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KOTA KINABALU: Youths need a strong, consistent support system to help them achieve their full potential, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said it was vital that both the government and private sector play a part in helping youths expand their knowledge, unlock skills, unearth creativity and realise their potential.
“The state government has plans and initiatives to help the youth, and will continue to hold programmes that promote their wellbeing and economic growth,” he said at a state-level youth conference here on Monday (Aug 12).
His speech was delivered by state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin.
He said youths have to be shaped and encouraged to grow as quality human capital with skills and a first-class mindset.
The right platform and guidance would give them room and opportunity to grow into next-generation leaders, be agents of change as well as innovators, protectors of heritage and legacies, he added.
Hajiji said government initiatives such as skills training, entrepreneurship programmes and social activities had a positive impact on the young generation.
Acknowledging challenges such as the lack of job opportunities, education and infrastructure, he said the state was striving to overcome these.
In terms of education, he said grants and aid are provided for the state's children to complete their secondary education and move on to the tertiary level.
On entrepreneurship, he said programmes to spark interest in the field are frequently held with private-sector collaboration.
They include funding for startups and training under the Program Skim Jaya Usahawan Belia Sabah (Syabas), he added.
“I hope we will continue to find solutions for any setbacks and ways to move forward for the needs and growth of our youth, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya and Malaysia Madani vision and objective of creating quality human capital for the future,” he said.
