Three Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) alumni and a student who is currently pursuing a master's degree are among 15 young Malaysians who were chosen to join the Malaysian delegation to undergo internship training at the United Nations (UN) starting from August.

Ahmad Wafi bin Sahedan, 23, said that he expected to undergo an internship at the Permanent Representative Headquarters of Malaysia to the United Nations in New York when the General Assembly begins in October.

“I am very happy to be given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity especially at a young age,” said Ahmad Wafi who received his USM Bachelor of Science (Geophysics) in 2011 and who was also the USM Student Representative Council Session 2009/2010 President.

Wafi does, however, acknowledge that he had not received details on what he has to do while in New York.

The programme was organised by the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC), supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to allow the youth to appreciate Malaysia’s involvement in the activities of the UN. This was to let them feel and appreciate the work practices through international networking and to increase their self-confidence, skills and sense of responsibility.

They are selected through a rigorous selection in a number of phases.

“First I have to send an application form together with an essay on “Post-Millennium Development Goals”, my contribution to the nation, and to the Malaysian Youth Council. The second stage comprised an interview before a panel of 5 people out of whom 2 interviewers were from the MYC; 2 were from the Ministry of Youth and Sports; and one of the Foreign Ministry," said Wafi.

 

Another internship programme participant is Mohamad Adib Anas, 30, a USM Master of Communication student, an activist for the Peninsular Malay Student Association (GPMS) for the past 13 years.

“I hope that when we return from this internship later, we will be able to provide programmes at both national and international levels among the youths to expose students to international issues and organisations such as the UN,” said Penang-born Adib, who has taught at the International School of Kuala Lumpur before receiving a scholarship to study master's degree by research in USM.

As for Kumanan Kandasamy, 23, the opportunity to attend this programme is like a dream come true.

Kumanan will follow the Malaysia-US: Youth Leadership Engagement & UN Friendship Programme on August 5-19 organised by MYC which was also supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“I still did not tell anyone because I am too busy working on assignments to finish my graduate study,” said Kumanan, who is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration USM and is expected to receive his graduate degree in the USM 48th Convocation Ceremony this September.

Kumanan received his first degree, a USM Bachelor of Social Science, in 2012.

"I am very excited and happy to learn that this is the first time Malaysia is sending a delegation to the UN youth rally officially,” said Kumanan.

The participants will be placed in the office of the Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations New York and the Malaysian Embassy in Washington DC.

The other participant in the same programme is Eng Chee Wen, 26, a USM graduate of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2011 who is now working at the Sungai Dua Health Clinic in Seberang Prai Utara.

The Girl Guide activist who hails from Sungai Petani Kedah is much involved in national level activities.

“This is a very significant opportunity in my life to have a close-up view of UN’s role as a world prestigious body and an opportunity that I never expect to get,” said Eng.

“It serves as a platform for me to learn new things about the role of young people and I hope to study how to implement a good social entrepreneurship model that unifies the concepts of entrepreneurship with social work and also to increase the intellectual culture in expressing views and opinions among Malaysians,” he added.

The third child of four siblings felt that this opportunity is very valuable and is worth all the hard work and volunteerism she put in to continue gaining knowledge and contribute back to the community later. - Text: Mohamad Abdullah/Translation: Yong Check Yoon