"Teenagers and Social Problems" Symposium - A Platform for Action

Sunway University College’s Sahabat Society (Malay Students Society), SUCI Society and the Language and Compulsory Subjects Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education organized and hosted a Family Symposium with the theme “Teenagers & Social Problems.

The symposium delved into the social influences that have changed the belief system of teenagers in this fast changing world. In particular the symposium highlighted the problems created by social pressures and influences that challenge the beliefs and morals of teenagers. It is hoped that through this, there will be more awareness of these issues and for teachers, parents and young people to play a role that may help to address and overcome these challenges.

Presentation by members of the Sahabat Society, Sunway University College during the symposium

About 400 participants attended the event. 230 were from Sunway University College and there were 150 teachers from the Petaling Utama secondary and primary schools and 50 others from the private and public higher education institutions around Malaysia. The symposium brought together students, parents, lecturers and the public in lectures and a no-holds-barred panel forum.

Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway University College said, “Parents and lecturers who come into contact with teenagers have a vital role to play as do friends and the community. Their bonds of friendship, care and understanding may help to curb delinquency, low self-esteem, anger and other issues that may be the underlying cause of problems. I hope this symposium empowered you to do just that”.

(left to right) Puan Yazilmiwati bt Yaacob, Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director, Sunway University College and Prof Dr. Mohd. Fauzi Bin Hj. Ramlan, Pengarah Bahagian Hal Ehwal dan Penbangunan Pelajar, Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia

The guest of honour was Professor Dr. Mohd Fauzi Bin Hj Ramlan who officially launched the symposium. The sponsors of the event were Ministry of Higher Education, Majlis Agama Islam, Selangor, Utusan Publication Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Galeri Ilmu Sdn Bhd, Sahabat Society Alumni and Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah Bahagian Petaling Utama.