KUCHING: The Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, is looking at expanding the Sarawak Youth Creative Industry Fund (SYCIF) to include those in the craft industry.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the initiative aims to ensure that those with skills and potential in the creative industry can showcase their talents with the right financial support and guidance.
“At present, the fund is more focused on those involved in music, theatre, video production, video games, and other areas under the creative and innovative scope.
“Therefore, I intend to broaden the reach of this fund to support those involved in the craft industry, and in turn, take their efforts to a higher level,” he said.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said this during the ASPIRE Programme (2023-2025) graduation ceremony and the launch of the Sarawak Keringkam Course Book held at the Old Court House here today.
He added that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development also offers various allocations and training programmes to assist young entrepreneurs in honing their skills and providing guidance to those who wish to start a business.
“We do have funds that gives individuals the opportunity to open workshops or start businesses without the need to repay the funding.
“We understand that there are individuals who aspire to be their own boss.
“Therefore, we provide this fund to ensure they can pursue their efforts and dreams without a heavy financial burden,” he said.
Therefore, he expressed hope that more young people would dare to venture into the creative and craft industries to continue Sarawak’s artistic and cultural legacy and compete on the global stage.
On the ASPIRE Programme, supported by Yayasan Hasanah and led by the Brooke Museums, Abdul Karim said it is timely in nurturing the talents of juvenile detainees to master the art of Sarawak keringkam embroidery.
“I therefore call on the graduates of this programmes to continue to seize the opportunity to improve their lives by becoming entrepreneurs or artists,” he said.
Launched in June 2023, the programme aims to preserve the artistic heritage of keringkam embroidery and involves 50 youths from Henry Gurney School, Taman Seri Puteri Kuching, and Sekolah Tunas Bakti Kuching in a 24-month training course.
Earlier, the ceremony saw the first cohort of 34 youths receive their skills certificates. with 26 from Henry Gurney School, six from Taman Seri Puteri Kuching, and two from Sekolah Tunas Bakti Kuching.
