From Malaysia’s 25-year-old minister to North Korean defector activists, these people’s stories fascinated Asia in 2018

Individuals whose unique experiences helped define 2018 look back on a tumultuous year and share their hopes for 2019

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From Malaysia’s 25-year-old minister to North Korean defector activists, these people’s stories fascinated Asia in 2018

Published: 11:02am, 27 Dec 2018Updated: 4:36pm, 27 Dec 2018

Over the past year This Week In Asia has published stories featuring people whose unique experiences reflected the highs and lows of a tumultuous 2018. We caught up with some of these individuals to see how the year turned out for them, and ask about their hopes for 2019.

In their own words, here is a look at the year gone by and what is to come.

Syed Saddiq and Malaysian politics

Syed Saddiq, 25, made history by becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Asia, following 93-year-old Mahathir Mohamad’s shock general election victory in May. Saddiq, the minister for youth and sport, has outlined policy priorities which include increasing public interest in the Paralympic Games, lowering the voting age (which has already been achieved) and empowering youth NGOs.

“I’m truly honoured to be selected to the Malaysian cabinet. This is not just a personal victory but also for all the youth of Malaysia who were pivotal to the historic election that took place in 2018. To have a say in the top level decision making process is what the youth want as we are the leaders of today.

My ministry does not take the youth or sports elements lightly. We need to strike a balance between both so that we grow as a community. What I want to personally promote is sports for everyone, that includes the elderly as well. We want to be a sporting nation that does not forsake anyone.

Syed Saddiq, Asia’s youngest cabinet minister. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

As for the youth agenda, we want to make the young Malaysians independent, business savvy and have critical thinking skills. This would be able to develop new industries as we embark into the IR4.0 that will grow the economy. We are also looking to form the Malaysian Future Leaders School to breed the new era of leaders for the modern age.