The year 2025 marked a significant shift in the youth development landscape as Jaguh Rakan Muda emerged as a catalyst for a new wave within the Rakan Muda initiative. Fresher, more in tune with the realities of young people, and more impactful, the programme was not merely entertainment but an experience that shaped a new narrative of who Malaysian youth are today.

Through its reality format, Jaguh Rakan Muda successfully connected youth development values with a style of presentation that resonates with today’s generation. A total of 80 participants from diverse backgrounds were selected to undergo a series of challenges that tested their physical, mental, and emotional strength. The rigorous selection process, which saw only 24 participants advancing to the final stage, reflected the programme’s emphasis on quality, discipline, and resilience.

What truly sparked this new wave was the practical translation of the 10 Rakan Muda Lifestyle pillars. Values such as fitness, leadership, volunteerism, creativity, social skills, and mental well-being were not presented merely as theory. Instead, they were tested through real challenges, making the message more meaningful and relatable to the lives of young people.

The victory of the Harimau Merah group, who claimed the championship title along with a RM100,000 prize, symbolised the peak of this wave. However, the impact of Jaguh Rakan Muda went far beyond the win. The participants emerged as the new faces of Rakan Muda: authentic, courageous, and reflective of the diversity of Malaysian youth. They became icons who demonstrated that personal growth could take place in an environment that is challenging, exciting, and meaningful.

As an initiative by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Jaguh Rakan Muda successfully reignited youth interest and engagement with Rakan Muda. It transformed public perception from seeing it as a symbolic programme into a platform that genuinely builds character and self-confidence.

Jaguh Rakan Muda has created a new wave in 2025, a wave that inspires youth to be more active, more courageous, and more prepared to shape their own future.

You can still catch Jaguh Rakan Muda anytime on Astro Go or sooka.