KUCHING: Sarawak Youth Week 2026 will be held in Samarahan Division from Aug 10-16, featuring sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment and youth development activities aimed at empowering young people across the state.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the official opening ceremony will be held on Aug 15 at Dewan Suarah Samarahan and is expected to be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“The celebration is a way for us to recognise the important role of young people in driving the progress of the state and the nation.
“Sarawak has always valued its youth and sets aside a special occasion every year to acknowledge their contributions,” he said during a press conference here yesterday (July 28).
Abdul Karim said the celebration aims to inspire young people while reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting youth development and recognising their achievements.
This year’s celebration retains the theme “Belia Aspirasi Kita” (Youth, Our Aspiration).
“The theme reflects that our youths are the hopes, dreams and future of society. It is not merely a slogan but a commitment to empowering the younger generation,” he said.
One of the highlights of the celebration will be the presentation of the Sarawak Youth Awards, comprising the Outstanding Male Youth Award, Outstanding Female Youth Award and Best Youth Association Award to recognise exemplary individuals and organisations that have contributed to youth and community development.
“The awards are intended to identify outstanding and capable youths who can serve as role models at both the state and national levels,” he added.
Visitors can participate in a variety of programmes, including Youth Combat, Youth Therapy, Youth Expo, Youth Camp, Youth Wall Climbing, Youth Skills and Creativity, Youth Got Talent, Heritage Games, Youth Fun Run, Youth Fun Ride, e-sports competitions, an aerobics competition and the Youth Marketplace throughout the week.
The Youth Marketplace will feature more than 30 booths offering products by young entrepreneurs, including food and beverages, clothing, handicrafts, decorative items and agricultural produce.
The celebration will also feature performances by local artistes Mawat, Faris Malik, Hairie Francis, Raquel Tan, Hijrah Yahya, Firdaus Materang and Jessie Stellito, as well as guest artistes from Peninsular Malaysia, Afiq Shazwan and Baby Shima.
Abdul Karim said the organisers are targeting about 7,000 visitors throughout the week-long event.
Although the main hall at Dewan Suarah Samarahan can accommodate only around 800 people, he said large screens will be installed outside the venue to enable more visitors to follow the opening ceremony.
He added that there are future plans to upgrade the venue into a mini convention centre to accommodate larger events in Samarahan.
