Kuala Lumpur, September 2025: The 4th Global Youth Conference (GYC) Malaysia proved that the energy and vision of young people are redefining what leadership means in the twenty-first century. Held at Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU / APIIT) under the theme “Disrupt the Ordinary: Youth at the Frontlines of Global Reset”, the two-day gathering brought together emerging leaders, policy thinkers, innovators, and change-driven dreamers from across continents.
As one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, APU / APIIT is renowned for nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship among students. Its state-of-the-art campus in Kuala Lumpur provided an inspiring environment for young changemakers to exchange ideas and shape collaborative solutions for a rapidly evolving world.
The opening day set the tone for bold conversations. A welcome by Abdul Moiz, Chief Executive Officer, and Chengkuac Awan, President of GYC, along with keynote remarks by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of APU, underscored the urgency for inclusive solutions. The Plenary on “Youth as Drivers of Global Change” brought together compelling voices including Mr. Nurruddin Abdul Aziz, Mr. Zailan Arabee Abdul Salam, H.E. Ms. Elvana Shala from the Republic of Kosovo, and Mr. Chengkuac Awan, who called on young leaders to address climate emergencies, conflict, and digital transformation with courage and creativity.
The Youth Storytelling session was one of the most anticipated moments of the conference. It featured Anum Shakeel from Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Elvana Shala from the Republic of Kosovo, and Shopnil Sanjana from Bangladesh, each sharing personal journeys that blended resilience with purpose.
Anum Shakeel, honored as a Global Changemaker Award 2025 laureate, stood out for her breadth of experience and visionary approach. Currently Head of Media and Communications at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), she has carved a path that connects public health, academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems. Her work has not only advanced health equity and early childhood development but has also strengthened entrepreneurial ecosystems, mentored women leaders, and influenced regional policy dialogues. Her story reflected the power of communication to mobilize communities and shape development agendas far beyond national borders.
The program also featured the Youth Open Mic on “One Idea for the World”, vibrant cultural showcases, and engaging dialogues that encouraged collaboration across regions.
The closing evening of the conference honored trailblazers through the Global Youth Awards 2025. Anum Shakeel from Pakistan, Shopnil Sanjana from Bangladesh, and Manhil from Malaysia were among the distinguished recipients, recognized alongside other young visionaries who are addressing social inequities and leading transformative change.
On the second day, an interactive city tour fostered cultural exchange and built lasting connections among participants from diverse countries.
The 4th GYC Malaysia 2025 stood as a vivid reminder that the voices of young leaders are not just shaping conversations but are redefining the priorities of our collective future. The event’s atmosphere of curiosity, solidarity, and innovation reflected a new generation unwilling to wait for change but determined to drive it.
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