Commonwealth Secretariat
  1. Home
  2. What's New
  3. Who We Are
  4. What We Do
    1. Democracy
    2. Economics
    3. Education
    4. Gender
    5. Governance
    6. Health
    7. Human Rights
    8. Law
    9. Small States
    10. Sport
    11. Sustainability
    12. Youth
    13. Millennium Development Goals
    14. Funding
  5. News
    1. Events
    2. News Archive Search
    3. Picture Stories
  6. Media Room
    1. Press Archive Search
    2. Media Contacts
    3. Video
    4. Events
    5. In the Media
    6. Updates
    7. Downloads
  7. Resources
    1. Documents
    2. Image Library
    3. Libary & Archives
    4. Publications
  8. Publications
  9. Employment
  10. FAQs
    1. Acronyms
  11. Contact Us

Malaysian Deputy Youth Minister Visits CYP Asia Centre

17 June 2004

Malaysia's Deputy Youth Minister Ong Tee Keat visited the Asia Centre of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) in Chandigarh, India, from 11 to 12 June 2004, as part of a familiarisation study tour for senior youth ministry officials from Commonwealth countries in Asia.

The visit to India allowed Mr Ong to meet with his Indian counterpart and learn about youth issues in India. The Deputy Minister was introduced to the CYP Asia Centre's activities and facilities. During his visit he launched the report on 'Youth and Volunteerism' produced by the Centre and launched the latest issue of CYP Asia Centre's news magazine -- 'Young Asia'.

Mr Ong also visited the 'CYPTEC on Wheels', a mobile computer centre launched in 2002. The CYP Technology Empowerment Centre (CYPTEC) helps to overcome the digital divide by providing information technology (IT) training for young people, especially 'CYPTEC on Wheels', which targets young people, especially those living in rural communities with no access to computers.

"I am here to explore the nature and cost-effectiveness of such programmes. I am deeply impressed by the commitment of the staff of CYP Asia Centre led by the Regional Director," the Deputy Minister said after his tour.

Mr Ong also met with some of the CYP's Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living, who provide peer counselling and prevention advice on HIV/AIDS. The Deputy Minister said: "These young people are doing a tremendous and important job."

During his visit to India, Mr Ong met with the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Dutt, in New Delhi on Thursday, 10 June 2004. They discussed youth and development activities in their respective countries.

Mr Ong's visit is part of CYP's Fellowship Programme. Through this scheme, youth ministries in Commonwealth Asian countries share experiences and models of best practice. The ministry officials also talk to young citizens, in each other's countries, to gain a better understanding of the issues they face. The Fellowship enables governments to learn from each other and adopt effective approaches to youth development.

Share this page
About this