Youth development key to Sabah's future under SMJ, says Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor poses with participants of the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' after officiating its closing at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.
KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Youth development remains a key priority under the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, in alignment with the national Ekonomi MADANI framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He said youths are not only beneficiaries of government policies but also agents of change and driving forces behind a resilient and inclusive state development agenda.
'Youth economic development is no longer an option, it is a strategic necessity. Young people are the heartbeat of the future and will steer the direction of our state,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' held at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday.
Hajiji said the state government has allocated RM101.49 million to the state Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to carry out various youth and sports development programmes, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development.
He added that several initiatives have been introduced to ensure Sabah youths are equipped to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship Programme, which provides direct exposure to government policies and administration.
'Through this programme, youths are shaped not just in terms of knowledge but also in leadership and national values, enabling them to contribute effectively to the state's development,' he said.
He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (SYABAS), which offers grants, training and mentorship to young people keen on venturing into business.
He said Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, especially in key focus sectors under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries.
'The vast potential that Sabah holds must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that young people are not merely observers, but become key players in the state's economy,' he stressed.
Hajiji also commended the organisation of the forum, which not only served as a platform for discussion but also created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen holistic youth development efforts.
He believes that a collaborative approach through synergy between stakeholders will ensure that Sabah's youth talents and potential are fully nurtured, contributing meaningfully to the state's development agenda.
He emphasised that close cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to translate youth aspirations into impactful policies for grassroots communities.
'I believe that with the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya and the principles of Ekonomi MADANI, Sabah's youth are capable of building a more progressive, balanced and competitive future,' he said.
Hajiji also suggested that similar youth economic forums be held in other districts throughout Sabah, so that the voices of rural youth can also be heard and elevated.
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