Kuching, October 14 — AZAM Sarawak’s youth volunteers group, better known as the AZAM Young Souls (AYS) are all hyped up for their future programmes and activities following the fresh election of their committee for 2023-2024, last Saturday.
Asyraf Hardy, the former chairman of AYS of 2017, enthused, “today’s AYS committee election results are quite remarkable as they indicated that the majority of key positions are now held by young and newer members within AYS, bringing fresh ideas and contemporary thinking to the forefront.”
Asyraf, who is now a full official member of AZAM, further observed that this outcome reflected the willingness of AYS members to actively engage in a democratic process and express their desire to ensure continuous growth and success within AYS. He added that this aligns with AYS’ new tagline, “Connect. Impact. Respect,” signifying collaboration between existing and new volunteers.
Meanwhile, Fadzim Aiman bin Jalani, the newly elected chairman for AYS 2023/2024, congratulated the other elected members, pointing out that the outcome marks a fresh beginning for the group, who are eager to bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and enhanced enthusiasm for the responsibilities to be entrusted to AYS. Fadzim who is a university student added that this is an exciting time for AYS to contribute to community and volunteerism.”
Fuad bin Suip who was elated at being elected deputy chairman calls to all the volunteers to work together to make AYS and its activities better known and to attract more members. Fuad is currently with the Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia.
Committee member, Mandy Chen Wei Xing who hails from Miri, views technological advancement as a bridge for communication, transcending geographical boundaries. Mandy who is a businesswoman stated, “with the help of the internet, I am confident that communication will not be a hindrance in collaborating with fellow committee members.”
Jordie Jara anak Julian, an employee of a local transportation company, shared, “as a committee member, I am passionate about supporting projects and initiatives that offer self-development opportunities and education for the younger generation. I am committed to collaborating in the planning of programs that could have a positive impact on the group’s members.”
Chairman of AZAM Youth Development Committee Mr. Mohd Ariff Irwani says, “for any organisation to move forward, it is paramount to have an organised structure with clear sets of outlined roles. I am very happy that AYS has completed this process and looking forward to embark on a fulfilling journey to reach out and make a difference in the community particularly on the main AZAM strategic objectives.”
Since its introduction in 2012, the AYS had garnered much interest among local development stakeholders through their active participation in various youth activities under AZAM Sarawak as well as through their contribution in activities by various agencies. Apart from being invited as speakers and volunteers for various local youth related events, the AYS had also volunteered for major events like the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) and for the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Youth Green X-Change (YGXC) programme since 2015. The pioneer members included youth talents in music, dance, film making, visual art, extreme sport (skateboarding), as well as undergraduates, young working adults, and school leavers.
The AYS next immediate involvement will be at the Youth Assembly, Malaysia Urban Forum 2023 organised by Urbanice Malaysia, to be held in November in Kuching. Nearly 80 AYS members cast their votes for the new committee, conducted online last Saturday. For other youths in Sarawak who are interested to join the AYS, they can contact the secretariat at 082-411 799 or visit the AZAM website at (http://www.azam.org.my/) to access the online registration form.