Goodall: Stand firm in your beliefs

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian youth were called to stand firm in their beliefs and work towards achieving them.
Speaking at a launch of her youth programme "Roots & Shoots" in Malaysia on Friday, world famous renowned primatologist, conservationist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace Dr Jane Goodall said: "If you believe it's a good idea, you must never give up on it. It may be small things like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or eating lesser meat, but if you think it would be your part in helping the environment, then you should do it.
"And you will not be alone in doing so, Roots & Shoots brings together like minded young people who want to make the world a better place. That is how we bring all the little pieces together, and together we can make a difference."
"It is often said think globally, act locally. But if you think globally, all the bad news about the world may be overwhelming. So make a small difference, in your surroundings. And when more people do it, it would make a huge impact," she said.
The launch of the programme was made possible by a grant of RM500,000 from Berjaya founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan through the Better Malaysia Foundation.
Goodall was also the recipient of the Better Malaysia Foundation Personality of the Year 2015, presented at the annual Berjaya Founder's Day in February last year.
"The RM500,000 contributed is a small amount compared to the huge sacrifice Dr Goodall has made in her efforts to make a difference. She may have convinced me to become a vegetarian as well. And perhaps it is time for Berjaya to think about establishing a chain of vegetarian restaurants," Tan said in his speech, clearly influenced by Goodall to also join the bandwagon of making changes in the world.
Goodall is also working on creating a blog aptly titled "Jane Goodall's All Good News" to share with the world positive news and stories.
She delivered a talk titled "Reason of Hope" to an audience of more than 2,000, mostly youths, at the launch at Berjaya Times Square.
The talk was presented by the newly launched Roots & Shoots Malaysia, a youth programme founded by Goodall with the support of Berjaya Youth (B.Youth), a youth empowerment initiative by Berjaya Corporation Berhad.
The programme will partner B.Youth to promote volunteerism amongst youth in Malaysia.
The Roots & Shoots programme, which began in 1991, is about making positive change for the people, animals and the environment.
With more than 150,000 groups across 130 countries, it connects people with the desire to create a better world.
Also present was Datuk Seri Robin Tan, chief executive officer and chairman of Berjaya Corporation Berhad.