Abstract
Recent labour market developments indicate the vulnerability of our youth (15-24 years) in securing and retaining good quality jobs in the economy. Although youth represent only 19 percent of our population, they make up almost 56.4% of all unemployed persons in Malaysia. In fact, the persistence of youth unemployment is also becoming an important issue in the labour market. This will have a larger social and economic ramifications as investment in younger workforce will translate to stronger economic fundamentals that will drive medium to long-term growth of the Malaysian economy. Prolonged unemployment reduces the long-term employability of youth, reduce their earning capacity, and also exert a heavy psychological toll on the unemployed individual.

This half-day event brings together policymakers, academics, youth representatives and other key stakeholders in order to discuss the issues related to youth employment (unemployment) in Malaysian economy. It highlights the role of the state in creating secure employment, improve job security and social protection for youth, as well as restructuring our industries towards more productive, knowledge-intensive sectors.