
Mohd Izmir Yamin Work and Value Creation Mohd Afiq bin Mohamad Noor Society
Mohd. Fadly Saidin Work and Value Creation Dato' Dr. Ustaz Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kassim Society
Muhammad Firdaus Ali Work and Value Creation Mohd. Syahir Ghani Society
Nadira Yusoff Work and Value Creation Nurhisham Hussein Society
Nicholas Khaw Work and Value Creation Sarina Iskandar Society
Nor Hazreena Binti Mohamad Hashim Work and Value Creation Selvamalar Selvaraja Society
Nora Manaf Work and Value Creation Shahril Hamdan Society
Prof. Madya Dr. Norhayati Mohamed Work and Value Creation Prof. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin Society
Nur Irma Diyana Mohd Norbi Work and Value Creation Siti Altaf Deviyati Society
Rafiza Ghazali Work and Value Creation Syed Azmi Society
Raja Singham Work and Value Creation Syed Haizam Jamalullail Society
Rohayati Abd Hamed Work and Value Creation Tan Su Lin Society
Syahril Syazli Ghazali Work and Value Creation Dr. Abhi Veerakumarasivam Living and Wellbeing
YM Tg. Nurul Azian Work and Value Creation Ahmad Norhad Zahari Living and Wellbeing
A-5 APP E ND IX

TN50 CIRCLES OF THE FUTURE MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Dr. Ainoriza Mohd Aini Living and Wellbeing Dr. Veena Pillai Living and Wellbeing
Anushia Kandasamy Living and Wellbeing Yasmin Rasyid Living and Wellbeing
Ar Sarly Adre Akrum Living and Wellbeing Dr. Zainal Adwin Living and Wellbeing
Dr. Fairus Zana Living and Wellbeing Zubir Jamal Living and Wellbeing
Dr. Farrah-Hani Imran Living and Wellbeing Afiq Johar Governance
Dr. Feisul Idzwan Mustapha Living and Wellbeing Ahmad Fadzli Governance
Ganesh Muren Living and Wellbeing Arif Adenan Governance
Hamdan Abdul Majeed Living and Wellbeing Arividya Arimuthu Governance
Izhar Moslim Living and Wellbeing Asmawati Binti Borhan Governance
Johan Ariffin Mohd Ropi Living and Wellbeing Azwan bin Omar Governance
John-son Oei Living and Wellbeing Dato' Charon Mokhzani Governance
Dr. Lutfi Fadil Lokman Living and Wellbeing Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria Governance
Prof. Dr. Mazlan Othman Living and Wellbeing Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli Governance
Mohamed Abdul Rahman Living and Wellbeing Elina Noor Governance
Muhd. Zhariff Afandi Living and Wellbeing Fadlli Adilah Governance
Nadhir Ashafiq Living and Wellbeing Hadri Haris Governance
Noor Aishah Kamarzaman Living and Wellbeing Mej. Hassan Basri Tajul Ariffin Governance
Dr. Nur Faizah Ali Living and Wellbeing Dr. Hezri Adnan Governance
Raja Jesrina Arshad Living and Wellbeing Iswari Nallisamy Governance
Saliza Abdullah Living and Wellbeing Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam Governance
Dr. Suraya Ismail Living and Wellbeing Lydia Hong Governance
Dr. Syarifah Azizah Wan Ahmadul Badwi Living and Wellbeing Dr. Melvin Gumal Governance
 TN50 Youth Canvas A-6

Leftenan Komander Mohd Lokman bin Bajuri Governance John Oommen Lifestyle
Mohd Zikry Kholil Governance Khaidirah Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Lifestyle
Mua'mmar Ghadafi Governance Liyana Taff Lifestyle
Ng Yeen Seen Governance Mohd Yuzaidi Bin Usop Lifestyle
Nik Nabilah Mohd Azmin Governance Muhammad Faliq Bin Firdaus Lifestyle
Nurul Adni Bt Tan Sri Zainul Ariff Governance Niki Kamal Lifestyle
Nurul Azwa Governance Noraidillah Nazirah Abu Bakar Lifestyle
Rashvin Pal Singh Governance Noraseela Mohd. Khalid Lifestyle
Reza Samsani Governance Nur Jasni Mohamed Lifestyle
Robecca Jumin Governance Dato' Dr. Ramlan Bin Abd Aziz Lifestyle
Prof. Sayed Azam-Ali Governance Rohan A/L Ganason Lifestyle
Shahril Faizal Abdul Jani Governance Dato' Rozalila Abdul Rahman Lifestyle
Datuk Seri Zakaria Sulong Governance Saiful Fazli Ramli Lifestyle
Zalina Jamaluddin Governance Sarah Joan Mokhtar Lifestyle
Ziad Hafiz Razak Governance Seelan Paul Lifestyle
Alena Murang Lifestyle Sharifah Armani Lifestyle
Bront Palarae Lifestyle Sharon Wee Lifestyle
Eddin Khoo Lifestyle Simon Mancha Anak Maring Lifestyle
Faziana Binti Farook Lifestyle Syed Fayz Alhusaini Lifestyle
Gabriel Fairuz Louis Lifestyle Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina Lifestyle
Dato' Jack Koh Lifestyle Dato' Zaiton Othman Lifestyle
Jeremy Ng Lifestyle
A-7 APP E ND IX

