1M4U Can Turn Malaysia Into Hub, Model In Volunteerism - Najib

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 12 (Bernama) - 1Malaysia for Youth (1M4U) can turn Malaysia into a hub and a model country in volunteerism with people of different races working together based on the 1Malaysia concept, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister said the initiative underlined the government noble vision and aspirations in making iM4U as a body and platform to promote and drive volunteerism among the younger generation.

Najib, who is also 1M4U chairman, said the government would promote volunteerism among all Malaysians, especially the younger generation in the public and private sectors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government-linked companies (GLCs) in conjunction with the National Convention on Volunteering 2013.

"1M4U will organise the National Convention on Volunteering 2013 in February next year to assemble all active volunteers to discuss the direction of volunteerism among young people in the country," he said when meeting 10 finalists in the My Uni Rocks contest at the Perdana Putra Building here Wednesday.

In an effort to promote structured and regular volunteer activities among youths, he said 100 iM4U Outreach Centres would be opened in all institutions of higher learning in stages next year to serve as a catalyst for volunteerism among undergraduates.

He said 1M4U would extend a RM5,000 grant to each outreach centre to activate volunteer activities, and create the 'Tokoh iM4U Volunteer' and the most active outreach centre awards.

Calling on undergraduates and the younger generation to register as iM4U volunteers through the iM4U website, he said the 1M4U programme, logo and song were already very popular and close to the hearts of young people in the country.

"The 1M4U song has become so popular. However, it may not be as well known as the Gangnam Style, but certainly it has taken root among Malaysian youths.

"They identified this as their song and it is so meaningful as it conveys that the government is here for you. We are doing what we can to transform the nation.

Above all, once the job is completed; it is for you - the youth of today to benefit the Malaysia we are building together," he said.

On My Uni Rocks, he said the competition was unique for it capitalised on the social network platform, Facebook, where youths could exchange ideas and hold discussions.

"1M4U greatly appreciates the efforts and dedication shown by the younger generation in submitting constructive ideas on volunteer activities," he said.

He said the My Uni Rocks contest was appropriate for it was aimed at providing an opportunity to IPT students nationwide to bring their volunteerism ideas to fruition through the social network, Facebook.

The second phase of My Uni Rocks is now open for public voting on ten finalists for their volunteerism proposals posted on the 1M4U Facebook until Dec 31.

The names of the three top teams will be announced on Jan 1 next year and they will have an opportunity to hold a concert, win Apple iPads and a study tour abroad for five.