The hipster subculture is the latest trend that young people subscribe to, and which has received special attention from both global and local policy-makers.
Even WikiHow.com, an online database of how-to guides, has uploaded information on how to be a hipster in terms of fashion, health, lifestyle, indie entertainment and socialising.
In Malaysia, hispterism which has been growing for the past few years, has even caught the attention of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is carrying out the duties of UMNO deputy president.
When opening an UMNO division delegates meeting recently, he called on the party leaders to understand the subculture in the move to win the hearts of young urban voters.
The hipster subculture is mainly associated with affluent or middle-class youths with a preference for indie or alternative music, and have varied non-mainstream fashion sensibility, generally progressive political views and alternative lifestyles, among the new trends.
Among the party leaders who have adapted well to hipsterism is Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, who is also UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth leader who is the perfect example of how the subculture could be placed side by side with politics.
Not only does Khairy speak, dress up and act like a 'true blue' hipster, the 40-year-old Rembau Member of Parliament also has the natural talent of mixing around well with the young, no matter from which race or background they come from.
And the impact of this can be seen from his 1.4 million followers on Twitter, 456,000 on Instagram, and approximately one million likes on his Facebook.
Since appointed as Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy has successfully initiated several programmes that have significantly put the millennials closer to the ruling government.
National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) executive director, Norizan Sharif described this group as quite ambitious and prepared to take up any challenge, and work within their own group, besides preferring to be less dependent on the government.
"What the government needs to do is to engage with this group, and facilitate their business needs and requirements," he suggested.
Former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia sociology lecturer, Dr Fatimah Abdullah feels that politicians and the government need to engage with this group in various activities including volunteerism, arts, gardening, crafts, and even creative writing so that their talents can be nurtured.
"Try to be appreciative of them, then the millennials would feel they are part of society and their existence well recognised," she said.
A young Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) lecturer, who wished to remain anonymous, said the approach must be made in line with the youth's aspirations.
"For example, setting up AKHI (Akademi Kepimpinan Kapten Hussein or Captain Hussein Leadership Academy) by UMNO Youth is a good start in order to be close to the young. The way the programmes are conducted - quite casual and laidback... will put young people at ease.
"But the hipster kind of approach must be comprehensive because the needs of today's youths vary. Some of them like to be engaged on official or professional platforms like the Youth Parliament or AKHI, while some prefer to be engaged in an unofficial basis like a teh tarik talk or something similar."
He said communication would be successful if their grouses were heard and addressed accordingly over issues like the lack of affordable homes, rising cost of living, and employment.
"I think these are (among) the pressing problems faced by the urbanites," the lecturer said.
Azraei Muhamad, the author of 'Enam Angka Menjelang Dua Puluh Lima', believes that it is crucial for the government and politicians to have a better understanding of the hipster generation.
"In this era of free access to information, there is a need for more engagements between the government and politicians and the rakyat, in order to empathise with the people over issues and problems, and to take the necessary action," he said.
Bernama
Mon Aug 22 2016
One politician who adapts well to hipsterism is Khairy Jamaluddin - the perfect example of how the subculture could be placed side by side with politics. - fotoBERNAMA/ File
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.