KUCHING: Youths are urged to emerge as key drivers in achieving the region's development vision by 2030 through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said that under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, one of the main pillars that is emphasised is human capital development.

In this regard, Sarawakians need to be prepared with skills, creative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit to face the challenges of a world that is increasingly technology-based.

"Entrepreneurship is not just about opening a business, but more than that. It involves the ability to see opportunities behind challenges, as well as solve important problems that exist whether in school, in the community or at the global level.

"We need young entrepreneurs because they are the generation that will drive future industrial development, bring technological advancements and build a sustainable economy," he said.

He said this when opening the Entrepreneurship Workshop organised by the Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, here on Saturday.

Datuk Francis added that this workshop is not just a learning programme, but an important platform to spark interest in the field of entrepreneurship.

He also expressed his confidence that among the workshop participants, there are future entrepreneurs, inventors and leaders who can bring about big changes to Sarawak.

"I encourage all students to dare to think outside the box, actively ask questions and collaborate.

"Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication are important assets that can be used in various fields," he added.

The programme, which brought together more than 100 secondary school students from around Kuching and Bau, is in line with the Sarawak government's desire to build a sustainable and competitive economy through the active participation of the younger generation in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Among the schools involved were SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Gapor, SMK Matang Jaya, SMK Green Road, SMK St. Thomas, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Pending, SMK (A) Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab and SMK St. Joseph.

Also present were the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Anielia Siam, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Pro (Academic) of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Ir. Professor Sim Kwan Yong and Director of Future Students of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Jason Chan. -UKASnews