KAPIT: The Sarawak government recognises the crucial role of youth in the state’s development, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He urged the youth to therefore seize the opportunities in the ongoing development initiatives.
“The recent Sarawak 2024 budget allocates RM6.1 million for the enhancement of youth development programmes, including those on sports and culture.
“Additionally, RM2 million is designated for the development of young entrepreneurs in Sarawak, aiming to boost the income of our Sarawakian youth. The allocated RM8.1 million will fund various holistic programmes,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in a speech delivered by Youth, Sport, and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the state-level Youth Day at Dewan Suarah Kapit here Saturday (Dec 2).
Abang Johari said the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) by the state government has laid a clear foundation and direction for the youth to continue Sarawak’s excellence.
“Whether in volunteerism, economic development, sports, creative industries, or other fields, Sarawak needs new talents grounded in innovation and digital technology.
“Youth maximising innovation and digital technology can optimise the effectiveness of their respective fields, aiming to achieve the aspiration of Sarawak Maju 2030 and positioning Sarawak’s youth on a global scale,” he added.
Meanwhile, to empower Sarawak entrepreneurs through the Digital Economy development, Abang Johari said the government has established a new portfolio namely Youth Technopreneurs, focusing on Sarawak Youth under the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Entrepreneur Development.
Abang Johari believed the ministry will provide and design high-impact programmes in Sarawak by implementing innovation and digital technology among youth entrepreneurs.
“The development of Youth Technopreneur aims to equip the youth with technological components relevant to contemporary business.
“I trust that youth entrepreneurs operating through technological expertise will facilitate the formulation of holistic strategies and enable informed business decisions,” he stressed.
Also present were Abdul Karim’s deputies Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Dr Ripin Lamat, Works Minister cum Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
