MSLS XV 2021
SIGN UP FOR MSLS XV 2021
PROJEK PELITA 2021
In conjunction with this year’s Malaysian Student Leaders’ Summit (MSLS) XV, the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) launches Projek Pelita 2021. Founded in 2011 as one of the social development initiatives under UKEC, we believe its revival is needed now more than ever.
In 2012, Projek Pelita successfully hosted one of the nation’s biggest book drives – collecting 58576 books – to restock reading materials in Sarawak schools, under our efforts to break the poverty cycle and uplift Malaysians in rural areas. This year, Projek Pelita is back to stand in solidarity amongst those suffering as a result of the ruthless Covid-19 pandemic.
As Malaysia faces its third wave of pandemic, the unrelenting surge in the number of those infected, jobless and abused render many helpless. In support of those suffering, Projek Pelita 2021 will host a month-long donation drive throughout MSLS-month in hopes to alleviate the struggles faced by the rakyat amidst this pandemic.
The campaign aims to cover a more extensive network of those involved in community projects and spread our resources to reach as many people in need as possible!
MSLS XV AMBASSADORS PROGRAMME
The MSLS Student Ambassador Programme is a programme in which we give non-UKEC members, usually college and university students, an opportunity to volunteer and work together on MSLS. Their tasks vary from year to year. This year’s direction for the student ambassador programme is to make sure our ambassadors get an opportunity to learn useful skills, to contribute to the success of MSLS, and to leave feeling inspired by the work that we do in UKEC. Sign up now!
Registration closes on 30th July 2021 (Friday) 11.59 pm (MYT)
MSLS XV AMBASSADORS SIGN UPS CLOSED!
WHAT IS MSLS XV?
The Malaysian Student Leaders’ Summit (MSLS) is one of our longest-running flagship events, coming to its 15th edition in 2021. It draws up to 700 students, with the number growing each year. Typically held in Kuala Lumpur during the UK summer holidays, it plays host to key industry figures and leaders on a wide range of topics to reflect the diverse interests of Malaysian student leaders. The wide scope of issues covered by this conference, from entrepreneurship and arts to civil society and politics, demonstrates UKEC’s focus to raise awareness on critical matters amongst the bright young minds of Malaysia.
MSLS XIV, which was held virtually in August 2020, had up to 23,000 participants streaming at a time, as we hosted prominent figures including YBhg Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, YB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. Other notable figures in the previous MSLS includes YAB Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Rafizi Ramli, YB Syed Saddiq, Dato’ Seri Nazir Razak, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
In view of the current circumstances in Malaysia, MSLS XV 2021 will take place virtually on the 21st of August 2021.
COUNTDOWN TO MSLS XV 2021
THEME
Kisah Rakyat: Stories of Malaysian Perseverance
Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia has gone into multiple lockdowns, some of which were proved to lack efficacy in containing the virus, at the expense of the people’s welfare. The economic downturn, rising unemployment rate, political unrest, growing number of suicide cases and contract doctors issues are some of the signs that Malaysia is in turmoil. Being disrupted by this state of affairs, we are no doubt facing one of the biggest challenges throughout the nation’s history.
However, all hope is not lost. The people of Malaysia have risen to the challenge, as proven by the Bendera Putih initiative, targeted at those who require aid, such as food and essential items. Psychologists observe that fulfilling these needs will lead to a lower risk of emotional vulnerability, lessening the worry people feel when they struggle to meet their basic needs. In turn, the spirit of Rakyat Jaga Rakyat is invigorated, as the people are closer than ever when they make sure to check up on their loved ones, and help strangers out of the generosity in their hearts. Thus, MSLS aims to provide a safe platform for their speakers to tell their stories and further discussions on how to help the Malaysians during these turbulent times.
Despite being placed under such dire circumstances, we Malaysians are manifesting remarkable resilience and unquestionable patriotism to pull through these tough times hand in hand just like how we have always done it in the past. Therefore, MSLS XV will be themed Kisah Rakyat: Stories of Malaysian Perseverance, aiming to delve deep into how we are supporting each other and the country.