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to those who were not members of TN50 Circles of the Future, but contributed to discussions:

Andrew Gnananantham Lim Wei Meen

Afnan Hamimi bin Dato' Taib Azamudden Loh Pai Ling
Ahmad Faiz Hafizuddin Rosli Marwazi Markum
Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil Mohd Kamil Ibrahim
Ahmad Naquiddin Muhammad bin Suhaimi
Ben Ibrahim Muhammad Fikri Hairuddin
Darren Choy Muhammad Karl Mia
Dimisthra Steven Sittampalam Muhammad Syahir Nujaba
Dr. Ahmad El Muhammady bin Othman El Muhammady Nabil Nih Ramli
Dr. Farid Shahran Nazuraida Che Yusof
Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh
Dr. Megat Sany Megat Ahmad Supian Nor Adzimah Hazaki
Dr. Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil Norhafsah Hamid
Dr. Mohd Izwan bin Mohd Yusof Nurul Hasanah Ahamed Hassan Halim
Dr. Muhammad Adha Mohd Shaleh Redhauddin Kamaruzaman
Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh Rev Dr Sivin Kit
Dr. Tajang Jinggut Rezal Khairi Ahmad
Eric Choo Saiful Azhar
Eugene Yap Sandra Lee Sze Wan
Fabiolla Netto Shahizad Sulaiman
Hasnul Hadi Samsudin Syed Muhammad Muhiyuddin al-Attas
Helmi Fendy Mohammed Idris Tengku Ahmad Hazri
Ilham Ramli Thai Ming Yeow
Irdina Sofia Norzaini Ustaz Dato' Fathul Bari
Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin Ustaz Zainal Abidin Bin Abdul Rahim
Jacob Yeoh Wan Kasim Wan Kadir
Jasni Zain Zila Fawzi
Jude Heaton Zylane Lee Yhing Huey
Kabelan P Manickavelu
 TN50 Youth Canvas A-8

3 GLOSSARY

ACRONYM DESCRIPTION ACRONYM DESCRIPTION

3D Three Dimensional DBKL Kuala Lumpur City Hall
ABL Asian Basketball League DNA Deoxyribonucleic Acid
ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics DoD Department of Defence (US)
ADB Asian Development Bank DoE Department of Energy (US)
AEC ASEAN Economic Community DOS Department of Statistics Malaysia
AI Artificial Intelligence EAP Employment Assistance Payment
AIM National Innovation Agency Malaysia ECCE Early Childhood Care and Education
AITSL Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership ECM Election Commission of Malaysia
AR Augmented Reality ECRL East Coast Rail Line
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations EEA Entrepreneurial Employee Activity
BBC British Broadcasting Corporation EIA Environmental Impact Assessments
BCG Boston Consulting Group EIS Early Intervention System
BMI Body Mass Index EIS Employment Insurance System (PERKESO)
BNEF Bloomberg New Energy Finance EIU Economist Intelligence Unit
BNM Bank Negara Malaysia EMR Electronic Medical Records
BR1M 1Malaysia People’s Aid EPF Employees Provident Fund
CAGR Compound Annual Growth Rate EPI Environmental Performance Index
CAPAM Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and EPU Economic Planning Unit
Management ETP Economic Transformation Programme
CAS Creativity, Action, Service Programme EV Electric Vehicle
CENDANA Cultural Economy Development Agency (Malaysia) FELDA Federal land Development Authority
CIDB Construction Industry Development Board FIW Freedom in the World
CNII Critical National Information Infrastructure FSC Forest Stewardship Council
CNN Cable News Network FTA Free Trade Agreement
COE Centre of Excellence G20 Group of Twenty
COFOG Classification of the Functions of Government GAIN USDA’s Global Agriculture Information Network
COP21 2015 Paris Climate Conference GDP Gross Domestic Product
DARPA United States Defence Advanced Research Projects GEDI Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index
Academy
A-9 APP E ND IX

GLOSSARY (CONT’D)

