Kiulu Assemblyman Launches Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Fund

24 November 2024

KIULU: Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Kiulu State Assemblyman (ADUN), has officially launched the Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Fund, aimed at empowering young people and promoting sustainable development in Kiulu.

The announcement was made during the Youth and Tourism Program, held in conjunction with the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the district level in Kampung Malangang Lama on Sunday. The event attracted over 100 youth and young women from across Kiulu.

Joniston revealed that the fund, which has an initial allocation of RM50,000, is dedicated to supporting youth initiatives that benefit the local community and foster economic and social development within the district.

"The youth are the backbone of sustainable development. With their energy and creativity, young people are well-positioned to lead various community initiatives, including innovations in tourism, economic growth, and environmental conservation," he stated.

He emphasized that the fund will be managed by professionals to ensure efficient, transparent, and accountable administration.

In his dual role as Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment and Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, Joniston assured attendees that this initiative aligns with broader efforts to achieve the SDGs.

Kiulu has been designated as a community-based tourism destination and serves as a model for sustainable rural development in Sabah. Joniston pointed out that community tourism directly supports the SDGs by creating job opportunities, improving socio-economic conditions, fostering environmental awareness, and enhancing cooperation among diverse community members.

"Economic development in Kiulu must strike a balance between environmental sustainability and preserving our local cultural identity. I believe this fund can act as a catalyst for youth empowerment, leading to positive impacts within our community," he emphasized.

Additionally, he highlighted the critical role of the State Government and the Sabah Tourism Board in facilitating the empowerment of rural communities.

"With the collective involvement of all stakeholders, Kiulu can emerge as a leading example of sustainable development that harmonizes community, economy, and environment," Joniston concluded.

Joniston also outlined his strategic plans to support the objectives of the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative, which focuses on advancing the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors.

"While we have made progress in developing tourism in Kiulu, our next priority is to transform Kiulu into a hub for agricultural products," he said.

He expressed hopes of establishing a processing facility for agricultural products soon, emphasising the importance of economic empowerment.

"I will allocate a portion of my annual ADUN budget to build and enhance agricultural roads in the Kiulu area," Joniston added.

According to Meijin Maggingow, President of the Kiulu Tourism Association, the district currently boasts over 80 successful tourism operators, generating approximately 400 job opportunities.

The programme was also graced by the presence of Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board.