PARTICIPANT’S QUESTIONNAIRE

GLOBAL YOUTH SYMPOSIUM 2008

UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA, KUALA LUMPUR
19th – 23rd AUGUST 2008

Choose ONE of the topics below. In approximately 150 words, give your opinion on the
topic of your choice.

1. Rebranding capitalism

Capitalism has always been embraced by the economies of democratic

countries. However, the emergence of China and India quickly tips the balance of
comparative advantage concept. The rise of a united Europe and Latin America
also poses a threat to the basic Keynesian practices of capitalism. Furthermore,
following the success of Scandinavian countries in the knowledge-based
economy, some scholars have argued that the capitalism concepts can no longer
be applied. In your opinion, is capitalism still relevant in today’s world?

2. Environmental Responsibilities

The environment as we know is changing rapidly due to men’s action.

Realising this, treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol and Sydney Declaration have
been signed to address the impact environmental change. However, such efforts
are redundant as actions do not follow words. The responsibility towards the
environment is usually overshadowed by countries’ need for development. Due to
the massive impact of environmental deterioration, is it fair for development to
take a backseat now?

3. Media

Alternative media especially Internet has increased access to information

to the public and sparked various controversies as the new matured society is
more ready to challenge status quo. As such, legislators all over the world are
caught in the rut when it comes to legislating the cyberspace. The clamp-down on
“bloggers” in guided democratic countries have sparked outcry that it suppresses
the freedom of expression. However, leaders in such countries argue that such
action is a necessary evil. Discuss the impact of alternative media and its role in
the borderless world.