Speech By

YB DATUK TS. MUSTAPHA SAKMUD
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Malaysia

6th Asiaengage Regional Conference 2024
“Young Social-Entrepreneurship for The Sustainable Growth of Asean Community & Beyond”

Monday, 6 May 2024

Thank You Emcee’s!

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

A very Good Morning

Salam Malaysia MADANI.

(SALUTATION)

1. It gives me a great pleasure to join you today for the AsiaEngage Regional Conference 2024. This event marks a significant milestone, showcasing the commitment of Universiti Kebangsaan malaysia to foster dialogues and collaboration on the critical issues of social entrepreneurship within Malaysia and across ASEAN.

2. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to UKM for hosting the sixth edition of AsiaEngage. This platform serves as a beacon, showcasing Malaysia's and ASEAN's strides in social entrepreneurship and empowering young individuals to tackle contemporary disruptions while advancing the 2030 Agenda.

3. The AsiaEngage Regional Conference is not merely a gathering – it’s a regional platform organized bi-annually to fulfill the research, education, and engagement component of higher education institutions. Under the theme "Young Social Entrepreneurship for the Sustainable Growth of ASEAN Community and Beyond," this conference brings together participants, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss issues, share ideas, and propose solutions.

4. AsiaEngage also aims to create mutually beneficial partnerships between various stakeholders such as higher education institutions, industries, foundations, communities, NGOs, and government agencies. This endeavor seeks to uplift the quality of people’s lives across ASEAN and Asia. It also features notable keynote speakers and dialogue sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in social entrepreneurship.

Ladies and gentlemen,

5. Sharing the same objectives of AsiaEngage, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is also dedicated to empowering youth and enhancing the socioeconomic status of families. Through various initiatives, MoHE offers opportunities for corporations to contribute significantly to fostering entrepreneurial development.

6. For instance, the Career Advancement Programme (CAP) Penjana Grant is tailored to boost graduates' employability and career potential. It provides diverse training opportunities, including certification courses, soft skills training, and entrepreneurship development programs like Place and Train and Gig Economy collaborations. Another initiative is the Talent in Tech Accelerator Nationwide Program which aims to equip 1,000 final-year students from public universities with sought-after technical skills and certification, while facilitating talent matching to address the evolving needs of today's digital industries.

7. These groundbreaking initiatives reflects our commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Such programs not only benefit students by improving their job prospects but also addresses the talent needs for industries grappling with digital transformation. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are fostering a symbiotic relationship that drives innovation, economic growth, and societal progress.

8. We are proud to be at the forefront of the initiatives related to graduate employability which exemplify our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. By investing in today’s talents, we are shaping the workforce of tomorrow and positioning Malaysia as a global hub for technology and innovation. Together, let us embrace the opportunities of the digital age and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

9. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the potential for social entrepreneurship to drive positive change has never been greater. The digital age has democratized access to information, resources, and markets, leveling the playing field for aspiring social entrepreneurs regardless of their background or location.

10. At the heart of social entrepreneurship in the digital age, lies innovation – the ability to harness technology creatively to address pressing societal needs in novel ways. Whether it's developing mobile apps to improve access to education, deploying drones for humanitarian aid delivery, or harnessing the power of social media for advocacy and awareness-raising, social entrepreneurs are leveraging technology as a force for good, driving meaningful change at scale.

11. In essence, the gathering today represents our joint commitment to promoting collaboration and innovation in social entrepreneurship, with participants including vital stakeholders, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders from various ASEAN regions. Strengthening our regional ties will ultimately offer unparalleled opportunities of leveraging our combined expertise and creating a brighter future for all.

12. I strongly urge all of you to continue participate until the end of the conference and contribute, not only for this event, but throughout our journey towards a sustainable growth of ASEAN community and beyond. I wish you a fruitful conference ahead, together, let’s make a positive change and create a lasting impact in our communities.

Thank you!

Muat Turun:

  pdf Speech By YBTM - 6th Asiaengage Regional Conference 2024 (151 KB)