What does AOD do?

JW: Our work aims to create a more just and equitable nation for all identities. If enough youths grow up valuing diversity and inclusion, national change can happen. AOD acts on the question: How do we build social resilience against discrimination and injustice to turn the tide?

We have three approaches—youths, educators and institutions. AOD has empowered over 500 youths as agents for multiracial statecraft and conflict resolution across various workshops and camps.

We are the first to pioneer local diversity, equity and inclusion education by preparing teaching materials and training educators as champions against prejudices. AOD also campaigns for anti-discrimination in education through research and strategic communication, with direct action in the pipeline.

Related: 3 Education Advocates Who are Shaping Asia's Future Leaders

What must be done to bridge the diversity gap?

JW: For a more equitable future to begin, we need those in the positions of power to advance ideas for combatting identity-based injustice. AOD is building the set of knowledge, discourse and network that will enable Malaysians to make such change a reality.

We gather victim testimonies, develop policy discussions and equip advocates to raise the ability of a conscious public to resist polarising forces and demand for an inclusive society.

See also: Sometimes It Takes a Pandemic to Reveal Strength and Possibility

What have been some of the most memorable youth programmes AOD had held? 

One event that I will always remember was a camp with Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia and Dong Zong that brought students from completely different education streams together.

One of our signature activities is running a conflict simulation—participants are sorted into different groups and have to make sure their demands are accepted by everyone. The catch is that these demands are irreconcilable. The issues are meant to be silly but the goal is to teach how to navigate conflict when communication is difficult.

Since most participants from the above camp weren't proficient in a single language, negotiations were messy—but that's a feature of diversity! Rather than insisting on one language, they ended up translating communication into three different languages. In many ways, it cemented the need to consider the perspective of others and find creative ways to bridge the divide.

Related: How Dr Vanessa von Auer Is Transforming Education With Inclusivity and Collaboration

How do you think we can remove the social stigma surrounding the conversation on diversity gap here?

Malaysians need to embrace the messiness of diversity. We have become consumers of decades of patriotic campaigns that we shy away from difficult conversations on how the nation has failed certain groups.

For many minorities, this conversation can be really exhausting. Yet, I hope Malaysians can find their own space to challenge discrimination and champion inclusion in their own ways, be it in schools, in the workplace or on social media.

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