saYBIC Programme Strengthens Innovation Culture, Nurtures Competitive Young Entrepreneurs
KUCHING: The Sarawak Youth Business and Innovation Challenge (saYBIC) 2025/2026 programme continues to serve as a strategic platform in instilling a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth, particularly higher education institution (IPT) students, in line with efforts to produce more job creators in Sarawak.
Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the organisation of the programme emphasises building a competitive spirit and creative thinking among rising young entrepreneurs.
According to him, the initiative also involves close cooperation between the ministry and higher education institutions, including Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), to provide space for students to showcase innovative ideas and products with the potential to be commercialized.
“Programmes like this are part of our efforts to create a competitive and innovative environment among youth and young entrepreneurs, especially those still at university.
“We can see that various products generated are highly interesting, whether in the food sector or other products, and this opens up opportunities to be elevated to the mass production stage,” he said.
He said this during a press conference at the Closing and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the saYBIC 2025/2026 Programme at the Sarawak Sports Village on Sunday.
He added that the primary focus of the programme is to raise awareness and foster interest among students of public and private higher education institutions to venture into entrepreneurship, whether as a full-time career upon graduation or on a part-time basis while still studying.
At the same time, he observed that today's business landscape is rapidly evolving alongside technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), thereby demanding continuous changes in entrepreneurial and educational approaches.
In line with that, he is of the view that educational institutions must constantly adapt their syllabi and courses to align with current developments, including specific new fields such as AI technology and digital innovation. — UKASnews
