The Rakan Muda programme is based on the transformation of an implementation  philosophy which had a focus on the individual, to one which has a focus on the community. This philosophy is in line with the Community Youth Development approach. 
The emphasis in the Community Youth Development approach is on the total involvement of youth and local communities. Youth will work together with local communities to carry out various activities including those in the economic, social, and cultural arenas, which would be accomplished through Gaya Hidup Rakan Muda or the Rakan Muda Lifestyle.  This involvement will raise the role of youth in society and bring about overall development to communities. Indirectly, this transformation will also bring youth into the current of national development. 
The core of this movement involves elements of planning, execution, and assessment performed by those who follow the Rakan Muda Lifestyle, based on their preferences and the needs of their communities. Within this core, the main emphasis of the programme is to increase the capabilities of those who live the Rakan Muda Lifestyle, i.e. to equip them with various types of knowledge, skills, expertise, and positive attitudes.
The Rakan Muda Lifestyle will emphasise the self-development of youth in areas such as patriotism, volunteerism, culture, moral education, and 3K development, in line with human capital development as emphasised by our national leadership.