KUCHING: Sarawak’s youths should not wait for their turn to lead but step forward now as active contributors to the state’s transformation.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said youths aged between 15 and 29, who make up about 26.3 per cent of Sarawak’s population, represented a significant pool of energy, ideas and potential.
“Your contribution can begin now. Your ideas, creativity, energy, voice and willingness to take on responsibility are important now,” he said in his speech delivered by Kuching South City (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng at the Installation Ceremony of the AZAM Young Souls Toastmasters Club at The Theater hotel last night.
According to Dr Sim, Sarawak was undergoing an important transformation towards becoming an advanced and high-income economy, creating opportunities for youths to contribute in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, innovation and technology.
He urged youths to take advantage of these opportunities by developing business ideas, applying technological skills to solve problems and proposing initiatives that could benefit their communities.
“Do not see yourselves as a generation merely waiting for its turn. Start contributing, creating and taking responsibility now,” he said.
Dr Sim also called on youths to remain resilient amid increasing academic and career pressures, competition, social media influence and rapid technological changes.
He stressed that physical and mental well-being were equally important in ensuring youths remained productive and capable of navigating these challenges.
On AI, he encouraged youths to learn and master the technology to enhance their capabilities while retaining critical thinking skills.
He said youth platforms such as the AZAM Young Souls Toastmasters Club could help develop communication, confidence and leadership skills while encouraging teamwork and a stronger sense of responsibility.
