Sabah Continues Implementing Various Programmes To Empower Youth - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government will continue to implement various programmes aimed at youth economic well-being including providing training and skills courses to empower the group, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the human capital development agenda, especially the young people, will continue to be emphasised to produce quality, skilled and first-class-minded human capital.

“I urge all stakeholders to collaborate in efforts to empower Sabah's youth. The government, private sector, and community must work together to create opportunities and provide the necessary support for our young people,” he said.

He said this at the state-level National Youth Consultative Council Conference here today, and the text of his speech was read out by the state Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Ellron Angin.

Hajiji said that youth are the future of the state, as the next generation of leaders, agents of change, and innovators who will carry forward the legacy of state development.

“It is crucial to provide the right platform for our youth to grow and contribute. With proper support, they can play a significant role in the economic, social, and cultural development of our state,” he said.

He said Sabah has made notable progress in youth development, with skills training, entrepreneurship initiatives, and social activities positively impacting many young people.

However, challenges such as limited job opportunities, educational issues, and inadequate infrastructure supporting youth development remain, which the government is actively addressing.

Hajiji highlighted several initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, including skills courses, grants, and funding opportunities, as well as training programmes under the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Jaya Scheme (SYABAS) to encourage youth involvement in business and economic activities.

“I hope that this conference will address more issues related to the interests and needs of Sabah’s youth, to be presented at the national-level National Youth Consultative Council. This will ensure that the youth of Sabah keep pace with their peers across the country,” he added.

-- BERNAMA