APR Scout Leaders Urged To Strengthen Unity, Governance To Drive New Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Scout leaders in the Asia-Pacific region have been urged to strengthen unity, clarify their roles and uphold good governance as they implement the region’s new three-year strategic direction.

Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee (APRSC) chairman Mej Gen Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin said the newly elected leadership must work cohesively to drive the development of Scouting across the region, which is home to nearly half of the world’s youth population.

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Scout Committee and Sub-Committee Induction Training at Subang Jaya, Selangor yesterday, he said the induction marked not just an orientation session but the beginning of a new era for regional leadership under the 2025–2028 term.

“The post-pandemic environment demands a more mature and responsive leadership approach that remains focused on the needs of young people. The Asia-Pacific is the largest and most diverse Scouting region in the world, and this diversity is not a challenge but a tremendous strength,” he said.

Mohd Zin outlined seven strategic priorities that will guide the region’s work over the next three years.

These include strengthening growth through wider outreach and community engagement, enhancing leadership training, and modernising youth programmes to incorporate environment, STEM, climate resilience, SDGs, humanitarian skills and leadership development.

He said empowering young people to take meaningful roles in decision-making must also remain a central priority.

“Governance must be enhanced to strengthen the confidence of partners and donors. The agenda of safety, diversity and inclusion must be expanded as non-negotiable priorities,” he said, adding that building organisational capacity in areas such as training, legal governance and disaster preparedness was equally important.

Mohd Zin also emphasised the need to strengthen regional identity and increase the Asia-Pacific region’s influence in global Scouting.

Calling for stronger collaboration across all committees and subcommittees, he reminded leaders that structures must align, avoid working in silos and set measurable targets with transparent monitoring.

“Each of you was chosen not because you were simply available, but because you have the capability and passion to serve,” he said, urging leaders to carry their mandate with courage and responsibility.

-- BERNAMA