KUCHING: Hosting youth events like the Kuching Youth Urban Glamping Festival may serve as a stepping stone for youngsters to start their own businesses.
The event, said Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat, not only emphasised young people’s propensity for glamping activities but also exposed them to innovation, including entrepreneurship.
Dr Ripin, who is also the Lambir assemblyman, was of the opinion that the festival will boost the state government’s ongoing domestic and international tourism promotion efforts.
In light of this, he stated that the ministry will support such future events in the future being held on a greater scale all around the state.
“I hope that more young people will participate in this healthy programme and that more products will be displayed at each booth.
“I was able to see numerous items being produced by young people, and thus I believe that this project will encourage the growth of more young entrepreneurs.
“They have the opportunity to grow their businesses, create new jobs, help other youngsters find work opportunities, and perhaps inspire other youths to engage in this activity,” he told the media after visiting the Kuching Youth Glamping Festival at the Aeon Mall’s rooftop here last night (March 11).
Elaborating, Dr Ripin said his ministry was really happy to see such a programme being organised for the youth.
He added that the ministry would explore the possibility of supporting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and youth clubs in their efforts to organise programmes by offering financial assistance, facilities, and venues.
He also claimed that the ministry might help facilitate the dissemination of these programmes by collaborating with them.
Meanwhile, upon his arrival at the festival, Dr Ripin visited the Sarawak Scouts’ booth, which showcased their camping gadgets and structures as well as some demonstrations.
More than 10 booths operated by young local entrepreneurs are also available at the festival, where they are selling a variety of products and services.
In addition to an outdoor camping and equipment exhibition, the event’s first day’s highlights included skateboard performances by the Black Brigade Skateboard Academy.
To note, the term “glamping,” which is a combination of the words glamorous and camping, refers to “camping with style” as opposed to conventional camping settings.
The festival was organised by Kelab Belia Proactif and Borneo Glamping, with support from AEON Mall as venue partner.
