KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29, 2025 — A total of 34 students from Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) took part in the forum “Membandarkan Desa & Migrasi Belia: Apa Kata Legislatif?” (Urbanising Rural Areas & Youth Migration: What Do the Legislators Say?) held at the Multipurpose Hall, Parliament of Malaysia.

The forum featured three Members of Parliament as the main panelists — YB Tuan Syahredzan bin Johan (MP for Bangi), YB Dato’ Mohd Isam bin Mohd Isa (MP for Tampin), and YB Tuan Ir. Ts. Zahir bin Hassan (MP for Wangsa Maju) — who shared their insights on rural transformation, youth migration, and policy directions shaping Malaysia’s future.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, together with YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah binti Haji Wang, Deputy Minister of the same ministry. Also present were senior officials from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), agencies under its purview, and students from educational institutions under KKDW including UPTM, UniKL, GMi, and Kolej FELCRA.

The UPTM delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Syahirah binti Sy. Shiekh, Vice-Chancellor of UPTM, accompanied by Dr. Hasbullah bin Seman, Director of Student Facilities and Welfare; Mr. Khairulnizam bin Shuib, Head of the Chancellor’s Office; and several accompanying university officers. The delegation was further joined by YB Dato’ Shamsulkahar bin Mohd Deli, Chairman of Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Sdn. Bhd., who also attended the forum.

Throughout the session, UPTM students actively engaged with the panelists by posing direct questions on key issues. The interactive discussion offered valuable perspectives on rural development, youth migration, and social mobility challenges, enabling students to better understand national policy frameworks and their real-world implications. Participants also had the rare opportunity to enter the Dewan Rakyat to witness a live parliamentary debate in session.

The forum underscored that “urbanising the rural” does not mean transforming villages into cities, but rather ensuring that rural communities enjoy equal access to opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure comparable to urban areas. This inclusive approach aligns with the philosophy of rural development as the heartbeat of national well-being, where prosperous villages form the foundation of Malaysia MADANI’s progress.

In essence, the forum delivered a powerful message — that achieving sustainable and balanced rural development, while empowering rural youth with comprehensive opportunities, remains a key pillar in ensuring that Malaysia’s young generation continues to stand tall as the driving force of national advancement.