To commemorate the International Youth Day (IYD) 2020, ICA member ANGKASA from Malaysia and the ICA-AP Committee on Cooperatives in Educational Institutions (ICEI) organised an international virtual talk on Youth Engagement through Entrepreneurship. Three young speakers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan were invited to discuss issues concerning youth, such as job creation; empowerment and innovation; and challenges and opportunities for youth post COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual talk held on August 12, 2020, was attended by 60 participants from various countries in Asia-Pacific. Around 25% of the participants were in the age group of 16-20; 24% between 31-35 years; and 21% between 26-30 years.
Dr. Mohd. Azlan Yahya Vice-President, ANGKASA and Chairperson, ICEI commenced the discussions by welcoming the guest speakers and participants. Dr. Azlan said that youth employment is a serious issue in many countries of Asia-Pacific and this theme was chosen keeping in view the relevance and need to discuss entrepreneurship through which youth can be engaged in the economy.
Mr. Nasir Khan Yahaya, Group Chief Executive Officer, ANGKASA while moderating the discussions, noted the dire need to take active measures to ensure youth employment, especially because COVID-19 is still looming large. He added that while the Asia-Pacific region is fortunate to have youth as key agents of socio-economic development and technological innovation; youth unemployment is growing fast. Therefore, the themes selected for the discussions will help show the way towards youth entrepreneurship and employment.
Mr. Zaiwin Kassim, Chairman, KOBIS and TEDx curator from Malaysia emphasized on empowerment and innovation can ensure rich engagement with youth in cooperatives. In his brief and vibrant address, he said that COVID-19 is a reset button for the world and it gives us an opportunity to rethink empowerment and innovation. He set a positive tone early in the discussion by laying emphasis on appreciation and said that, empowerment is appreciation for youth!
Ms. Yohana Tamara Yunisa, Project Manager, Keling Kumang Credit Union from Indonesia made the case for creating adequate and meaningful jobs for young people. Through a visual presentation of her cooperative, she showed the importance of understanding people’s needs in order to create jobs for young people. Her address focused on sustainable business which stems from customer satisfaction and appreciation. She added that in cooperatives, serving members well is of great importance. Her cooperative is helping members in accessing credit to produce a range of consumer products which enable members to earn a secure income.
Mr. Ahsan Ali Thakur, Director of IR & Communications K.C.H.S. Union Ltd., Pakistan; Chairperson, ICA-AP Committee on Youth Cooperation (ICYC); and Vice-President of the ICA Youth Network presented an insightful take on some of the challenges faced by youth during the pandemic and opportunities to look forward. He emphasized the need for inclusive and active measures in the education sector; and opportunities in the areas of skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, platform cooperatives, local production of basic goods and services, social activities and volunteerism.
The discussions were followed by an engaging question and answer round and a vote of thanks by Mr. Khan and Dr. Azlan. The full recording of the virtual talk can be accessed here.
