Taskforce finds Malay/Muslim youth value meaningful work, relationships, faith over job titles
Several initiatives will be rolled out in the coming months to address their concerns.
Singapore's Malay/Muslim youth prioritize meaningful work, financial stability, strong family networks, social connections, and faith over job titles and qualifications, according to the findings of the Malay/Muslim Youth Taskforce released on Aug 22. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Zaqy Mohamad noted that while young people have strong aspirations, navigating artificial intelligence and maintaining faith can be challenging.
The task force, comprising People's Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, Mendaki, and the National Youth Council (NYC), surveyed over 2,600 young people aged 15 to 35. They found that while opportunities like career guidance exist, they are often inaccessible, particularly for those without established networks. Additionally, despite the growing popularity of M³+ programmes, many young people do not participate.
The task force aims to address these issues through various initiatives. Scheduled to commence in 2027, "Let's Sembang" engagement sessions will provide a platform for young people to connect through shared interests like sports, art, and culture. A Youth Meets Career Playbook will be developed to assist young people in navigating the workplace while staying true to their faith.
A d-AI-ly Explorer programme, part of a Youth Launchpad, will connect young people with mentors, professional networks, and industries, focusing on building digital confidence and AI fluency through team-based projects.
Singer-songwriter Shazza, who served as a youth consultant on the task force, highlighted career-related concerns as a top priority among young people, expressing optimism about the initiatives' potential impact. Task force co-chair Rahayu Mahzam emphasized the importance of engaging with youth where they feel most comfortable, possibly through partnerships with social media influencers, to ensure the initiatives' accessibility.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
