DEBAK: BeliaGoBiz is leveraging sports and entrepreneurship to inspire rural youths towards healthier lifestyles, leadership, and job creation.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, said the initiative combines elements of sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurship to provide rural youths with a holistic platform for growth.
Ripin said that these are then complemented by entrepreneurship education, equipping young people with the mindset and skills to explore business opportunities.
“When youths are active in sports, they build strong bodies and sharp minds.
“With the right guidance, they can channel this energy and discipline into becoming successful entrepreneurs,” Ripin told reporters when attending the BeliaGoBiz event in Debak today.
He added that the programme also seeks to correct the misconception that entrepreneurship is limited to urban areas.
Additionally, he said that rural communities such as Saribas hold untapped potential, with local products like ‘gula apong’ (Sarawak palm sugar) proving how rural resources can be turned into thriving businesses and even franchises.
Ripin stressed that youths today are tech-savvy and digitally skilled, which gives them an advantage in transforming local products, agriculture, fisheries, or services into modern enterprises.
“We want to empower our youths to become job creators. By opening opportunities for others, they can raise the socio-economic standards of their families and communities,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (Community Wellbeing Development) Datuk Razi Sitam, Betong Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, and Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dolhadi Marzuki.
