KUCHING: The younger generation must be given adequate space and opportunities to plan, experiment, and even make mistakes as part of an essential learning process to nurture future leaders.
Dewan Negara Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said youth participation in leadership programmes and structured organisations plays a pivotal role in shaping their character and building resilience.
“We always talk about youth development, but it should not mean that we only talk to them. We must give them the space to plan, develop, try, and grow,” he said.
“Sometimes they will succeed, and sometimes they will make mistakes. That is alright because it is part of the learning curve.
“If we do not give our young people the opportunity to try now, how can we hope that they will become the leaders our society needs in the future?”
Ahmad said this when officiating the MLBB BK13 Youth Tournament 2026 at Dewan Masyarakat Batu 10 today.
He highlighted that beyond serving as a competitive gaming platform, the tournament acts as a venue to bring local youth together while instilling discipline, communication, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
He urged participants to view esports not merely as entertainment, but as an entry point into a vast digital ecosystem offering professional career paths in coaching, event management, content creation, software development, graphic design, and digital marketing.
To further harness this potential, Ahmad encouraged the youth to actively join bodies like Saberkas to broaden their horizons.
“I want to encourage our youth to participate actively in youth organisations such as SABERKAS.
“You will gain access to an established leadership platform, enabling you to mobilise community projects, advocate for youth-centric initiatives, and build valuable networks that extend into future career and entrepreneurial pursuits,” he added.
Addressing the participants competing for the RM3,500 total prize pool, Ahmad stressed the importance of good sportsmanship, emotional control, and maintaining a healthy balance between digital activities and real-life commitments toward family, studies, and personal well-being.
