The Multicultural Youth Service (MCYS) 2017 which was held recently in Penang from 5th May – 9th May 2017 was aimed at developing young leaders to ensure the well-being of our global human community, and with the mission of helping young people in personal leadership development and peace-making skills by providing service-learning opportunities based on the universal principle of living for the sake of others.

According to the Asia-Pacific University-Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) Executive Director, Professor Dr. Aileen Tan Shau Hwai, a total of 120 scholars and staff who came from 10 different countries including Malaysia, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Yemen, India, Indonesia, Algeria and Philippines, conducted a 5-day service project at Jalan Dinding, Georgetown, Penang. The universities and colleges involved were AK academy, UTHM, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya and others.

“MCYS 2017 with the theme of ‘Building Our Youth for Tomorrow’ successfully cleared the dreadful environment of Jalan Dinding and replacing them with beautiful mural painting. All the participants showed their care and love, thus building a good relationship with the 35 neglected old folks at Jalan Dinding,” she emphasised.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of UPF (Universal Peace Federation), Mr. Ng Shu Lin said, MCYS does not only assist young people in character-building, but also groom them to become responsible citizens and outstanding young leaders in the respective communities. Therefore, the MCYS 2017 organizing committee decided to bring hope and make a change in this area with all the participants.

“MCYS 2017 in Penang has definitely achieved the goal of strengthening and develop a harmonious rapport among youths from various backgrounds through intercultural cooperation.

"The MCYS project offers a sustainable platform for youths in leadership development and peace education, and we need to realise that only love, unity and trust can together build a world with lasting peace, harmony and co-prosperity,” he said.

MCYS was organised by UPF in collaboration with the APUCEN, Wanita Gerakan Pulau Pinang and supported by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Editing: Hafiz Meah Ghouse Meah