As a member of the Perdana Fellowship programme, Justin Yeow Kar Yen has just ended his work with the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry under the mentorship of Senior Minister, Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali and Deputy Minister, Datuk Lim Ban Hong.

This third-year student of Finance Programme, Xiamen University Malaysia was selected as one of the 82 Perdana Fellows out of more than 2,000 applicants across the nation.

“Working in the minister’s office is a very unique experience,” said Justin Yeow Kar Yen, “There is no particular daily routine and tasks are all impromptu.”

Initiated by the Malaysian government and spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Perdana Fellowship aims to provide young Malaysians with first-hand experience in matters of national governance. 

Throughout his stint, Justin Yeow Kar Yen was empowered to add value to the office through active involvement in research work, corporate communications and drafting press releases. He also participated in the organization of a series of events, including the budget consultation process of MITI and MOF for Budget 2023, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiations, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) consultation meetings, Parliamentary meetings, Post Cabinet meetings, and MITI Dialogue and Investment Summits.

“This experience has been quite eye-opening. I was able to expand my network, learn how the Ministry drafts policy, facilitates FDI trade investments into the country and the intricacies of multilateral FTA negotiations,” he added.

Started in 2013, the Perdana Fellowship programme serves as an avenue for youth participants to engage with the highest levels of federal government officers and to contribute to nation-building. The chosen participants will be exposed to policy work and assist in national agendas under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers as well as Deputy Ministers. 

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Justin, the first on the right in the photo with YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, the Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry