ATTENTION: EDITORS
KUALA LUMPUR – The Institute for Research & Development of Policy (IRDP) and the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur have launched the MY Policy Bootcamp 2022 today to create a platform for youth to engage effectively in public policymaking.
The launching today (February 26, 2022) marks the beginning of a 16-week journey of more than 100 aspiring Malaysian youth, including university students, lecturers, and researchers, who are keen to learn more about public policy and the policymaking process and enable them to contribute to more effective policy debates and meaningful policy suggestions in Malaysia.
The Bootcamp will be delivered through masterclasses, workshops, and guided self-learning lessons, and at the end of the program, participants will stand a chance to bring home a total of US$2,500 seed funding to advocate for their proposed policy solutions.
“The idea for MY Policy Bootcamp was derived in the midst of Malaysia’s greatest political turmoil that has ignited the interest of many Malaysian youths in the nation’s current affairs. This 16-week capacity-building program is crafted with a multi-modal approach, comprising a series of masterclasses and workshops, self-learning, and mentoring sessions to ensure a strong foundation in policymaking among the participants, not only theoretically but also practically,” said Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, Senior Fellow of IRDP.
The program showcases the commitment of the U.S. to promote and further the values of democracy, good governance, and human rights, including support to civil society.
Michael Newbill, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, said: “Youth in every country provide important and unique perspectives, and often provide new ideas and ways of thinking in politics and decision making. As President Biden said at the Summit for Democracy in December, Democracy doesn’t happen by accident. We have to renew it with each generation.”
For inquiries about the MY Policy Bootcamp 2022, please reach out to the Institute for Research & Development of Policy (IRDP) Advocacy Officer, Athirah Mohamad via email at athirah@irdp.my or via WhatsApp at +017 328 9858.
ABOUT IRDP
Institute for Research & Development of Policy (IRDP) is an independent and not-for-profit think tank with a mission to advance accountability, equity and sustainability in Malaysia through research, advocacy and talent building programs that promote responsible democracy, inclusive public policy and sustainable development.
They collaborated with USAID under its Malaysia Reform Initiative (MARI) program to conduct an artificial-intelligence-powered study on the Parliament Hansard by evaluating topics discussed in the august hall. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of Malaysian Members of Parliament (MPs) during parliamentary proceedings, especially on debating issues of public policy. From the study, a report on the analysis of Parliament Hansard has been published.
IRDP also provides suggestions on how MPs could better discharge their statutory duties and focus on matters relating to public policy instead of politicking.