English 
Malay 
On August 19, 2024, Mr. Kennimrod Sariburaja, Director of the Research and Publications Division at SEARCCT, participated as a panellist in a forum jointly organised by Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) and the Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (JPNIN) Selangor. The forum, titled ‘Belia Sebagai Agen Perpaduan Negara’ (Youth as Agents of National Unity), focused on the crucial role of young people in fostering harmony and unity within Malaysia’s multiracial society.
The panel also featured Prof. Madya Dr. Hairol Anuar Hj. Mak Din, Dean of the
Social Sciences Faculty at Selangor Islamic University, and Dato’ Mohd Imran bin
Tamrin, President of Majlis Belia Selangor. The session was moderated by Dr. Ng
Ming Yip, Advisor for the Rukun Negara Secretariat.
During the forum, Mr. Sariburaja emphasised the vital need for youth to act as agents of peace in their communities. He stressed the importance of cultivating
effective communication skills and encouraged young people to step outside their comfort zones to engage with peers from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Building cross-racial friendships, he argued, is crucial for breaking down barriers, fostering mutual understanding, and cultivating trust — essential foundations for promoting unity in Malaysia’s diverse society.
The forum further echoed the importance of strengthened collaboration between
educational institutions, government bodies, and youth organisations to ensure that youth are empowered in their roles as ambassadors of national unity. It was a
resounding call for a united effort to ensure that the younger generation leads the way in advancing Malaysia’s progress toward a more unified and harmonious future.
