KOTA SAMARAHAN: Youth development must be continuously strengthened to ensure Sarawak has a pool of future leaders capable of continuing the state’s leadership and taking it to greater heights in the future.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Government must provide youths with the space, trust and opportunities to become strategic partners in the state’s development.

“We know that the current leadership, whether at the top level or at the divisional level, will not be here forever. We need continuity.

“We need successors who can inherit, safeguard and bring Sarawak to a higher level,” he said.

He said this when delivering his speech at the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 Officiating Ceremony officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan on Saturday.

According to Dato Sri Abdul Karim, Sarawak’s youth development approach now also emphasises active participation among young people in planning and implementing programmes, including as facilitators, young entrepreneurs, industry practitioners and volunteers.

He said Sarawak Youth Week 2026 featured various programmes, including Youth Champion, Youth Expo, Youth Active and Youth Marketplace, focusing on leadership, employability, entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and community involvement.

Through these programmes, youths were also exposed to career opportunities, education pathways, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), sports activities, volunteerism as well as various skills and creativity workshops.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Youth Week 2026 also achieved recognition through the Malaysia Book of Records for organising the largest Pre-Loved community gathering.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim said the achievement demonstrated the ability of youths to create success when given opportunities, trust and support, while inspiring more young people to be bold in trying new things, innovate and contribute towards the state’s development.

He added that the Sarawak Youth Awards, which were presented by the Sarawak Premier, also served as one of the Government’s forms of recognition for individuals and organisations that excelled in leadership, volunteerism, community development, innovation and service to society.

Also present were the Sarawak Premier’s daughter Dayang Norjihan, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: Natalie Cherinie Johnny & Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Uilson Ng