Kuala lumpur: The initiative to professionally certify youth workers by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) under the state youth and sports department is a strategic move to improve the role of youth workers in forming a young generation with leadership, character, and filled with volunteer spirit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KBS secretary-general Datuk Dr. K Nagulendran highlighted the importance of certifying youth and sports officials as well as non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners. This certification is crucial as it will enable them to advance further in leadership and professional fields. Those who receive the certification will become agents of change and catalysts for the development of youth communities nationwide, aligning with the Skilled Rakan Muda aspiration and the Malaysian Youth Policy 2025.
Nagulendran emphasized the evolving role of youth and sports officials and NGO leaders amid growing social and economic challenges. Their responsibilities extend beyond organizing activities to include functioning as policy movers, community problem solvers, and spurring social innovation. He stressed the importance of professionalism training to ensure that every youth and sports official remains relevant, highly skilled, and ready to serve with integrity and a strong public service spirit. His remarks were made during his speech at the second youth work professionalism accreditation ceremony 2025, where 277 youth workers received their Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3. This included two National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS) youth workers who received their Malaysian Advanced Skills Diploma (DLKM).
Nagulendran also addressed the role of youth workers in tackling bullying among youth, advocating for effective approaches such as providing necessary advice and guidance. He noted that efforts to conduct such youth worker professionalism certifications will ensure that youth and sports officials and NGO partners are certified and capable of reaching youth facing various challenges.
This effort aligns with the ministry’s initiative, through the Dengar Rakan Muda project, which offers a safe space for youth to receive free emotional and social support starting November 1.