AYVP Malaysia 2024

Theme: Planetary Health

2 – 15 December 2024 | Kuala Lumpur & Johor, Malaysia

Executive Summary

The ASEAN Youth Volunteer Programme (AYVP) Malaysia 2024 successfully brought together 50 young volunteers from seven ASEAN Member States — Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam — for a transformative hybrid experience centered on the theme of Planetary Health. The programme commenced virtually from 2nd to 6th December 2024, with an official opening ceremony featuring addresses from key leadership at UKM and LESTARI. The physical component ran from 7th to 15th December 2024, beginning in Kuala Lumpur and continuing at the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) UKM in Mersing, Johor.

Over the course of the on-ground activities, volunteers engaged in marine conservation fieldwork, cultural immersion, community service, and leadership development. Key highlights included tidal flats exploration and midwater trawling for marine ecosystem education, traditional Malaysian cooking and craft-making, beach cleanup efforts, and learning Zapin dance and Silat. The programme culminated in a Cultural Exchange night and community-facing performances that celebrated ASEAN’s rich socio-cultural diversity.

Day 1 : Arrival of Volunteers 7 December 2024 | Kuala Lumpur

On 7th December 2024, volunteers from across the ASEAN region began arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking the official start of the physical component of AYVP Malaysia 2024. Upon arrival, each volunteer was warmly welcomed by the programme secretariat and received their programme kits. The atmosphere was filled with energy and anticipation as participants, many meeting in person for the first time, began forming connections that would grow throughout the week ahead.

Day 2 : Journey to Mersing 8 December 2024 | Johor

The second day saw the entire cohort travel to Mersing, Johor, where the main on-ground activities would take place. The journey was filled with excitement as volunteers looked forward to the days ahead. Upon arrival, icebreaker sessions were conducted by facilitators and secretariat members, helping to break down barriers and build a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. These activities set a positive and collaborative tone for the immersive experiences to come.

Day 3 : Marine Conservation in Action 9 December 2024 | Johor

Day three focused on hands-on marine conservation. Volunteers explored the tidal flats of Pulau Mawar, gaining direct exposure to coastal ecosystems. Later in the day, the group took part in a midwater trawling activity at Tanjung Resang Beach. These practical learning sessions equipped participants with new skills and insights into marine biodiversity and the importance of protecting ocean environments. The day was widely regarded as a turning point for many volunteers, deepening their understanding of the programme’s planetary health theme.

Day 4 : Culture, Creativity, and Cleanup 10 December 2024 | Johor

The fourth day blended cultural heritage with environmental action. Volunteers participated in making Keropok Lekor, a traditional Malaysian fish cracker, and engaged in crafting picture frames using local materials. The day also included a beach cleanup at Tanjung Resang Beach, where teamwork and sustainability took centre stage. Through these activities, volunteers experienced how local traditions and environmental stewardship can come together meaningfully.

Day 5: Cultural Immersion and Exchange 11 December 2024 | Johor

Day five was dedicated entirely to cultural immersion. Volunteers learned two traditional Malaysian art forms: the graceful Zapin dance and the disciplined martial art of Silat. The evening culminated in a Cultural Exchange night, where volunteers showcased their own ASEAN traditions through performances that drew applause and admiration from the entire group. It was a powerful celebration of ASEAN’s diverse identities and a highlight of the programme’s socio-cultural objectives.

Day 6 : Community, Cooking, and Closing Performances 12 December 2024 | Johor

On the sixth day, volunteers took their learning to the local community by cooking Malaysian dishes for residents. This act of service and sharing deepened the bond between participants and their host community. That evening, volunteers delivered their final performances of Silat and Zapin in front of an appreciative crowd. The night was filled with love, cheers, and a sense of accomplishment, bringing the on-ground activities of AYVP Malaysia 2024 to a memorable close.