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“As climate change and digital disruptions change the natural and business landscape of the world, what will the future be like for the young people who will inherit it, and – more importantly – how can youth play a role in shaping what happens today and tomorrow to ensure a better future?”

YBhg Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, introduced the concept of VODCA – Vulnerability, Obsolescence, Disruptive, Collapse, Anthropocene. This framework encapsulates the multifaceted changes that have emerged in the wake of global challenges. The first facet, Vulnerability, underscores the universal susceptibility to the repercussions of major upheavals such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Moving forward, the looming specter of Obsolescence prompts contemplation on the evolving nature of relevance, emphasising the imperatives of adaptability and continuous learning. The term Disruptive encapsulates the challenge of navigating an environment where traditional norms and frameworks may no longer suffice.

Beyond the immediate context, the concept delves into the larger canvas of the Anthropocene era, marking a critical juncture where human actions significantly impact and alter the natural world. Within this narrative, the notion of a dehumanised world emerges, highlighting the paradoxical role of human beings in both contributing to and undermining their humanity. Tan Sri Dzulkifli’s sharp observations call for a deep understanding of these dynamics, especially on the part of youth, to foster resilience and navigate towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Following the keynote session, the discourse continued with a lively panel session. Ms Norhayati Jantan, Senior Director, National Account Statistic Division, Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), elaborated on key youth statistics and trends, especially in education and employment. Ms Nina Adlan Disney, Executive Director, LeapEd Services, pointed out how youth need to be empowered via a better education system that moves away from rote learning towards more interactivity. The final speaker, Mr Beh Zeng Kang, Environmentalist & the first Malaysian ASEAN Youth Champion shared his own experience as a youth environmentalist and the challenges he faced along the way. He encouraged young people to step out of their comfort zones and engage more with the community. The moderator, Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad, Associate Professor, Department of Professional Development & Continuing Education (JPPPL), Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), artfully managed the session, including the Q and A with the audience where the panellists were asked on education policies, youth employment prospects and entrepreneurship, as well as leadership.