At-Risk Generation Z: Values, Talents and Challenges

In Malaysia, the opportunity to acquire for education and training are widely open to all individuals, regardless of their ethnics and demographic backgrounds. As a civilized society, it is a collected responsibility to ensure there is no one among the young people generation who are left behind to enjoy the country’s prosperity and grab the opportunities arising in the era of globalization together. In fact, teenagers or young generation who are considered at risk should not be regarded as a problem to society or the state. We have accepted that every individual has the potential to be highlighted and shared if they are given a meaningful chance and opportunity. The study on “At-risk Generation Z: Values, talents and life challenges in the 21st century and the future” attempts to discuss the growth of changing in the state and society, particularly in the economic, political and social development based on the context of globalization and cyber world today also their impact on the at-risk Generation Z. The main research problem of this study is related to the current debate about the Generation Z and the question of their identity, values, potential and talents. What are the identity and values of the at-risk Generation Z, how to develop their potential and talents in order encourage them towards creating an innovative idea, and thus how they can utilize their potentials and talents in confronting the challenges in the future along the mainstream youth. This situation is equivalent with the objectives of National Youth Policy which aims to highlight the potential of each youth to celebrate diversity and differences. The study will also try to get the reaction and views from Generation Z about their expectations and life challenges they faced at present time and in the future. The data collection process using mixed method combining the quantitative and qualitative methods. This study involves 400 respondents among at-risk Generation Z who have been identified and engaged in deviant behavior and family in poverty. With education and training opportunities, exposure to new experiences along with the aspiration to change, can certainly be a driving force to the at-risk Generation Z to learn, recognize their potential, nurture their talent, and increase the capacity and resilience to the current social change.