Young Malaysians need to play central role in Asean, says Mustapa

KUALA LUMPUR: International Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has urged young Malaysians to play a central role in the growth and development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
He said young Malaysians should unite and cooperate with their counterparts in other member nations to raise the profile and influence of the fast-growing region.
"Be ambassadors for the Asean region, recognising that to be competitive in today's globalised economy, you need to embrace an international mindset and think beyond the borders of your country," he told 40 students at the MY ASEAN Leadership Workshop organised by Talent Corporation Bhd.
The three-day workshop kicked off the inaugural MY ASEAN Internship programme which will place top students from Malaysia and other Asean nations in leading Malaysian companies for three months.
The programme is a collaboration between Miti and TalentCorp to increase awareness on Asean among Malaysian youths.
"I want the programme to grow.
People look up to Asean and it can unite people from different backgrounds and cultures.
"Young Malaysians have a central role to play in this and I look forward to see more of them and their counterparts working and thriving together in a bigger, stronger, inclusive Asean," Mustapa was quoted as saying in a statement.
Axiata, Maybank, Nestle, Sime Darby and CIMB are some of the companies participating in the MY ASEAN Internship programme which will see Malaysian students placed with companies in Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Asean students from member states including Myanmar, Indonesia and Vietnam would intern in Malaysia. – Bernama