KUCHING: The Sarawak government remains committed to empowering young people through social entrepreneurship, focusing on innovative solutions to address social issues within the community.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr. Ripin Lamat, said that this initiative involves close partnership between the state and federal governments to cultivate the talents of Sarawak’s youth.
“Young people today serve as catalysts for change, capable of devising creative solutions to social and economic challenges.
“By merging business profits with social responsibility, social entrepreneurship can act as a foundation for a more sustainable future,” he said.
He said this while officiating the Youth Social Entrepreneurship Open Day (HTKSB) 2024 in Kuching on Saturday.
The Department of Youth and Sports Sarawak, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED) and the Chamber of Social Enterprise Development (CSED), organised this programme.
Its aim is to promote active youth engagement in social entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of not only profit but also positive contributions to the community and the environment.
According to Datuk Dr. Ripin, the latest figures from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSCOP) reveal that as of October 11, 2024, there are 444 social enterprises in Malaysia, of which 19.59 percent are founded by young individuals.
He highlighted the significant role that individuals under 40 have in advancing this sector in Sarawak.
“The state government remains committed to offering a range of support, such as training and mentorship, to assist young entrepreneurs in succeeding in social entrepreneurship,” he added.
In his address, the Lambir Assemblyman called for partnerships among the private sector, cooperatives, government, and NGOs to promote the development of Sarawak’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary of MYSED, Morshidi Fredrick, along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