OPENING KEYNOTE
Searching for Solidarity
The moment the pandemic began, Malaysia started off as a model country. Praised for the way we kept the virus at bay, we shared the pride of the Jalur Gemilang flying high on the international stage. Over a year later, Malaysia is facing a political, economic and health crisis. A Southeast Asian country that has lost its status as a role model for other developing nations quite some time ago, is on the brink of being a failed state. Now more than ever Malaysians need to stand united and help one another.
With the recent withdrawal of UMNO’s support for the current Prime Minister, it seems clear that Malaysia is lacking a strong and stable leadership at the top. In addition to that, Malaysia’s constant record-breaking cases have led to a health crisis. Hospitals are starting to become overwhelmed, with many not being tended to for care. Besides that, we are seeing an ongoing economic crisis as well. Our stop-start lockdowns have seen the government’s poor handling and lackluster support towards the rakyat. And frankly, more should be done to help those who aren’t as fortunate. As unemployment grows, we are seeing a spike and increase in suicide rates. Covid related isolation and uncertainty have led to the increased mental health and social issues.
Now is a testing time for Malaysia’s history. The people’s mandate and ultimatum are clear for its current government, but whether the government chooses to respect the decision is uncertain. In a difficult time, is a change of leadership truly what we need?
PLENARY KEYNOTE
Unravelling the Nations’ Plights
In this session, we aim to dive deeper into three topics that we believe have been brushed aside by mainstream media. Covid-19 has devastated the Malaysian economy with the brunt of the contraction affecting the low and middle-income households. This situation has left many Malaysians hungry and in desperate need of financial aid for basic necessities. We plan to address the food poverty issue as well as the #BenderaPutihMovement in this session. Secondly, domestic violence towards women has been on the rise since the virus outbreak with calls for stricter legislation to protect the vulnerable. We believe it is important to talk to those providing assistance and the victims to better understand the severity of the problem at hand. Finally, we plan to discuss the mental health issues faced by Malaysians and the many contributing factors that are a result of the current pandemic.
Through this round table discussion, we want to create awareness of the issues that are currently being faced by Malaysians by talking to those who are directly affected. Awareness is not enough, however, we want to use this session as a platform for people tuning in to realise that they are not alone and that their voices are being heard. Our expert panellists from various NGOs are here to share the current initiatives that are in the works to help those who are in peril and, more importantly, how we can contribute to help our community in their time of need. By the end of this session, we want everyone to not only understand the struggles being faced by a portion of the society but we would like everyone to work towards helping our fellow Malaysians.
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Hope Amidst Hardship
With the arising reported daily Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, a four-phase exit strategy from the pandemic known as National Recovery Plan (NRP), was put in place from 1 June 2021. People have been hopeful that the strategy of NRP could improve the situation of the country including economic sectors as the transition would allow the reopening of economic activities in stages. This should help small-scale businesses, retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the country. In addition to that, the nationwide vaccination programme has been making immense progress thus aiming to achieve herd immunity by the end of 2021. This has set the framework for the NRP where economic experts have spoked firmly of its realistic nature.
However, a more recent article on ‘The Edge Malaysia’ explored some flaws and the need for adaptability and caution as the country proceeds with the NRP, to ensure that the possibility of new variants, delays in vaccine delivery, inadequate ICU capacity, etc. are dealt with and do not threaten the efficacy of the nation’s progress to recovery. One of such individuals who reflected on these concerns was Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, founding partner and chairman of Ikhlas Capital – “It is very good that there is a transparent plan and milestones. I would have liked, however, to see more investment in more robust track, trace and isolate capabilities in case there is a problem with vaccine supplies and there are variants that render the vaccine less effective.”
With Malaysia’s worsening state making international headlines, many wonder how hopeful we can be in regards to recovery, not only within the scope of the NRP but also with the collateral damage left behind by the pandemic. Do we have enough strategic measures implemented to combat this pandemic and project Malaysia towards a successful recovery?
