KUCHING: JCI Padawan proudly hosted the third edition of its flagship community initiative, the Embrace Programme 3.0: Magical Meadow, demonstrating the power of community, creativity and compassion.
It reaffirmed JCI Padawan’s commitment to building a more inclusive and vibrant Sarawak.
The family-friendly event, held at Tropics City Kuching from July 4 to 6, celebrated creativity, sustainability, and compassion, providing a vibrant platform for local entrepreneurs, artists, pet lovers, and the public to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another.
This year’s Embrace Programme was the largest yet, continuing its mission to uplift communities and drive positive change through engaging, inclusive programming and meaningful partnerships, featuring over 40 participating vendors, creative workshops, live performances, and pet-friendly attractions.
Highlights of the three-day event included a free Rabies Vaccination Drive-Thru Programme in collaboration with the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) and the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak; the heartwarming Thrift-Off Pet Fashion Show showcasing SSPCA adoption candidates; creative workshops such as cyanotype printing, soap-making, and pet resin accessories; as well as engaging pet adoption and awareness booths.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap, praised the initiative and emphasised the vital role youth play in Sarawak’s future.
“Over the years, this annual event has grown into much more than just a marketplace; it has become a vibrant platform that unites youth, entrepreneurs, and the wider community to celebrate innovation, creativity, and collaboration,” he said.
Additionally, Yap who officiated at the event commended JCI Padawan’s dedication to empowering the younger generation.
“Today’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are already the changemakers of today, shaping Sarawak’s future through your ideas, your talent, and your courage to challenge the status quo,” he said.
Yap highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Embrace Programme in providing young Sarawakians with opportunities to exchange ideas, gain practical entrepreneurial experience, and showcase innovative products and solutions.
“This event embodies the spirit of self-initiative, inclusivity, and leadership that the Sarawak government wants to nurture as part of our Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, a strategy grounded in inclusivity and leaving no one behind,” he stressed.
He also applauded the event’s partnership with SSPCA, highlighting environmental awareness and animal welfare.
“This collaboration adds a powerful dimension by promoting socially responsible entrepreneurship and educating the public about compassion, sustainability, and respect for all living things.
“These values are th
