KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Budget 2027 provides a comprehensive framework to empower young people by expanding access to quality job opportunities, industry-driven skills training and stronger social protection.
Perdana Fellows Alumni Association secretary-general Amir Izzwan Abu Hasan said the budget initiatives covered various key stages of youth development, helping young people build resilience in the face of current economic challenges.
He said one of the major initiatives that should be fully utilised was the RM8 billion allocation to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem, alongside access to 16,000 courses on the Coursera platform and 100,000 free subscriptions to artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
“These funds and facilities provide an excellent platform for young people to upskill and reskill, ensuring their skills meet current industry demands.
“The MADANI Talent Programme, which aims to create 30,000 high-quality job opportunities by 2027, also reflects the government’s emphasis on quality employment that offers progressive wages, social protection and clear career pathways,” he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Darah Muda programme titled Budget 2027: How Much Will Youth Benefit? last night.
Elaborating further, Amir Izzwan said young people should also take full advantage of wage restructuring policies, particularly the increase in the minimum wage to RM2,000, scheduled to take effect in June 2027.
He also described the relaxed deferment terms for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayments, along with discounts for consistent repayments, as much-needed financial relief that would help them manage their daily cash flow.
For gig economy workers, he said the expanded RM160 million support package and the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid should be fully utilised to cope with the rising cost of living.
He also suggested exploring additional initiatives, such as affordable rental housing near public transport facilities and the expansion of the My50 travel pass, to ease the daily financial burden on urban youth.
“If opportunities are available but young people themselves are not proactive in seizing them, they will go to waste. Young people must make the most of these opportunities to advance their careers and improve their standard of living,” he said. — Bernama