His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim yesterday attended a youth meeting held at Pusat Belia in the capital.

The meeting which was organised by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports was attended by more than 70 participants comprising youths from various background such as musicians, art enthusiasts, those who are involved in extreme sports, as well as secondary and college students.

In her welcoming address, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, the Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said that the meeting was held to obtain feedbacks from youths towards the ministry's efforts in implementing the rebranding of Pusat Belia or Youth Centre in the capital and Taman Belia, or Youth Park.

"This is an opportunity for youths to express their ideas directly so that the ministry can plan and implement programmes and activities to suit youths' interests, while at the same time still sticking to Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) as guidelines and in together achieving the nation's aspiration of Vision 2035," she said.

"The rebranding image will reflect intelligence and dynamism that will involve associations, as well as youth themselves on the input programmes such as entrepreneurship, arts, cultures, jamming facilities, music studios, cyber cafes, ICT products, and so on.

"The feedback from the youths is vital as they are stakeholders, and the input that is provided is important towards the advancement and development of youths' contributions to the nation," she said.

During yesterday's meeting, several youths shared their ideas on the rebranding and renaming of Youth Park, including proposing designs, colours, facilities and amenities, as well as concepts.

Some of the youth also suggested that the new image should feature lively, vibrant colours with modern designs and artistic feature.

Once the rebranding has taken place, the centre will be equipped with training rooms, cafeteria and food stalls, computer rooms and studio jamming rooms to enhance youths' talents in music and arts.

Meanwhile, at the meeting, Abd Salam bin Hj Md Noh, the Acting Senior Engineer of Work at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, delivered a presentation on the Youth Park. The park is scheduled to be opened sometime in June or July this year. The park, which costs almost one million dollars, will feature a remote control car circuit, skateboarding area and a mini-theatre, of which 95 per cent is already completed. The second phase project will feature a rock climbing wall and teambuilding facilities.

As part of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports efforts in involving youths to participate and assist the ministry in proposing new design for the centre, the public can contribute their ideas by visiting the ministry's website, Facebook page and Twitter page. - Borneo Bulletin (16 March 2012)