Generation Y vital to Malaysia's development

KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 (Bernama) -- The Millenium Generation or Generation Y is an important entity in national development as it represents a large chunk of Malaysia's population, said Special Affairs Department (JASA) director-general Fuad Hassan. He said individuals born between 1977 and 1997 need to be close to the community so they could be guided into playing a role in the country's development process. "We need to be close to them because they are reaching a mature age and are important to the country's societal institution. We therefore need to foster a close relationship with Generation Y so that opinions can be given or received through two-way communication," Fuad said on Thursday. To realise this, JASA in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Development Strategies, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Radio Televisyen Malaysia and Royal Malaysia Police will organise the Generation-Y Stand As One programme on July 7 and 8 at Taman Metropolitan Batu here. The programme targets the 19 to 27 age group and is a platform for the Generation Y to undertake various activities such as a skate competition, paintball and photography, among others. Fuad said a research will also be conducted on the interests and needs of the Generation Y. -- BERNAMA