Youth Empowerment Will Be A Key Element In Budget 2021’s Formulation, Says Finance Minister

In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Selangor Youth Community (SAY) organised the “Selangor Youths Have A Say! – Town Hall Series” dialogue on the Budget 2021 in conjunction with “Jelajah Belanjawan 2021” of the ministry.

Held in Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa, youths from different non-profit organisations, companies, government agencies and universities attended to have a say on the Malaysian Budget 2021.

Inspired by Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (DYTM) Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the purpose of the town hall was to create a platform for Selangor youths to voice out their thoughts and opinions on current issues affecting their community.

“Empowering youth will be a key element in Budget 2021’s formulation,” said Finance Minister YB Tengku Datuk Sri Zafrul Aziz.

He believes that when youth are empowered, they can harness technological advancements and digitalisation, they can also come up with innovative solutions to address societal challenges as well as achieve UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“We want to make sure we are training the right people, and this is also where the private sector comes into place,” he added. Tengku Amir Shah also reinforced on the significance of the private sector taking part in government’s projects.

Finance Minister YB Tengku Datuk Sri Zafrul Aziz also mentioned that human capital is the key driver for the nation to go forward. This is why encouraging entrepreneurship is also one of the focuses of Budget 2021.

An ecosystem for youth to start small business is important. “In Malaysia, if your businesses have failed, you don’t get money as compensation, we need to really look into that,” he said.

“Rescaling and upscaling have to be done for the micro SMEs.”.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate in Malaysia has surged. There will be training programs for the disabled and vulnerable make it easier for them to find a job, as well as programs ensuring soft skills, negotiation, presentations and other academic and vocational education are given to the youth.

“We also want to be transparent by showing the weekly reports to the public,” said YB Tengku Datuk Sri Zafrul Aziz, Finance Minister of Malaysia.

The public is also reminded to not be too comfortable and always follow SOPs so there will not be a second or third wave of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

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