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Technology · Malaysia Bureau

Youth must seek opportunities beyond villages, says Malaysia's Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has urged young people to venture out in search of better prospects while maintaining ties to their communities. He emphasized the importance of rural youth developing skills in high-value sectors including technology and green energy.

LSN Malaysia · 1 September 2026

Youth must seek opportunities beyond villages, says Malaysia's Deputy PM

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi has called on young people to actively pursue opportunities beyond their hometowns, while cautioning them not to sever connections with their places of origin.

Addressing concerns about rural youth migration, Zahid stressed that village-based young people should be prepared to enter high-value industries that will shape the nation's economic future. He identified technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, automation, and the digital economy as priority sectors offering substantial career prospects.

The remarks reflect growing efforts by Malaysian policymakers to balance economic development with social cohesion, as young people increasingly migrate to urban centers in search of better employment opportunities. Zahid's comments suggest the government views skill development in emerging industries as a pathway for rural youth to compete in Malaysia's evolving job market.

His message underscores a broader policy direction aimed at equipping young Malaysians with technical competencies required in high-growth sectors, while encouraging them to contribute to their home communities' development.