From artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship to future-ready skills and community wellbeing, UniKL Business School students explored how young people can play a more active role in shaping the future of Malaysia’s rural communities at Konvensyen Belia Desa 2026.
Held from 1 to 3 September 2026 at Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie, the three-day convention brought together approximately 300 students in a shared platform for youth development, knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving and community-focused innovation.
UniKL Business School students were among those selected to participate in the programme.
Rather than positioning young people simply as beneficiaries of development, the convention encouraged them to see themselves as contributors capable of applying their knowledge, creativity, digital skills and networks to challenges faced by villages and local communities.
Through knowledge-sharing sessions, interactive activities and group discussions, participants examined how ideas developed in the classroom could be translated into practical action at the community level.
A key feature of Konvensyen Belia Desa 2026 was its five-group discussion approach, which allowed participants to explore different dimensions of rural youth development.
The areas covered leadership, patriotism and volunteerism; economy, entrepreneurship and rural youth income; careers and future skills; digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and rural youth innovation; as well as holistic wellbeing and inclusion.
The inclusion of digitalisation, AI and innovation was particularly relevant as communities adapt to rapid technological change.
Participants were encouraged to consider not only the challenges facing rural communities, but also the resources, technology and collaborative opportunities that could help address them.
This approach reflects the growing importance of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, youth innovation, entrepreneurship and future-ready skills in building inclusive and resilient communities.
Throughout the programme, participants were challenged to move beyond identifying problems and instead ask what young people could realistically do to make a difference.
Potential youth-led responses could range from local entrepreneurship initiatives and digital awareness campaigns to volunteer programmes, skills-sharing activities and partnerships with existing community organisations.
Konvensyen Belia Desa 2026 also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified in the programme report.
Its emphasis on knowledge and skills development supports SDG 4: Quality Education, while discussions on entrepreneurship, employment and rural youth income connect with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
The focus on inclusion and community participation contributes to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, while collaboration among students, communities, organisations and other stakeholders reflects SDG 17: Partnerships.
