USM PENANG, 17 December 2022 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) along with strategic partners, Sentral College, INTI International College Penang, Batu Lanchang Vocational College, Han Chiang University College of Communication, Association of International Business and Professional Management (AIBPM), Star Scholars Network, Big Domain and Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) today held the 2nd International Youth Conference 2022 (IYC2022).

The programme has the objectives of providing a platform for youth, young researchers, academicians, scholars and professionals to exchange and share their knowledge, information and new ideas, as well as to meet and interact with local and international participants, in addition to promoting Penang as a hub for higher education institutions.

With the theme ‘Better Mental Health and Well-being for Youth’, the conference was aimed to address mental health and well-being among the youth, and through this conference, the public especially the youth can understand better the significance, contribution, role and activities for the youths in the development of the country.

On behalf of Professor Dato’ Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat (exercising the function of the USM Vice-Chancellor), USM Director of Engineering Campus, Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Azazi Zakaria in his speech said that it is clear that the youth of the current generation will determine the way of development and leadership of the country in the future.

“As such, in addition to the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills, the youth must also demonstrate exemplary values, morals and ethics.

“I hoped that through this conference, the awareness among the country’s youth can be increased, so that they can participate more actively in similar activities at the national and international levels,” he said.

“I also hope that through this conference, we will be able to witness the brilliant, innovative and creative ideas of our youth and to inspire them to build a developed, glorious and successful society,” added Nor Azazi.

Meanwhile, Penang State Executive Council for Youth and Sports, Soon Lip Chee congratulated PYDC and the organising committee for organising the event and he wished the best to all the participants at the 2nd International Youth Conference 2022.

The keynote address was delivered, following those by the Senior Manager for Investment Ecosystem Development of Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), Amir Sharifuddin Nayodin; Adjunct Professor of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UNITAR), Founder of AKRAB Resources and Yayasan Health on World (Y-HOW), Dato’ Aliyah Karen; and the Managing Director of Elegant Hallmark Sdn. Bhd., Eddie Hu Meng Kui, in relating to the overall theme of the conference.

The diverse participants attending the one-day conference, numbering around 245, came from as far as China, Myanmar, India and various countries.

Also present were PYDC General Manager, Dr. Gwee Sai Ling; Dean, School of Business and Management, Han Chiang University College of Communication, Dr. Jocelyne Lee Jia Lin; Chief Executive Officer, INTI International College, Penang, Hemalatha Murugiah; Quality Regulatory Manager cum Head of School, SENTRAL College Penang, Nel Ng, P.J.M.; Director, Batu Lanchang Vocational College, Penang, Ts. Hj. Nazhar Kader Bawa, B.C.N.; and Co-Founder and CEO of Colla.team and Director of Bigdomain.my, Abby Toh.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi