KOTA KINABALU: The formation of the Sabah Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals Foundation (Sayap) will be a catalyst in building a quality human capital pool for the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that young professionals and entrepreneurs from various fields would help meet the human capital needs of the state through its Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya initiative.
He said that Sayap comprised professionals and entrepreneurs from various industries such as oil and gas, digital technology, economics and finance, medicine, construction and architecture, sustainable and renewable energy, social entrepreneurs as well as young state civil servants.
“Most of you are already successful in your own right. I strongly support the formation of Sayap as an independent group to contribute to Sabah’s development. Well done!” he said at the launching of Sayap here Saturday.
In his speech delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, the Chief Minister said he was impressed by the initiative and enthusiasm these young Sabahans who have returned either from working or studying abroad and who wish to voluntarily contribute and participate in the development of Sabah.
“I applaud and support Sayap’s initiatives to kickstart and provide a voice to this generation of upcoming Sabahan professionals and entrepreneurs.
“I am happy to hear that Sayap aspires to be the bridge between state government agencies and across the private sectors and industries while supporting the state’s Hala Tuju SMJ Roadmap,’’ he said.
Hajiji said Sabah has the second largest population in Malaysia, which means it has a large pool of talent and potential customers.
“We are committed to eradicating brain drain and building strengths and skill sets through the various initiatives we have implemented,” he said.
He said that the state government has allocated RM175.61mil in next year’s budget for human capital and ICT development through various initiatives to spur students’ interests in Science, Technology and Innovation and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, among others, adding that he allocation will also involve bridging the digital gap in rural areas to expand digital coverage and spur digital transformation in Sabah.
