Nur Atika Binti HairiAida Zulaikha Binti ZulkeflyAisya Khadijah Binti Mohd HamidiZarina binti BasryAida Zukrina ZulkeflyAndi Nur Nabilah Syafiqah binti BachoNur Hidayah binti Razlan2025-08-052025-08-052025Nur Atika Binti Hairi, Aida Zulaikha Binti Zulkefly, Aisya Khadijah Binti Mohd Hamidi, Zarina binti Basry, Aida Zukrina Zulkefly, Andi Nur Nabilah Syafiqah binti Bacho & Nur Hidayah binti Razlan. (2025). Malaysian Youth & Political Socialization: Navigating Democracy, Leadership, and Global Citizenship. International Conference and Innovation on Education, Science & Technology (ICIEST 2025), 19–26.978-629-95846-0-5https://flip.usim.edu.my/permatainsan/iciest2025/Proceeding-ICIEST-2025.pdfhttps://oarep.usim.edu.my/handle/123456789/27346International Conference And Innovation On Education, Science & Technology (ICIEST 2025) “Fostering Innovation And Creativity Through Education, Science & Technology” 21st June 2025 Editor : Hatika Kaco, Diani Mardiana Mat Zin, Fadzidah Mohd Idris, Siti Munirah Mohd Nurhidaya Mohamad Jan, Nor Atirah Izzah Zulkefli, Nadiah Suboh Organised by : Education & Advanced Sustainability (EdAS) unit, Kolej PERMATA Insan, Universiti Sains Islam MalaysiaThis mixed-methods study investigates political socialization among Malaysian youth, analyzing data from the Malaysian Youth Index 2023 (N=5,414) and 12 focus group discussions. Findings reveal a digital paradox where high social media engagement (92%) coexists with low political literacy (5.2/10), exacerbated by algorithmic echo chambers. Significant urban-rural disparities (18-point gap) persist due to unequal access to civic education and digital infrastructure. While digital activism is prevalent (43%), formal political participation remains low (6%). The study proposes a Hybrid Political Socialization Model integrating digital platforms, mentorship programs, and community hubs to enhance youth engagement. Key recommendations include: (1) curriculum reforms emphasizing critical digital literacy, (2) accelerated rural digital development, and (3) institutionalized youth cocreation in policymaking. These findings offer both theoretical insights into digital-era citizenship and practical strategies for strengthening youth political participation in Malaysia’s multicultural democracy.en-USYouth political engagementdigital citizenshippolitical literacycivic educationMalaysia.text::conference output::conference proceedings::conference paper1926