BANTING, June 14 — Young people must play an active role as the next generation of custodians in preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural arts, particularly batik motifs, to ensure that this heritage remains relevant across generations.
Universiti Teknologi MARA's Faculty of Communication and Media's Prispire Agency president Shahirah Irsalina Shahril said this objective is among the key focuses of the state-level National Youth Day 2026 celebrations.
The programme aims to raise awareness among the younger generation of the importance of arts and culture, which have been receiving diminishing attention.
Organised through a collaboration between the Youth and Sports Department and 47 government agencies, private-sector organisations, and non-governmental organisations, it was inspired by the limited exposure to cultural heritage among young people.
“We want to highlight arts and culture to the youth and cultivate a new generation capable of continuing efforts to promote the nation’s heritage.
“We also hope that young people will incorporate cultural values into their daily lives, not only during special occasions but as part of their lifestyle,” she told Media Selangor.
Shahirah added that an appreciation of arts and culture must be nurtured from a young age so that Malaysia's heritage can continue to be preserved and valued by future generations.
Meanwhile, Prispire Agency's vice-president Muhammad Jihadi Mohd Mokhtar said active participation by young people in programmes of this nature also helps develop future leadership qualities.
“If young people do not begin learning and getting involved now, we will not be prepared to become the next generation of leaders in the future,” he said.
Jihadi is also confident that youths have the ability to contribute meaningfully to national development if they are provided with sufficient opportunities and platforms to showcase their potential.
He noted that the country needs more young people to be actively involved in cultural activities, as they will eventually become the leaders who guide society and the nation in the years ahead.
