TITLE:
Building from Within: Identity and Inner Capacities in the Positive Development of Malay Youth in Singapore
AUTHORS:
Karen Hor, Sylvia Chong, You Jin Chung, Zuldanial Anxary Bin Zulkarnain
KEYWORDS:
Positive Youth Development (PYD), Malay Youth, Singapore, Self-Concept, Relational Autonomy, Prosocial Values, Self-in-Context Model
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.14 No.6,
June
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study examines the developmental strengths of Malay youth in Singapore through a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework, focusing on Identity and Inner Capacities. Using a sequential mixed-methods design, survey data from 615 secondary school students were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, identifying three core factors: self-concept, relational autonomy, and prosocial values. Self-concept recorded the lowest mean (M = 3.26), while relational autonomy (M = 3.61) and prosocial values (M = 3.74) were comparatively strong. Quantitative differences were observed across gender, school level, and household size. Eight focus group discussions with 41 youths provided interpretive depth. Qualitative findings showed that lower self-concept reflected relational and situated understandings rather than a lack of capacity. Autonomy was negotiated within family relationships, while prosocial values were enacted through caregiving, religious practices, and community involvement. Together, the findings highlight that Malay youths’ developmental strengths are embedded in relational, cultural, and structural contexts, affirming the relevance of the Self-in-Context model for understanding youth development in Singapore. The study underscores the importance of ‘building from within’ by recognising and strengthening internal capacities alongside relational supports. Implications are discussed for school-based practices, family-engaged interventions, and community-led programmes.