GEORGE TOWN, June 26 – The 3rd International Youth Conference 2023 (IYC 2023) cum International Conference Project Management 2023 was held on June 24th, 2023, organized by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) in collaboration with esteemed institutions such as Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC), and INTI International College Penang, among others.

The event saw remarkable success and brought together participants from around the world to discuss the theme “Unleashing The Power of Youth Towards Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).” YB Soon Lip Chee, Penang State EXCO for Youth and Sports, expressed his satisfaction with the youth’s active involvement in the event, stating, “The State of Penang is committed to achieving the 17 SDGs in alignment with the Penang2030 Vision, which aims for sustainable development.

It is heartening to witness our youth taking an active role in this event, dedicating their time to research and presentations to advance their understanding and contribution to this crucial topic.” Dr. Gwee Sai Ling, General Manager of PYDC, highlighted the significance of the International Youth Conference (IYC) program as PYDC’s flagship initiative. The IYC provides a platform for young individuals worldwide to present their research findings through a formal academic conference, fostering critical thinking, innovation, communication, and leadership skills among the youth—a role integral to achieving the SDGs outlined by the United Nations.

The conference was conducted both physically and online, allowing for broader participation. A total of 400 participants, including presenters, from various countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Yemen, joined the event to present their posters and papers. Distinguished individuals graced the event with their presence, including Prof Dato’ Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, Vice Chancellor of USM, and Dr. Liem Gai Sin, President of the Association of International Business and Professional Management (AIBPM), who delivered opening remarks.

The conference also featured two keynote speakers: Ts. Dr. Norsaidatul, Chief Executive Officer of Think Plus Group of Companies, and Dr. Wong Lai Yong, Founder of First Penguin Sdn. Bhd. Recognizing outstanding contributions, the conference awarded the “Best Presenter Award” to 14 deserving recipients, including Yee Jing Foo, Chen Qian Hui, and Bong Yin Lin, among others. Their exceptional presentations demonstrated their dedication and research prowess.

The “Best Poster Award,” accompanied by a prize of RM 1,000, was bestowed upon Khor Winnie, Kamini Devi A/P Ravendran, Kong Mei Ching, and Syrine Kooli for their poster titled “Greening Starbucks: Investigating the Relationship between Consumer Green Awareness and Purchase Intentions in Malaysia.” In addition, the “Best Paper Award,” also carrying a prize of RM 1,000, was presented to Faryal Bajwa and Ghulam Abid for their outstanding paper titled “Transition Towards Sustainability: The Role of Sustainable Leadership.”

The success of the 3rd International Youth Conference 2023 (IYC 2023) cum International Conference Project Management 2023 reflects the commitment of PYDC and its collaborators in nurturing the potential of young individuals and promoting sustainable development. Such initiatives empower the youth to become catalysts for change, driving progress and shaping a brighter future for Penang and beyond.

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