International Youth Camp promotes patriotic spirit among youth

JOHOR BAHRU, 17 September 2023 – A total of 190 youths, including students from various public and private higher education institutions (IPTA/IPTS) and recent graduates up to the professional level, gathered to enliven the International Youth Camp (IYC) held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru from September 17 to 19 recently.

The International Youth Camp (IYC) saw participation from various local and international institutions, including Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Sunway University, Universiti Yarmouk, Universiti Al-Azhar, and 33 other universities.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief of Police of Johor, Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat.

According to Datuk Kamarul Zaman, camps like this should be conducted to prevent young people from getting involved in the increasing issues of crime and drugs in today's society.

"We view positively programmes like this as they can shape the character of young people and students so that they can work together to bring peace, security, harmony, and diversity to the future.

"As a police officer, this effort is seen as one way to foster mutual respect and love to ensure that our country remains in a state of peace," he said.

Also present were the Head of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), SAC Chuah Yong Huat, Deputy Chief of Police of North Johor Bahru District, Superintendent Yusof Haji Othman, and UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), Professor Dr. Shamsul Sahibuddin.

Among the activities carried out were kayaking between islands over a distance of 18 kilometers while carrying the Malaysian flag in formations of 60 in celebration of 60 years of Malaysia's formation and 66 in celebration of 66 years of independence.

There was also a beach cleaning activity with the local community, as well as the distribution of charity boxes to those in need.

The four-days programme involved the participation of 190 young people, including students from local and international higher education institutions.

Meanwhile, according to Intan Najiha Akhmar Saharuddin, a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering student at UMPSA and a member of the UYC programme committee, this camp not only brought together students from Malaysia but was also joined by YOSH volunteers and young people from various career backgrounds who did not miss the opportunity to participate in the camp.

"Alhamdulillah, this programme has not only successfully honed life skills but, most importantly, the skills of being a young person capable of contributing to religion, nation, and country," she said.

By: Nurhaslina Mohamad Radzi, Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology and Siti Nurfarmy Ibrahim, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMP Career Centre (UMPCC)