00:00Social and Economic Research Initiative Chairman Nurul Iza Anwar says the skills gap, sub-optimal
00:09vocational training and limited access to technological advancements remain significant
00:14issues faced by the younger generation, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
00:20Speaking at the Asia News Network or ANN panel discussion on Asia's youth and their future,
00:26the former Permatang Pau MP highlighted that Malaysia experienced one of the longest school
00:32closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed challenges for a generation of students.
00:38You actually need to be in situ, you need to actually work with the machination, with
00:43the equipment.
00:44You can't just, for example, study online.
00:48And I think they are the generation who really suffered the impact, especially as we come
00:57to this kind of scene, entering a post-pandemic time.
01:03So it is also a challenge because...
01:05Nurul Iza also stressed the importance of acknowledging the struggles of the younger
01:10generation as they navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, healthcare scares and other
01:15uncertainties.
01:17She added that adaptability should not only be demanded of the youth, but should also
01:22be practised by the older generation.
01:24The way we approach different generations is very important and I think the less judgemental
01:31we are, it's fine to, I mean, I feel sometimes, of course, every generation will face its
01:41set of challenges.
01:42But I think it's easier to move on and carve out that future or destiny we want, especially
01:47in Southeast Asia, especially making sure the youth feel recognised, not patronised,
01:53and then we got to get going with the plan.
01:55The panel discussion also featured Thailand's The Nation editor-in-chief Patporn Arti Sabbaithune,
02:02Myanmar's Eleven Media Group executive director Min Thohtut, and Fong Global distinguished
02:07fellow Tan Sri Andrew Hsieng.
02:10The session was moderated by Star Media Group senior news editor Philip Golingai.
02:15Formed in 1999, ANN is a leading regional alliance of news organisations committed to
02:21bringing the region closer through active sharing of editorial content.
02:26The network includes members from the 10 Southeast Asian economies, as well as several other
02:30locations in East and South Asia.
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