KUCHING: Our youngsters must take the opportunity to actively delve into sectors related to digital economy, especially at the international level as trained experts, urged Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Take this opportunity to prove that Sarawak’s youths will become leaders in digital economy in this country,” he said during his speech at the state-level National Youth Day 2020 celebration themed ‘This Decade Is Your Decade’ at Pullman Hotel here today.
At the same time, he commended Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s foresight and knowledge in digital economy matters.
Abdul Karim also said the government was committed in looking at how to create quality employment opportunities with decent remunerations to face the post Covid-19 phase and other challenges that lie ahead.
“The development of the country’s digital economy needs to be fully utilised. In addition, youths now are the main users of ICT in Malaysia,” he said.
He said youths could certainly make full use of the various initiatives related to technology and ICT implemented by the government, which would enable them to explore opportunities in generating income.
“The state government with the cooperation of private sector agencies has implemented numerous initiatives such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018-2022, whereby one of the main missions is to increase youth employment,” he said, adding that many more initiatives had been introduced to develop the digital economy for the wellbeing of Sarawakians.
Abdul Karim, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, said the government acknowledged that youths in rural areas might find it difficult to make full use of digital methods.
“Thus, the government welcomes initiatives from various parties which can help rural youths enhance their potential according to local needs without having to move to urban areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the minister said Sarawak Youth Index Study in 2019 had shown that Sarawak youths were very patriotic and united. He said this should be a catalyst for all parties to always strive to improve and prepare themselves with various knowledge and skills.
“Let us strengthen our similarities and celebrate the differences within our multicultural society,” he said, emphasising values such as love for the nation, unity, humanity, and understanding.
He also urged for all to work together in combating the Covid-19 pandemic and expressing gratitude for our frontliners.
He said the National Youth Day celebration this year had been postponed from May 15 to August 15 this year in conjunction with International Youth Day set on August 12 by the United Nations, as well as due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the event, the annual National Youth Premier Awards (Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara) were presented, which Abdul Karim said was the government’s significant recognition of youths who had contributed in various fields.
Besides this, Excellent Service Awards were also presented to outstanding staff of the Youth and Sports Department Sarawak.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Sarawak Federal Secretary Mohd Shahabuddin Omar, Ministry of Youth and Sports permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi, and Youth and Sports Department Sarawak director Azura Sarbin.
