KUCHING: About RM8 million remains available under the Sarawak Youth Creative Industry Fund following a relatively low number of applications from young creative practitioners.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the fund was initially allocated RM5 million and was intended to receive the same amount annually.
“The fund was supposed to receive RM5 million every year but applications have been rather low.
“At present, if I am not mistaken, there is about RM8 million with the ministry,” he said when officiating at the National Youth Consultative Council Sarawak-level meeting at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak here today (Sept 15).
Abdul Karim, who is also Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, said further allocations were subsequently held back as much of the existing funding had yet to be utilised.
He recalled seeking the dedicated fund after finding that musicians, performers and other creative practitioners often did not fit the criteria of conventional entrepreneurship assistance schemes.
Abdul Karim said changing perceptions had opened opportunities for young people to turn their talents in sports and the creative sector into viable careers and businesses.
He encouraged young Sarawakians to use their creativity not only to earn a living but also to promote the state’s identity internationally.
“Use technology to elevate our unique culture and heritage, use creativity to develop them and use the digital world to introduce Sarawak to the world.”
