KOTA KINABALU: Numerous initiatives are in place to help mould and support the development as well as creativity of the younger generation in Sabah, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
This is because children and youth play important roles in the development of the state, bringing it to greater heights at par with other states in Malaysia, the Chief Minister said.
He said Sabah is in the midst of transforming various industries, be it economy, social, education and infrastructure to achieve the Sabah Maju Jaya vision.
“Therefore we need the energy, ideas and motivation of these youths to get things going the way we envision it to,” said Hajiji when officiating at the Program Perintis Muda Di Hati Ketua Menteri here, Wednesday (April 30).
His speech was delivered by Sabah Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk James Ratib.
In committing to develop quality human capital in Sabah, the state government has allocated a total of RM75.5mil to implement 13 educational assistant initiatives, such as the Budi, Bakti, Sentosa, GRS-Subfly and Baik programmes, he said.
Hajiji said the state government scholarship (BKNS) has also increased from RM51mil to RM128mil this year, so that more eligible students are able to further their education and chase after their dreams.
“The state is focused and committed to creating our future assets, so we may have competent, innovative, resilient and principled human capital,” he said.
Speaking about the event, he said participating youths are trained in how to become future leaders and pioneers of social and economic changes in their communities.
“I believe through programmes like these, we will be able to create a mature, strong, academically and career excelling group of young people,” said Hajiji.
He also advised against the use of substances such as drugs which could affect the overall growth of youths.
