Government committed to cultivating educated, skilled, and leadership-oriented youth

8 September 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is committed to youth development in the state to nurture a generation with quality knowledge, skills, and leadership.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor stated that human capital development, including youth, is a significant driver of the state's economic growth.

He noted that the availability of a skilled workforce is crucial to support the transition of the economy towards knowledge-based, technology, and innovation activities.

"That is why RM100.17 million has been allocated this year for the management and development of youth and sports advancement in Sabah.

"Of this amount, RM16.89 million is allocated to implement various leadership, skills, and entrepreneurship programs and activities aimed at empowering youth to achieve socio-economic well-being in line with the Sabah Youth Policy," he said.

He said this at the 40th Anniversary Dinner of the Malaysian Youth Movement (YMM) Sabah Branch at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday.

His speech was read by the State Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ellron Angin.

Hajiji stated that the youth are a driving force in various fields, including politics, economics, culture, and education.

"Given the important role of youth in the development of the country and the state, as well as being future leaders, it is essential to establish a robust and systematic youth organization.

Therefore, YMM plays a crucial role alongside the government in youth development in this state," he emphasized.

He hopes that YMM Sabah will create more opportunities to encourage more youth from diverse backgrounds to join the organization, including reaching out to those in rural and suburban areas through outreach programs.

He stated that this is to ensure that youth in suburban and rural areas also have the opportunity to participate in various training, educational programs, counseling, and social education to enhance their potential.

According to him, YMM Sabah, recognized as a "Five-Star" youth organization by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has successfully played an important role in assisting the development and empowerment of youth in the state.

He noted that through YMM's efforts, many young people have been guided and their talents honed through various training programs organized to cultivate youth who think critically and act more maturely in terms of politics, economics, culture, and education.

"I hope YMM will continue to work diligently to instill noble values among the youth so that they become dedicated, rational, and sincere individuals who actively participate in youth activities and contribute their energy to the development of the nation.

"This aligns with the government's policy to strengthen quality human capital. This is to ensure that YMM remains relevant in empowering the youth in this state," he said.