A happy nation in the making
Young Malaysians envision a harmonious and progressive country
KUALA LUMPUR: The youth of today want to see a happy and progressive Malaysia by 2050, where its people live in harmony and look forward to having a say in its development.
Ahead of the introduction and first dialogue of the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) tonight, young Malaysians laid out their future vision of Malaysia.
Nature lover S. Reshme said the country would go far if it did more to protect and conserve its natural treasures.
“Without nature, there will be no mankind. While heading for developed status, I feel we need to balance it out with protecting and conserving the environment,” the 18-year-old A-Levels student said.
For Marc Zuriel, TN50, if implemented properly, will be effective in transforming Malaysia into one of the world’s top 20 nations.
He hoped the input gathered from tonight’s dialogue will help pave the way to achieving the goals.
“In 2050, I would like to see a paradigm shift in culture where people have a progressive mindset and better work-life balance so that they do not dread going to work in the morning,” said the 28-year-old general manager of a logistics company.
Copywriter P. Deepika, 28, hopes Malaysia will become a well- equipped research hub to further develop the local scientific field.
“We have many scientists and researchers excelling internationally. I would like to see Malaysia having facilities the enable these people to conduct important research locally and come up with findings and technologies that will change the world,” said Deepika.
She also hoped for equality for everyone, regardless of race, background or gender.
Aspiring actress Cynthia Lee, 31, said more prominence should be given to the young people in terms of creativity and innovation. “Don’t silence ideas.”
She envisioned a Malaysia that would remain peaceful with harmony among the races.
“More racial and religious acceptance would be great as well as a greener environment and more civic-minded Malaysians like how the Japanese are,” she added.
Lee also hoped to see a better education system and businesses thrive with more multinational companies setting up outposts to provide job opportunities for Malaysians.
Shazni Ong said he welcomed the TN50 announced by the Prime Minister during Budget 2017 because the country needed “a new and updated direction of where it’s heading”.
The 26-year-old said he was thankful for what has been achieved so far under Vision 2020 but agreed that the country needed to adapt for the future.
“I hope to see Malaysia become a First World nation with better infrastructure, education and a strong economy in the next 30 years,” said the final-year student at the International Islamic University Malaysia.
“All Malaysians have to work together to make TN50 a success,” he added.
Samantha Goh, 18, said drastic improvement was needed to enable students to obtain quality higher education locally.
The teenager believed this would help to curb brain drain.
“I wish to see some of our top public universities rank among the top 50 by 2050,” said the A-Levels student.