ACRONYM DESCRIPTION ACRONYM DESCRIPTION

GEM Global Entrepreneurship Monitor KETTHA Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water
GHG Greenhouse Gasses KKR Ministry of Works (Malaysia)
GLC Government-Linked Companies KL Kuala Lumpur
GMO Genetically Modified Organism KLCC Kuala Lumpur City Centre
GP General Practitioner KLCI Kuala Lumpur Composite Index
GPS Global Positioning System KPKT Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government
GSMA Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association KPWKM Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development
GST Goods and Services Tax KTAR Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
GTP Government Transformation Programme KWAP Kumpulan Wang Persaraan
GVC Global Value Chain LED Light-Emitting Diode
HALE Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy LFPR Labour Force Participation Rate
HC Hybrid Control LIMA Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition
HRDF Human Resources Development Fund LPs Local Plans
IB International Baccalaureate LRT Light Rail Transit
ICT Information and Communications Technology MACC Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
IEA International Association for the Evaluation of Educational MAGIC Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre
Achievement Mbps Megabits Per Second
IKBN Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara MCMC Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
ILKA Institut Latihan Kemahiran Awam MDEC Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation
InCiSE International Civil Service Effectiveness MHLW Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (Japan)
INTAN National Institute of Public Administration MHTC Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
IOT Internet of Things MIEEIP Malaysia Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Project
IRPA Intensified Research in Priority Areas MMA Malaysian Medical Association
ISEAS Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore) MOA Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry
IT Information Technology MOE Ministry of Education
ITU International Telecommunication Union MOF Ministry of Finance
IVF In-vitro Fertilisation MOH Ministry of Health
JKM Department of Social Welfare (Malaysia) MOHE Ministry of Higher Education
JPAM Malaysia Civil Defence Force
 TN50 Youth Canvas A-10

ACRONYM DESCRIPTION ACRONYM DESCRIPTION

MOHE Ministry of Higher Education OGI Open Government Index
MOOCs Massive Open Online Courses OGP Open Government Partnership
MOSTI Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation OIC Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
MOYS Ministry of Youth and Sports OKU Persons With Disabilities
MPC Malaysia Productivity Corporation OPR Overnight Policy Rate
MPI Multidimensional Poverty Index PAM Malaysian Institute of Architects
MPs Members of Parliament PBNYC Participatory Budgeting New York City
MRT Mass Rapid Transit PCI Perception of Crime Indicator
MW Megawatt PDK Community-Based Rehabilitation
MyHDW Malaysian Health Data Warehouse PEGA Pegasystems Inc.
MyTID Malaysian Talent Identification Programme PEMANDU Performance Management and Delivery Unit
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (US) PIBG Parent Teacher Association
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organisation PISA Programme for International Student Assessment
NC2 Second National Communication PLI Poverty Line Income
NCDs Non-Communicable Diseases PNB Permodalan Nasional Berhad
NCSP National Cyber Security Policy PPP Public Private Partnership
NDP New Development Policy PR Public Relations
NECIC National Early Childhood Intervention Council PR1MA Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia
NEM New Economic Model PT3 Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga
NEMB National Electric Mobility Blueprint PV Photovoltaics
NEP New Economic Policy PwC Pricewaterhouse Coopers
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation PWDs People With Disabilities
NHS United Kingdom’s National Health Service QS Quacquarelli Symonds
NIER National Institute for Educational Policy Research (Japan) R&D Research and Development
NKEA National Key Economic Area RAN Radicalisation Awareness Network
NRE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment RBB Rural Broadband
NTP National Transformation Programme RCM Reef Check Malaysia
OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development RELA The People’s Volunteer Corps
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer Remedi Refugee Medical Insurance Scheme
OGD Open Government Declaration RMK-8 Eighth Malaysia Plan
A-11 APP E ND IX

GLOSSARY (CONT’D)

ACRONYM DESCRIPTION ACRONYM DESCRIPTION

RMK-9 Ninth Malaysia Plan UBI Universal Basic Income
RMK-10 Tenth Malaysia Plan UI User Interface
RMK-11 Eleventh Malaysia Plan UK United Kingdom
SASC Senate Committee on Armed Services UKAS Public Private Partnership Unit
SBIR Small Business Innovation Research UN United Nations
SEA Southeast Asian UNDP United Nations Development Programme
SERI Socio-economic Research Unit UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
SIB Social Impact Bond Organisation
SK Sekolah Kebangsaan UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
SOCSO Social Security Organisation UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
SPs State Structural Plans UPSR Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah
SPAD Land Public Transport Commission US United States of America
SPIKPA Foreign Worker Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance USD United States Dollar
Scheme USAID United States Agency for International Development
SPM Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia USDA United States Department of Agriculture
STANAG NATO Standardisation Agreement UTC Urban Transformation Centre
STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics UTM Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
STPM Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia UX User Experience
STTR Small Business Technology Transfer V2020 Vision 2020
SUKMA Sukan Malaysia VBHC Value-Based Healthcare
SUHAKAM Human Rights Commission of Malaysia VR Virtual Reality
TCM Traditional and Complementary Medicine WDM Water Demand Management
TEA Total Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity WEF World Economic Forum
TERAJU Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit WHO World Health Organisation
TIMSS Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study WIPO World Intellectual Property Organisation
TiVA Trade in Value-Added WJP World Justice Project
TN50 Transformasi Nasional 2050 WTO World Trade Organisation
TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training WWF World Wildlife Fund
UAV Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle
TN50 Youth Canvas A-12