Dialogue Session on ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ on the National Youth Day 2025

Kuala Lumpur, 15 June 2025 –  The dialogue session ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ brought together Malaysian youth in conjunction with National Youth Day 2025, celebrated under the theme ‘Believe You Can!’ at the Human Expression Hub, Merdeka Square. The event was held in collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM), and the National Youth and Sports Department being the joint organisers. 

Aizat Shamsuddin, Founder and Director of INITIATE.MY, joined the panel alongside Sassi A/L Shritharan, Assistant Director at the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia. Eow Shiang Yen, Executive Committee Member of the MBM, moderated the session. The session aimed to promote inclusive engagement and learning and encourage young people to become agents of peace.

The dialogue unfolded in three thematic rounds: 

First round on youth training and awareness: SEARCCT shared examples of creative outreach such as futsal and e-sports. INITIATE.MY highlighted the role of its flagship programme called “Peace Lab”, including the Peace for Religious Leaders & Thinkers (PLRT) in 2024 through data-driven advocacy in strengthening resilience against extremism.

Second round on technology and AI in prevention and countering violent extremism (PCVE): SEARCCT addressed the risks of extremist ideologies spreading through digital games. INITIATE.MY emphasised the potential of AI and social media in countering online hate narratives. 

Third round on holistic strategies and community inclusion: SEARCCT discussed empowering young women in line with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. INITIATE.MY shared its inclusive approach and how it is important to involve marginalised groups and women in peacebuilding efforts.

The National Youth Day 2025 recognises the role of key civil society organisations like INITIATE.MYs in localising Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) among youth stakeholders. This aligns with one of the core pillars of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE) which supports multi-stakeholder engagement to build resilience against radicalisation. 

Panelists and participants of the ‘Peaceful Generation: Youth Against Extremism’ dialogue are united in their commitment to empowering Malaysian youth as champions of peace.