A wealth of opportunities awaits youth

GEDONG: Youth have been urged to capitalise on initiatives offered by the Sarawak government and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to foster their development and success.

Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais, advisor to the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), said they must prioritise education and skills enhancement to stay abreast of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

“Despite Gedong’s distance from Kuching city, the government ensures access to educational facilities from pre-school through Form Six,” he said during the SAMAsedia Series 2 programme at the Gedong Community Hall on Sunday (July 14).

The state government also provides loans and scholarships for higher education.

“Youth can also continue their studies at the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) to acquire valuable skills, essential for securing employment and contributing to the state’s development,” he said.

He noted that qualified youth have better job prospects and can advance to managerial or directorial positions.

“Therefore, youth are encouraged to pursue higher education at institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-Cats University College, and Kolej Laila Taib,” Naroden said, adding that from 2026, the Sarawak government will fully fund outstanding students’ education, enabling them to study for free.

Naroden also raised numerous initiatives aimed at providing facilities and support for youth, with the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) actively organising various programmes.

The SAMAsedia youth programme, organised by the Sarawak Malay Cultural Foundation Charitable Trust (AKYBMS) in collaboration with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Gedong branch, PBB Gedong Youth branch, and Susoul Management, aims to cultivate leadership, identity, unity, and patriotism among youth, aligning with the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ spirit.