NEXTGEN Youth Symposium 2026

Ever felt like you had to choose between being ambitious and being a good Muslim?  

Ustaz Fathurrahman will explore how Muslims can approach their careers as an act of ibadah (worship) – seeing work not simply as a means of earning a living, but an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society when guided by the right niyyah (intention). 

He will also explore the Islamic concept of rizq (sustenance), and how it extends beyond one’s salary to encompass meaning, contentment and purpose. 

The keynote will consider some of the realities of contemporary working life, including the pressures of hustle culture and burnout, and how tawakkul (trust in Allah) and sabr (patience and resilience) can help Muslims navigate demanding and competitive environments. 

Following the keynote, Ustaz Fathurrahman will be joined by Mr Effendy Ibrahim for a dialogue exploring questions young Muslims may encounter in their professional lives: How do we maintain sincerity while seeking recognition at work? How can we practise tawakkul amid uncertainty and pressure? And how can faith remain an anchor as our careers evolve? 

Guest-of-Honour's reflection
Following the dialogue, Guest-of-Honour Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health and National Development, will share his reflections on the discussion and its relevance to young Muslims as they navigate their career journeys.

NEXTGEN Youth Symposium 2026 will also see the launch of the Youth Meets Career Playbook, a practical resource developed by young Muslim professionals for young Muslim professionals. 

The playbook provides faith-grounded guidance on topics ranging from performing prayers at work and navigating imposter syndrome to financial literacy, artificial intelligence (AI) and representing Islamic values positively in the workplace. 

What does it mean to live your faith in the workplace? 

Three young Muslim professionals from technology, public policy and healthcare will share their experiences of navigating faith and career – from the challenges and decisions they have encountered to the ways their faith shapes how they lead, communicate and contribute professionally. 

Together, they will explore what it means to represent Islam positively in one’s profession, navigate situations where faith and workplace expectations intersect and remain grounded in purpose and rizq amid developments such as AI and automation.

Complete all five zones to redeem a complimentary professional profile photo to support your career journey. 

Zone 1 - Explore 

Discover your interests and different career pathways through a range of career booths spanning industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and more 

Zone 2 - Connect 

Connect with a mentor whose experience is relevant to your professional journey and gain insights through a focused conversation. 

Zone 3 - Engage 

Meet industry professionals, ask questions and gain first-hand perspectives on working in different sectors and professions. 

Zone 4 - Elevate 

Take part in career workshops designed to strengthen practical skills and help prepare you for the workplace. 

Zone 5 - Reflect 

Conclude your NEXTGEN Youth Symposium experience at the Commitment Wall, where you can reflect on what you have learnt, capture memories from the day and set your intentions for the journey ahead.