Kuala lumpur: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, has expressed optimism that the Ilham Seni Diraja programme will serve as a crucial platform for B40 youth to develop their talents and potential in the arts and culture sectors. The Queen highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities to explore their interests, especially those who might not excel academically but possess a strong inclination towards the arts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Queen emphasized the need for young people to discover their hidden talents through mentorship from experienced artists in the programme. She stressed the significance of engaging in constructive pursuits, drawing inspiration from potential future achievements, and inheriting artistic traditions in various forms such as music and dance. The Ilham Seni Diraja programme aims to offer exposure to youths who otherwise might not have the opportunity to meet practitioners in their fields.
The launch event of the programme saw the presence of notable figures including the Raja Di Hilir of Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Idris Shah, and Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim. Additionally, the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek were in attendance.
Her Majesty also expressed hopes that the programme will promote unity, foster positive personalities among the youth, and create better future opportunities for the marginalised B40 community. She raised concerns about mental health issues among B40 youth, citing their increased vulnerability due to limited access to support.
The Queen referenced Ministry of Health statistics, noting that 163,709 individuals received online mental health support from 2022 to the end of last year. This figure reflects a growing awareness of mental health issues and underscores the need for targeted interventions by authorities. She warned of the long-term impact of poor mental health on the well-being of children and adolescents, which can affect the nation's future, particularly in the context of pressures such as unhealthy social media usage.