BINTULU: The youth are the future leaders who will continue Sarawak’s legacy of leadership with integrity and vision.

Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said that young people are agents of change who drive the state’s economic, social, cultural, and technological development.

He added that active youth participation strengthens the spirit of unity, generates fresh ideas, and opens opportunities for networking and collaboration, all of which can elevate Sarawakian youth to greater heights.

“To date, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak has organised the Sarawak Youth Tour Programme (Jelajah Belia Sarawak) in 33 districts, involving more than 25,000 participants.

“This initiative is part of the government’s effort to engage with youths at the grassroots level, including those in rural and remote areas, providing them with opportunities to participate in meaningful activities that nurture identity, leadership spirit, and resilience, while helping bridge the development gap so that no youth is left behind in the state’s progress,” he said.

He made these remarks during his welcoming speech at the Sarawak Youth Week 2025 celebration held at Dewan Suarah Bintulu on Sunday.

The closing ceremony of the event was officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, and was attended by other distinguished guests, department heads, and members of the youth community.

According to Dato Sri Abdul Karim, Sarawak Youth Week also serves as a platform to recognise and motivate young people through talent showcases, competitions, and award presentations.

“Through workshops, forums, and training sessions, our youths are equipped with new knowledge and skills, including leadership, digital literacy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“This also opens doors for networking and collaboration with the government, industry players, educational institutions, and NGOs,” he added.

He noted that the presence and participation of youths not only bring significant impact to the programme but also serve as inspiration and positive encouragement for other young people who have yet to take part.

The Sarawak Youth Week 2025 celebration, held from 13 to 19 October, featured three main activity clusters encompassing 16 programmes including, Youth Champion, Youth X-Tive, and Youth Marketplace.

Meanwhile, Kuching-born Shahradhi Libiki Iskandar Ridhuan (33) was named the recipient of the Sarawak Youth Award 2025 (Male Individual Category), while the Female Individual Category award went to Rapunzel Anthony Jamuh (28) from Miri.

The SABERKAS Satok Branch was crowned Champion of the Sarawak Youth Association Award 2025, while the Runner-up title in the same category went to the Kelab Iban Mansang Bawang Assan. -UKASnews