Growth of youth potential among priorities
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Hajiji and other guests pose for a photo with participants of the forum. Kota Kinabalu: Youth development has become one of the priorities in the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy, in line with the national Ekonomi Madani framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said that youth not only play a role as beneficiaries of policies, but are also agents of change and driving forces for a resilient and inclusive state development. 'Youth economic development is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. Youth are the heartbeat of the future who will steer the direction of the state. 'Therefore, they must be given space, training and opportunities to actively contribute to the progress of Sabah,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'Madani Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday. Hajiji said the State Government allocated RM101.49 million to the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to implement various youth and sports development programs, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development.
Advertisement He added that various programmes had been introduced to ensure Sabah's youth are prepared to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellow Programme, which offers direct exposure to government policies and administration. 'Through this programme, youth will be shaped not just in terms of knowledge, but also leadership and national values, so that they can contribute effectively to state development,' he said. He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (Syabas), which provides grants, training and guidance for youth interested in venturing into business. He said that Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, particularly in the tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors, which are key focus areas under SMJ. 'The immense potential that this state possesses must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that the younger generation is not merely observers, but key players in the state's economy,' he said. Hajiji also praised organisation of the forum, which not only serves as a platform for discussion but also creates cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen efforts in holistic youth development. He believes that a joint approach through synergy among various stakeholders will ensure that the talents and potential of Sabah's youth are developed to their fullest, thereby contributing to the state's development agenda. He said a strong cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to ensure that youth aspirations can be translated into impactful grassroots policies. '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 youth economic forums like this be held in other districts across Sabah to ensure that the voices of rural youth are also heard and recognised. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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