GEORGE TOWN – Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) is setting the stage for youths to present their research findings on an international platform in the inaugural launch of the Penang International Youth Conference 2021 (IYC).
Despite the pandemic, Penang youth exco Soon Lip Chee is eager to ensure those in school and higher education institutions continue to play a major role in contributing to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
IYC’s objective is to refine the youth so they can be fruitful and achieve success in terms of improving their communication and presentation skills, engaging in high-level debates and suggesting improvements to ideas from participants and academicians.
He also stressed that the youth should be well versed in Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) norms the economy has been greatly impacted following the Covid-19 pandemic.
As we are gearing towards post-pandemic (recovery), we need to continue focusing on the development of our human capital, which is in line with the needs of the industry in Industrial Revolution 4.0.
“I believe all parties play very important roles in recognising the importance of the part played by our youth in Industrial Revolution 4.0. Times are changing real fast as a result of technology evolving at an unprecedented rate.
“One has to adopt the approach of learning from other people across boundaries and differences to remain competitive,” he said during the online launch of IYC.
The conference will be carrying the theme “The Role of Youth in the Era of Industry 4.0: a platform to enhance interaction and engagement among the youth in Malaysia and youth from abroad”.
It will mark a new beginning in establishing and building closer relationships with international higher education institutions and industrial partners towards the development of youth around the world.
Upskill or lose out
PYDC chief executive Gwee Sau Ling stressed that youths need to be ready to cope and to adapt to new, emerging technologies, or risk losing out.
“These technologies are transforming the type of work people do and how it is done. It is an undeniable fact that IR 4.0 offers new opportunities, however, many in the workforce today are left behind, and this has led to growing concern among industries.
“We welcome the youth, young researchers, and professionals from different corners of the world to participate in this conference. Your work will be recognised and rewarded.
“There are the Best Paper and Best Poster Awards, and 30 Best Presenter Awards awaiting you. Besides that, take this as an opportunity to interact and build your network.
“Moreover, this helps delegates establish research or business relations and widen their networking for future collaborations in their career paths,” she said.
Among the topics accepted are youth and IR 4.0, youth talent and digital talent, youth leadership, cyberbullying among youth, challenges facing youth, youth health, youth volunteerism, youth engagement, career paths for tomorrow’s youth, youth learning and education, and technical and vocational education and training.
However, topics are not limited to these few, and participants are encouraged to submit topics of interest that involve reskilling or upskilling themselves for new challenges.
The deadline for abstract submission is September 17, and full papers should be handed in on October 20. All registrations and payments are to be made by October 31.
All accepted papers will be presented by their respective authors online on November 12. The papers will also be published in the PYDC e-book, complete with an ISBN number.
Participants also can choose to publish their papers with any of the following internationally refereed journals – International Journal of Applied Business and International Management, International Journal of Accounting & Finance in Asia Pasific, International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality in Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific Journal of Management and Education, Journal of the Community Development in Asia, Advances in Global Economics and Business Journal, International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, and Estudios de Economia Aplicada.
Those interested in participating can submit their papers on the PYDC website. – The Vibes, June 19, 2021
