MIRI – Sarawak has launched a state-level Youth Entrepreneur Setup programme (YES) aimed at creating a new pool of young business talents.
The YES programme will be carried out until 2030 in all the districts in the state, said state Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah.
Speaking at the launch of the Miri YES chapter here today, he said the programme is a pioneering effort by the state government.
“I am very happy that we are carrying out the YES campaign aimed at producing a new generation of young people capable of taking on the vast opportunities in business and industrial arenas.
“The YES project is going to be very useful and beneficial as it can help shape the future economic and business landscape in Sarawak.
“Through the YES project, we will train and develop the young in product development, management aspects of businesses, digital economy, establishment of market links and other key aspects of the business and industrial world.
“From now until 2030, the YES programme will be carried out aggressively in the state,” he said.
Karim called on the youth and youth organisations to enrol with the ministry for the YES training.
He said more youths in Sarawak should try their hands at the many arenas related to entrepreneurial businesses as there is good potential for revenues to be earned.
Earlier this month, state Deputy Minister in the Premier Department Datuk Juanda Jaya had also advised the youth not to discard food-related businesses as being low earning or low paying in nature.
“Youth who are still not employed can opt for the many training programmes in trading and entrepreneurship offered by the government.
“These business ventures can bring in high returns for those who are willing to work hard, including the food sectors.
“The government has many training programmes to offer to those who are keen to learn,” the state Public Communications Unit quoted him as saying at a public event in Matu town in central Sarawak.
Jaya said the government wants to see more youths trying their skills in the food industries that are being opened in the state.
Recently, another lawmaker had urged young Sarawakians to stop having low regard for technical jobs or those requiring vocational skills, as these jobs are becoming very important throughout Sarawak.
Serian MP Datuk Richard Riot said these jobs are also offering high pay nowadays.
Speaking at a community function in Kg Pichin in Serian town last month, he said Sarawakians must stop thinking that only office jobs offer good future.
“It is sad that only 28% of workers in Sarawak and Malaysia are equipped with technical expertise and vocational skills. The number of skilled employees is still very low in our workforce.
“In countries like Germany, up to 90% of their workers have technical and skills qualifications. Here, many parents and students still regard jobs in technical and vocational sectors as those with low pay. That is not the case anymore.
“There are many types of jobs in the technical and vocational fields whereby the employers will pay high salaries to those capable in technical and vocational skills,” he said.
Riot said students in Sarawak who will be completing their SPM soon should opt for technical and vocational courses after finishing their exams.
He urged parents to encourage their children to take up such courses.
Sarawak has two existing industrial training institutes, one each in Samarahan and Miri districts, he said.
Soon, Serian district will have such a training institute, he added.
These training institutes are good venues to acquire useful skills that will give good futures to the young, he stressed. – The Vibes, March 29, 2022
