ASAJAYA: A proposed ‘One CEO One Village’ initiative could empower young people to lead grassroots development and cultivate skilled, forward-looking rural leaders.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said the proposal was among the ideas presented at the 2026 Rural Youth Convention in Shah Alam, Selangor, last week.
“One proposal that particularly caught my attention was for the ministry to provide a platform to develop one young person under the ‘One CEO One Village’ concept.
“This means having one young leader in every village. We recognise their potential to participate, become involved and contribute towards developing rural areas, particularly villages,” she said when officiating at the Reborn PUBG Mobile 2026 Esports Championship at Asajaya Hulu Hall today.
Rubiah said similar approaches had been implemented in countries such as South Korea and Japan.
She said participants at the convention formulated five pillars and 10 commitments aimed at advancing rural development, including the ‘One CEO One Village’ proposal.
“They also called for the establishment of Smart Villages, improved information technology facilities, and better internet connectivity in rural areas.
“They further urged us to explore ways of providing young people with opportunities to master information technology-related entrepreneurship in rural communities,” she said.
Rubiah said young people possessed ideas and initiative that could meaningfully contribute to rural development.
“I believe the young people here can make similar contributions to Kota Samarahan, particularly in our efforts to further develop Asajaya and Kota Samarahan,” she added.
For the record, the ministry outlined five pillars and 10 key commitments under the Rural Youth Resolution 2035 to strengthen the role of rural youth as a driving force in national development.
Rubiah said the resolution was formulated through the 2026 Rural Youth Convention, which brought together rural youth leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, industry representatives and academics.
