Premier reaffirms commitment to Dayak youth empowerment

KUCHING (Dec 14): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to advancing Dayak youth empowerment through education, skills training, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

He urged the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Youth Division to seize these opportunities and play an active role in the effort, calling on its members to remain creative, proactive, and united.

“Our youth are the torchbearers of Sarawak’s future. The success of our community and our state depend on how well we prepare our young people to be educated, skilled, and confident leaders,” he said in his keynote address.

His keynote address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan at the SDNU Youth Division Pre-Christmas cum Fundraising Dinner 2025, held in conjunction with the division’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre on Saturday night.

The dinner, attended by more than 700 guests, was organised to raise funds for the youth division’s activities next year, including sports and recreational pursuits, welfare and social programmes, as well as arts and cultural initiatives, particularly the ‘Niti Daun’ event.

Snowdan, in his own capacity, told the division that while participation in activities is important, equal emphasis must be placed on uplifting the economic prospects of the youth.

“Look for business opportunities that can help empower our young people financially. This means finding ways to generate income, whether individually or through the youth division.

“While government funding will be provided, you should also explore ways to raise your own funds to support your initiatives,” he said.

He pledged RM20,000 to support the organisation of the union’s programmes.

Additionally, SDNU information chief and youth division adviser Churchill Edward Drem said the youth division would continue strengthening partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, industries, and global youth networks.

“We are committed to ensuring that every young Dayak — whether from the city, longhouse, highlands, coast, or rural interiors — has access to opportunities to learn, grow, contribute, and succeed,” he said, adding that inclusivity and participation remained central to the youth wing’s mission.

Among those present were the youth division’s chairman Amarjeet John Gendi; political secretary to the Sarawak Premier Susan Clement and political secretary to the Minister of National Unity Dr Stephen William.