PANELS
An often overlooked effect of the pandemic has been the procurement of food. Lower-income families and individuals struggle to put enough food on the table as it is, but coupled with the devastating effects of lockdowns, quarantines and seemingly ineffective policies, families are on the edge.
Food security does not exist in a bubble. There is an intersectionality between food security, job security, and mental health. Workers who don’t have the privilege of working from home have had to cut down on expenses, including food, to make ends meet. On top of this, workers that were laid off now find themselves stuck between odd jobs, again struggling to sustain their livelihoods. The alarming and distressingly high cases of suicides have a direct correlation to hardships faced, including food security.
But against the backdrop of this tragedy, lockdowns are still irresponsibly imposed without any immediate information about aid, food and otherwise. How are families sustain themselves when they can’t get a job or if welfare does not reach them? This is where soup kitchens and food banks have stepped up massively. Working in overdrive since March of the previous year, they are trying to fill the gap created by jarring policy. We’ve seen more and more people receiving aid from these NGOs and charities, with no signs of slowing down thanks to the ever-increasing number of daily cases. The #BenderaPutihMovement has monumentally aided in getting aid to those who truly need it. In these times we’ve seen the selfless give up time, money and effort in building these movements and providing aid.
By listening to these NGOs and charities speak about their missions, methods, needs and wants, we as potential donors and volunteers can better help those in need. This panel session is also an open letter to those in power. We urge them to listen to the voices of those on the ground. Listen to what they need and how we can help.
While institutional protections such as anti-domestic-violence laws and instruments like Talian Kasih have been established to care for the victims of domestic violence, domestic violence has yet to be fundamentally exterminated from the Malaysian society, with many women continuing to be physically, mentally and sexually abused at homes. With several lockdowns are imposed in Malaysia since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, domestic violence has even been on a worrying rise, where various organisations are proactively calling for more proactive and extensive protections for the victims. According to the Executive Director of Women’s Aid Organisation Ms Sumitra Visvanathan, domestic violence has increased by 118% since the start of the pandemic, reflecting a drastically increased need to provide protection towards women, especially in the prolonged pandemic today.
To address the fundamental causes of this societal problem and provide meaningful assistance to the abused, the authorities and society must refrain from only viewing the problem from a macro viewpoint, instead, we have to listen to the thoughts and experience of those on the ground – the ones providing assistance and, most importantly, the victims themselves. Is lack of awareness the main cause of the increase in domestic violence cases during the pandemic? Or is it due to insufficient legislation? Or is there any other rarely known but crucial factor? To answer all these vital questions, one must lend their ears to the key stakeholders. In this panel session, we aim to seek insights from three different perspectives:
- Activists/ politicians fighting for women’s rights to be protected against domestic violence
- Women’s Aid Organisations/ All Women’s Action Society
- Individuals/ victims who could share their experience regarding domestic violence
Mental health is an issue that is often swept under the rug in Malaysia with the stigma around mental health being widespread. As Malaysia is currently in the midst of the third national lockdown with cases showing little to no signs of slowing down, depression and anxiety are becoming more common among Malaysians. Police have recorded 468 suicides in the first five months of 2021, highlighting the personal struggles that people are going through during this pandemic. However, the negative perception towards mental health issues in the country has led to a vast majority of citizens suffering in silence.
Economic uncertainty, loneliness and loss of usual coping mechanisms such as socialising or group activities are among the main contributing factors to the mental health issues faced by Malaysians. It is important for those who are struggling to know they are not alone and to seek help from mental health professionals if they find it difficult to cope. This pandemic is a wake-up call on the prevalence of mental health issues and if not addressed can lead to long term consequences for families, communities and societies.
This panel session aims to give us an understanding of the extent of the deterioration of mental health among Malaysians during this pandemic and to learn more from the relevant bodies tackling this issue especially with the pandemic being far from over.