Sarawak Youth Week 2026 hits Samarahan Aug 10–16, 7,000 youth expected

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, June 25: Sarawak Youth Week 2026 will be held in Samarahan Division from Aug 10 to 16, featuring a week-long line-up of youth-focused activities, competitions and entrepreneurship programmes aimed at empowering young people across the State.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the annual programme, previously known as Hari Belia and now rebranded as Minggu Belia Sarawak, will be held in Samarahan due to its status as an education hub with major public higher learning institutions and a large youth population.

“The target is around 7,000 participants comprising students from public and private higher learning institutions, youth organisations, as well as workers from the public and private sectors and members of the public,” he said at a press conference following a coordination meeting at Baitul Makmur 2 today.

The opening ceremony will be held on Aug 15 at 10.30am at Dewan Suarah Samarahan and is expected to be officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Under the theme “Belia Aspirasi Kita”, the Sarawak Youth Week 2026 will feature three main components—Youth Champion, Youth Active and Youth Marketplace—covering a wide range of programmes including sports, recreation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

Under Youth Champion, activities include Youth Combat featuring a boxing workshop with Sapok Biki and Kilat Boy on Aug 12 and 13, as well as a mental health session on Aug 11 at Youth Space Canopy. Other activities include Youth Expo, Youth Camp, Youth Wall Climbing, and Youth Skill and Creativity programmes from Aug 14 to 16. The popular Youth Got Talent segment will also return, alongside the Sarawak Youth Concert on the night of Aug 15.

Under Youth Active, activities include Heritage Run, Youth Fun Run, Youth Fun Ride, e-sports competitions and aerobathon events from Aug 14 to 16 at the Samarahan Civic Centre grounds.

Meanwhile, Youth Marketplace will run from Aug 14 to 16, featuring 30 youth entrepreneurial booths offering food and beverages, fashion items, handicrafts and agricultural products.

As part of the programme’s highlight, the Sarawak Youth Awards will recognise outstanding individuals and organisations contributing to community and State development. Male and female Youth Icons will each receive RM5,000, while the Youth Association Award winner will receive RM10,000 and the runner-up RM7,000. The awards aim to identify and honour young achievers who can serve as role models at both State and national levels.

The week-long celebration will also feature performances by local artistes Mawat, Faris Malek, Hairee Francis, Raquel Tan, Hijrah Yahya, Firdaus Materang, JayC Steleto, Agura Band and comedy duo Perey, alongside guest artistes from Peninsular Malaysia, Afiq Shazwan and Baby Shima.

Responding to a reporter’s question, Abdul Karim said various State and federal government agencies will also set up exhibition booths during the event.

He said the expo will provide the public with information on government services, development initiatives and job opportunities.

“The expo is to ensure people are aware of what is being implemented in different areas, including Samarahan development, and to make it easier for them to access information on vacancies and services,” he said.

Abdul Karim expressed hope that the programme would draw strong participation from youths in Samarahan, Kuching and surrounding areas, while calling on all parties to ensure its smooth implementation.

“We hope this programme will bring together not only youth but also the wider community to celebrate this meaningful week,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily

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