FROM supporting national athletes to empowering youth through transformative initiatives, the Youth and Sports Ministry, along with its minister Hannah Yeoh, has spent most of 2024 prioritising innovation and long-term impact across its fields of remit.
In an interview with the New Straits Times, Yeoh said one of the ministry's key highlights this year was promoting athlete welfare and support.
EMPOWERING ATHLETES FOR SUCCESS
Addressing concerns raised during town halls in 2023, the National Sports Council (NSC) introduced the Athletes' Contract Salary Scheme.
Unlike previous allowance-only models, the scheme provides full-time athletes with salaries and contributions to the Employees Provident Fund and Social Security Organisation, which ensure financial stability and future savings for athletes.
"Now, athletes can focus on their performance without worrying about their financial security," Yeoh said while emphasising the importance of safeguarding their livelihoods.
In terms of athlete performance, the showings at the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics also underscored the ministry's efforts.
Despite missing out on a gold medal at the Olympics, Malaysia celebrated two bronze medals in Paris, alongside increased sports qualifications on merit. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Paralympians shone with two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal.
These achievements were made possible by the ministry's extensive support under the Road to Gold initiative, which provided funding, facilities and technical expertise.
The ministry also launched the 'Team MAS' movement, which rallied Malaysians to support local athletes at various competitions.
"In conjunction with the Olympics and Paralympics, the NSC also took charge by organising a 'back-to-school' tour by visiting the former schools of our qualified athletes to show appreciation and gather support.
"It was well received, and we are planning a follow-up tour soon," Yeoh said.
PRIORITISING LONG-TERM SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
Currently, the NSC is focusing on enhancing the Road to Gold initiative, with add-ons to fast-track potential athletes for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.
"This will be done concurrently with the existing responsibility of the Road to Gold Secretariat to provide top-up support and services to athletes who have the potential to qualify on merit and win medals in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
"The preparation needs to start now, to ensure our athletes get the best training, best facilities and the best competitions available for them to raise their performance levels," she said.
Looking ahead, the ministry has identified eight sports with medal potential for the 2028 and 2032 Olympics. These include weightlifting, diving, badminton, cycling, archery, shooting, squash and taekwondo.
"We will be working closely with these national sports associations to come up with a proper plan to identify athletes for that purpose. The work starts now," Yeoh said.
Additionally, other national development programmes are also under review by the NSC, including ones for football, hockey, rugby and netball. These national programmes will be observed to ascertain their effectiveness, with a view to improving their output.
Finally, the ministry is also focusing on female empowerment, with seminars organised to boost awareness and increase female participation in sports.
"We are on the right track to achieve the minimum female participation of 30 per cent, but we can and should achieve more.
"Several seminars and conferences have been organised to raise awareness, and I would like to see some significant changes in this area within the next few years," Yeoh said.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ESPORTS EXPANSION
With regard to digital opportunities, the ministry is developing user-friendly platforms to allow for easier booking of sporting facilities.
Social media is also being leveraged for youth outreach, with webinars and live-streamed workshops held to promote inclusivity and creativity.
Esports, which has been growing locally, has also been a focal point.
Among implemented initiatives, the ministry has introduced the Dana Esukan KBS, hosted several international esports tournaments and partnered with game publishers to strengthen the local esports ecosystem. There are also plans to establish a new state-of-the-art esports stadium in 2025 to host global tournaments and elevate the nation's esports profile.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AT THE FOREFRONT
Youth empowerment remains central to the ministry's mission. The Rakan Muda programme, which engaged over one million participants in 2024, fosters leadership, unity and positive values.
Preparations are also underway to transition the youth leadership age limit to 30 by 2026, encouraging younger Malaysians to take on leadership roles.
For underserved groups, the TVET Gig programme equips youth with skills in industries like automotive and hospitality, preparing them for the gig economy. New courses in electric vehicle maintenance have been introduced, aligning with industry trends and ensuring the programme's relevance.
Other programmes targeting rural youth include the Youth Socioeconomic Empowerment Plan 2030, focusing on skills training and digital literacy to bridge socioeconomic gaps.
ENCOURAGING MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
The ministry has also amplified mental health support through initiatives like the Malaysian Youth Mental Health Index 2023 (MyMHI'23) and programmes like Psychological First Aid workshops.
Survey findings from MyMHI'23 revealed that as a whole, Malaysian youth face a moderate risk of mental health issues, reflected in an overall index score of 71.91.
"This gives us an important overview of the mental health landscape of our youth. It is more than just a number; it catalyses actions, policies, and interventions that can make a significant difference in the lives of our youth.
"Recognising the inseparable link between physical and mental health, this initiative moves us towards a more comprehensive approach in addressing mental health challenges among the youth," Yeoh said.
2025 AND BEYOND
As 2025 approaches, Yeoh envisions building on 2024's achievements while strengthening Malaysia's international reputation in sports and youth development. With plans for further digital transformation and inclusivity, she called on Malaysians to support these initiatives.