KUALA LUMPUR, 10 January 2026 — Malaysia remains a country rich with opportunities despite the challenges it faces, and youths must be ready to step forward and make the most of them, said Mah Hang Soon.
Speaking at the closing of the Malaysian Chinese Youth Summit here on Saturday (Jan 10), the MCA deputy president emphasised the importance of collective effort in uplifting the nation, stressing that opportunities often emerge even during periods of crisis.
“Amidst any crisis or challenging situation, there are always opportunities presenting themselves and waiting to be seized,” he said.
Dr Mah also highlighted the need for empathy and mutual understanding as Malaysia navigates social and economic challenges.
“We must also ask ourselves how can we better understand the feelings of others, and how can we help them better understand our feelings as well. This is not an easy feat.
Putting our minds and hearts in the right place will be a great leap forward for the country and the rakyat,” he said.
He urged young Malaysians to remain proactive, open to learning, and prepared to put in sustained effort.
“More importantly, we must all be proactive, open to learning and be ready to put in effort,” he added.
Addressing future challenges, Dr Mah called on youths to actively explore and embrace opportunities, particularly in technology and policy understanding.
“If our population grows smaller, how do we make an impact? What sort of technology do we need to master to ensure we have a better future for Malaysia?
There is no choice but to master new technologies and understand policies. That is a very important step not only for ourselves but for the rakyat and country,” he said.
He also noted that Malaysia’s social mobility compares favourably with that of more advanced economies, providing a strong foundation for upward progress.
“We must seize this opportunity and make the most of it,” he said.
Touching on the broader purpose of the summit, Dr Mah encouraged Malaysian Chinese youths to take on a more active role in nation-building.
“We need to ask ourselves how we can work together more efficiently towards further uplifting our beloved nation,” he said.
