By: Mike Paul
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 – Former Scout and policy advocate Nurul Izzah Anwar has proposed that Malaysian schoolchildren be allowed to join the Scout movement as early as Year 1, calling it a key step in instilling leadership and community values from a young age.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Asia-Pacific Regional Social Impact and Advocacy Workshop 2025 (APR SIAW 2025), Nurul Izzah highlighted the success of early Scout participation in countries like the Maldives and Hong Kong.
“I think it would be good if Year 1 students were allowed to join Scouts. Currently, participation only begins in Year 4. The values instilled in this movement are very positive and can shape young leaders with a strong sense of community building,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal journey, she shared how her own experience in scouting helped shape her values through outdoor activities, teamwork, and discipline.
“We learned about real-life situations, self-reliance, teamwork, and mutual support. The values of honesty and helpfulness truly shaped my life principles.” She also called on stakeholders, especially Scout alumni, to contribute actively to the movement.
“I want to invite everyone to help facilitate children’s participation in Scouts and open up opportunities for alumni to contribute, perhaps as lifetime members.”
The session also featured Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City, and Kim Robert C. de Leon, Secretary-General of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. It was moderated by Zairin Adam Abdul Aziz, Director of APR SIAW 2025.
Nor Azlina Mohd Saad, Executive Director of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), officiated the event, stating that young people are not only future leaders but active contributors to present-day community development.
“We see young people as agents of change who play a major role in achieving inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development goals.”
Also present at the launch were Maj. Gen. Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohd Zin Bidin (Chief Scout of Malaysia), Datuk Ahmad Shazilly Ismail Bakti (Deputy President of the National Scouts Council), Ahmad Sabri Saad (Deputy Chief Scout Commissioner), and Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid (President of the Malaysian Youth Council).APR SIAW 2025, jointly organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, Asia-Pacific Region, and the Scouts Association of Malaysia, gathered 60 young Scout leaders from 15 countries.
- TNS News