WIDE CHASM AMONG ASEAN YOUTHS IN REGIONAL COOPERATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- There is still a wide chasm between the
youths in Asean countries when it comes to regional cooperation and unity
despite efforts by governments of Asean nations in organising events that can
enhance awareness, cooperation and unity among them.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Saifuddin Abdullah said the chasm
was part of findings by the Asean Foundation in a survey conducted among
university students in Asean member countries in 2007.

"With the target of realising an Asean Community within the next five years,
it is crucial for Asean governments to understand the concept of youth
empowerment," he told reporters after launching the Asean LOGICS Conference
2010, here, Tuesday.

He said youth empowerment concept aimed to enable youths to think and act on
their own issues pertaining to their life such as education, social, economic,
politics and others in their surroundings and their future.

"I am aware of the efforts by Asean Foundations and governments of Asean
nations on organising events that can enhance awareness, cooperation and unity
among Asean youths.


"But, until and unless we subscribe to a framework and approach of Asean
youth awareness, understanding, cooperation and unity that is really and
genuinely youth oriented, we are not going to be very successful," he added.

Saifuddin said more recognition should be given to official youth bodies
such as the Council For Asean Youth Cooperation (CAYC) to conduct programmes for
the empowerment of youths.

The Asean LOGICS Conference 2010, is an annual programme under the umbrella
of Asean Foundation, organised by the Wawasan Club of International Islamic
University of Malaysia (IIUM) to increase the awareness among the youths from
10 Asean member countries and as a platform to interact and share knowledge
between them.

Asean LOGICS stands for Asean Students Engaging Action for Local and
Regional Contribution to Society.

-- BERNAMA