The Social Network

Youth Internet Governance Forum Malaysia 2019 (YIGF)

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The Internet has become an integral part of people’s life. Despite the benefits, misuses and abuses result in social issues, like the digital divide, web addiction, info safety, security, privacy and alternative evolving problems. These problems have no respect for national borders, and thus need collaboration between countries and territories to handle. The IGF approach is an open forum for data sharing between stakeholders across borders, that successively inform native policy development. Whereas the youth IGF strives to herald the youth community up to par with the relevant problems that face the country in terms of web governance and digital attainment. The national IGF acts as a platform for major players and established stakeholders in the digital world of Malaysia to come together and discuss innovative ideas and opine on the current state of the internet in this day and age.

My friends and me had a chance of taking part in YIGF that was organized at Universiti Malaya (UM) at Kuala Lumpur (KL). I literally could say it was one of the best decision that I took in my life. It was a two-day event and pretty much everything was sponsored; accommodation and transportation fees which include two-way flight cost from Kuching, Sarawak to KL and vice-versa. There were many youths and experienced delegates and representatives who excel in their respective job line to have a healthy discussion regarding Internet governance and status in our nation. Representatives include YB Maria Chin, Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai, digital rights advocate Louis Liaw, activist Fahmi Redza, Wan Ji Wan Hussein, a representative from UNESCO Jakarta, Ming Kuok Lim, psychologist Dr Chua Sook Ning and etc.

Topics discussed were the next generation public policy for the 4th Industrial Revolution, social media & mental health, empowerment of Malaysians through digital inclusions, the connection between the Internet and religion, data rights, and internet universality as a whole. Policies on internet governance were debated to be revised since it was biased and constantly altered for political reason.

Inputs including integrating digital literacy into syllabuses for Generation Y and Z, constructing policies that catered towards the current industrial revolution, increasing democratic awareness, the change in perspective on social issues, confront and solving online mental issues such as cyber-bullying & etc. It was definitely experience-worthy and I am looking forward to more forums and events from YIGF. I'll be posting some videos and pictures to express my experience to the viewer. Have fun & stay tuned. Don't forget to like!!!!