KUCHING: The Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), a prestigious youth exchange initiative pioneered by the Japanese Government, will dock in Kuching in January 2027, marking Sarawak’s first time as a host port.
The programme will run from Jan 3 to Feb 17, bringing together young leaders from Southeast Asian (SEA) countries and Japan to engage in a series of cultural, leadership and community activities across multiple ports of call.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expressed pride in Kuching’s selection as a stop for the 50th edition of SSEAYP.
“This is the first time the programme is being held in Sarawak, although it has previously taken place in West Malaysia and Sabah, specifically in Kota Kinabalu.
“It involves a cruise ship with youth from the Asia-Pacific region participating onboard, engaging in youth programmes at each port of call,” he said in a press conference at Baitulmakmur Building II on Friday (Jan 30).
In 2027, participants will visit three ports – Cambodia, Kuching, and the Philippines – to engage in cultural exchanges, leadership workshops and courtesy visits.
Sarawak’s readiness to host was echoed by National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) Director General, Azura Abidin, who highlighted the state’s unique appeal.
She said Kuching was chosen because of its unique character and this opportunity will provide new experiences for the participants.
“This 50th edition involves a total of 211 youth participants aged between 18 and 30 from 10 ASEAN countries including Malaysia, with each country sending 17 participants.
“The Japanese Government will cover the main travel expenses, while the logistics and activity costs in Sarawak will be jointly borne with the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” she explained.
Abdul Karim reiterated that Sarawak has one year left to prepare, with plans underway to form a coordination committee responsible for organising welcoming ceremonies, cultural tours, and networking dinners.
“We are confident Kuching will offer a warm welcome and enriching experiences for the participants,” he added.
SSEAYP was established in 1974 as a platform to promote regional cooperation, understanding and leadership development among youth from SEA and Japan.
Also present was Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.
