MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MALAYSIA – Muhammadiyah Student Association (IPM) emphasized its commitment to fostering future ASEAN leadership through conducting the International Youth Inclusive Symposium and Leadership Camp (IYIS-LC) on August 29-September 1, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The IYIS-LC brought together Malaysian and Indonesian youth to engage in strategic dialogue on the ASEAN Roadmap towards Sustainable Development and Minilateral Cooperation.
Muhammad Firdaus, the Educational and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, welcomed the initiative.
“Muhammadiyah has a long history of contributing to community development. This IYIS-LC proves that Muhammadiyah will continue to carry out humanitarian work with various parties. We applaud IPM efforts and hope that more young people will be interested in politics and government policies,” said Muhammad Firdaus on Thursday, September 5.
Besides, the program director of IYIS-LC Muhammad Yasir Abdad explained that the symposium became a crucial platform for young leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to formulate research-based policy recommendations.
“IYIS-LC aims to engage young intellectuals in active dialogue about the ASEAN roadmap towards sustainable development. It seeks to facilitate comprehensive discussions on how ASEAN can achieve inclusive and sustainable development,” said Yasir.
Yasir further emphasized that the IYIS-LC marked the beginning of collaboration between Malaysian and Indonesian youth to build a shared understanding of the importance of evidence-based policymaking. He believed that this would equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to develop strategic and effective public policies.
Meanwhile, IPM partnered with various organizations, including Nalar Institut, Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia, Asian African Youth Government, and other governmental, non-governmental, and youth-focused organizations from both Malaysia and Indonesia.
“We believe that strengthening partnerships is essential for the success of the IYIS-LC. This collaboration enables us to create a movement that will make a real impact,” said Yasir.
The IYIS-LC, attended by 60 young researchers from various academic backgrounds in Indonesia and Malaysia, was expected to foster networking and partnerships among stakeholders.