Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Kiulu youths, including higher learning institutions’ students in an engagement session in Kampung Tombongon, Kiulu.
KOTA KINABALU: Youths, particularly those in institutions of higher learning, can play a vital role in community development by forming student clubs that foster leadership and social engagement.
To encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai urged them to establish student clubs as a platform for organising leadership and community-based initiatives.
He said such clubs would not only strengthen relationships among students but also provide a direct channel for engagement with Kiulu’s leadership.
"I believe students from Kiulu have great potential to contribute to their community. Through this club, they can organise meaningful programmes that benefit both themselves and society," he said during a recent meeting with students.
Bangkuai, who is also the state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman, also pledged his full support for the club’s activities, expressing his readiness to assist whenever needed.
His suggestion was well received by a group of students led by Christella Moureen Yain, a final-semester law student at Universiti Utara Malaysia.
Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with participants of a Youth Educational Camp in Kampung Bundu Rantai, Kiulu.
Yain expressed their commitment to forming a pro tem committee for the club, saying: "With the establishment of this club, as encouraged by our assemblyman, we can play a more active role in contributing to Kiulu’s development."
As part of his commitment to youth development, Bangkuai had earlier announced a RM50,000 fund to support youth activities in the Kiulu constituency.
Meanwhile, he attended two youth programmes organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church last weekend, where he stressed the importance of leadership and discipline among young people.
"To shape good leaders, discipline and leadership values must be nurtured early. Youths must continuously strive to improve their skills and set a positive example in society," he said.
