Recognising Young Talent And Creativity

By Kurniawati Kamarudin This is the second series on Merdeka celebration. This series focuses on the voice of youth chiefs who represent the younger generation in celebrating the nation's independence anniversary. KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- They do it in a different way in showing how much they love their country. The Generation Y (Gen Y) express their patriotism and appreciation with their talents and creativity. They employ their very own and out of the box approaches in celebrating the country's independence anniversary and in renewing their Merdeka spirit. There are some who produce songs and videos, pen poems, send creative Merdeka greetings through facebook and twitter or any other creative channel available. Yet this generation lament that their skills and creativity are ignored especially by the predecessors - the Generation X. They see the prevailing attitude of Gen X limiting their avenues in expressing their affection for the country and their appreciation of the nation's independence. Gen Y also see that this is why they are misunderstood as an unpatriotic generation. THE VOLUNTEER WAVE "Gen X should understand the inherent creativity and the potential of the youngsters and provide a helping hand in bringing them a greater sense of achievement", said the winner of the Model Youth Award winner, Mohammad Rizan Hassan. Mohammad Rizan who is also the chairman of the Malaysian Young Humanitarian, the Community Bureau and the Rakan Muda Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) noted that the present day youngsters were more open and express their devotion and affection to the community and nation through their skills and potential. He provided the rise in volunteerism among the younger generation being a good example especially after Prime Minister Najib Razak launched the 1M4U (1Malaysia For Youth) recently. "The response is often extraordinary especially when it involves volunteer activities among the younger generation through associations or groups. "Through the activities conducted, they have set the objective of showing the affection for the society and country", he said. Among the good example is the volunteer activities conducted by a group on motorcycle in the Klang Valley (an area comprising Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs, adjoining cities and towns in the state of Selangor) to provide food for people living on the streets around the city. Also there are medical students providing social service at old folk homes and other group activities all using their talents and skills. He said that by serving the country and community through voluntary work, they also contribute towards a matured community. ACKNOWLEDGING THEM In celebrating Merdeka anniversary, the contribution of the younger generation should also be recognised and repeating history during every celebration may be not the way anymore. "Like the pre-Merdeka generation the youngsters too want their role to be acknowledged as well. "They (the younger generation) feel sidelined as each time the subject of the nation's independence crops up, it is linked to the struggle up to 1957. It is time that the exemplary members of the younger generation are highlighted as the Merdeka icon", he said. The names that have brought glory to the nation at the international stage in any field should be highlighted so that they serve as the inspiration for the younger generation today to collectively contribute to nation building. It is unfair that the appreciation for the younger generation is shown during Youth Day only, instead Merdeka celebration is the best time to give recognition for the younger generation who had served the country. He noted that when there were no space and opportunity for the younger generation to show their talent and skills, it creates a void that would prompt them to take their own initiative in expressing their talents and skills. Thus noted Mohamad Rizan some express their patriotism through creativity say by producing video clips on Malaysia and upload it through social media like in Facebook and Youtube. "They are technology savvy. They should be given a helping hand in showing their affection for their country in any manner. "I fear that when there is no support and encouragement, they may go in the wrong direction and that will be a big loss for the community and the country", he said. THE YOUNGER GENERATION Meanwhile, as for the Malaysian Indian Youth Council's (Bangi branch) advisor, S. Viknesvaran, in uplifting the Merdeka spirit everyone should join in the official celebration held each year at the national or state level. Bangi is a small town located in the Malaysian state of Selangor. Admitting that the younger generation were less inclined to join in, he pointed out something has to be done to make the celebration compelling for the younger generation. "The celebration itinerary has been the same over the years and therefore no longer alluring. "The world is fast changing, therefore the celebration ideas and itineraries should also change. The events are too formal, something not favourable to the younger generation. However, he stressed that there were things that should be maintained including the parades to highlight the patriotic spirit and the success attained by Malaysia since Merdeka. Yet, it should also be diversified with many other refreshing colourful events in line with the aspirations of the younger generation who represent a significant portion of the Malaysian population today. "The success of the 1M4U at KLCC recently, is a testimony you can attract the youths with the progammes that meets their aspirations", he said. MERDEKA EVENTS And in making sure the Gen Y is not left out, this years' celebration enlists their participation including the five celebration segments in the morning - Rukun Negara (National Principles), Future Leaders, Promises Fulfilled, Rocking Merdeka, and the Proud to Be a Malaysian segment. A soon as it is over, Prime Minister Najib Razak will meet and address the participants. Members of IM4U will hold a special performance for Najib and the participants. On the same night during the 'Merdeka 55:Promises Fulfilled' gathering at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Gen Y will put up several performances to show what they can do. The highlight of the night is the highest number of tweets within an hour that will go into "The Malaysia Book of Records". Twitters in Malaysia can tweet between 8.15 p.m. and 9.15 p.m. through "Tweet #Merdeka55" before the 'Tweet Up Merdeka With PM' kicks off at 9.35 p.m. The other events involving Gen Y include songs (Gemuruh Suara), a 1M4U flash mob presentation, a special presentation by Soka Gakkai Malaysia, the Go Malaysia Go and the Dikir 1Malaysia show, and not forgetting the patriotic songs (Nadi Rakyat). Najib and wife Rosmah Mansor, Cabinet Ministers and Gen Y will go around the stadium under the 'Unity Walk" before the festivities end. -- BERNAMA