FINDING SOLUTIONS: Subang Jaya teen spoke on topics close to his heart
at 7th One Young World Summit
NEVER in his wildest dreams did he expect to represent Malaysia as a delegate speaker at the 7th One Young World Summit 2016 held in Ottawa, Canada recently.
After a gruelling process starting from submitting his application and attending a list of interviews, 19-year-old Muhammad Hezril Zhafri Mohd Anuar from Subang Jaya, Selangor, found himself among young leaders from 196 countries who were chosen to debate, formulate and share innovative solutions for the pressing issues the world faces. The summit for 18-to-30-year-olds also aims to empower them to make lasting connections.
“Being the only representative from Malaysia and also the youngest delegate in our country’s history, I had been selected to attend the summit on the basis of my capacity for leadership, concern about global issues, ability to generate and articulate impactful ideas and commitment in extracurricular activities.
“I was also honoured at the opportunity to be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the summit,” he said.
Muhammad Hezril Zhafri is studying Cambridge A-Levels under the Yayasan Tenaga Nasional Scholarship at Kolej Yayasan UEM.
He will be majoring in MEng Electrical Power Engineering in the UK.
Muhammad Hezril Zhafri delivered two speeches on global issues including the political refugee crisis and sustainable energy development, rural communities’ needs and off-grid electrification systems to bring power to remote areas.
“I chose these issues because I want them to be heard and addressed in front of world leaders, presidents and prime ministers, Nobel Prize winners, scientists and astronauts, CEOs, counsellors and young delegates.
“I also worked closely during the breakout sessions with invited German scientists and Nobel Prize winners from the Alexander-von-Humboldt Foundation (AVH), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Goethe Institute in a science slam. We shared ideas and exchanged knowledge,” he said.
The One Young World Summit has been staged annually at host cities in Bangkok, Dublin, London, Zurich, Pittsburgh and Johannesburg.
He added that “in a time when hope is bleak, and the world appears to be on the brink of catastrophe, this summit gives passionate young leaders the belief that we can create a better tomorrow, today.”
“There were so many issues that I wanted to address, so many speeches that I wanted to respond to, and so many speakers I wanted to reach out to. Our time was limited, and there was only so much one person can do.
“But these amazing young leaders were not speaking in abstracts, they were demonstrating tangible results, proposing tough but necessary questions and actively challenging the status quo.
“The summit offers an amazing platform to do just that. I gained experience, knowledge, vision and inspiration that lead me to further continue my efforts in my community and the country and also expand my vision to reach others worldwide.”
Most importantly, he said it was the friendships he developed with the other delegates that made it special.
“Attending this summit also afforded me a chance to meet bright young minds from across the world purposed towards the same goals of creating better societies.
“We spent several days with an incredible shared experience. Though we came from different cultural backgrounds, countries, faiths, political beliefs, we all somehow laughed, groaned, and were moved by the same things.
“I’ve always considered myself capable of leading an extraordinary life with the ability to influence and change the world for the better. Locally, I have been able to involve myself to make a difference through various platforms like volunteering with local NGOs and charity organisations but on top of that, I’ve always been inspired to do more,” he said.
“I have found great merit in contributing my energy and time for the future growth of youths’ empowerment in the country and by that, my ultimate dream is to see youths in Malaysia become more passionate, creative and innovative in all sorts of fields so they can leave their mark on the world stage.
“I seek to draw inspiration and connect with people furthering the same goal. Because I am a people-centred person, my development is a great investment to Malaysia and also any community that I may find myself in,” he added.
His participation was fully sponsored and endorsed by CIMB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Higher Education Ministry and Youth and Sports Ministry.