KUCHING: The Torque of Borneo 2026 programme reflects growing opportunities for youth participation, skills development and industry collaboration as Sarawak strengthens its motorsport ecosystem.
Officiating the programme today (May 2), Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, who is also Sarawak Motorsports Association president,
said the initiative marked a positive step forward, particularly in encouraging greater involvement among youths in automotive and motorsport-related fields.
He said interests once seen merely as hobbies could develop into meaningful career pathways when supported by training, mentorship and networking.
Sharing an example, Ahmad recalled meeting a group of young people in Kuching several years ago who were repairing motorcycles and rebuilding old cars in a small workshop without branding or formal recognition, learning largely from YouTube.
Despite making repeated mistakes and experiencing failures, he said they remained determined to improve their skills.
“Today, one of them has his own tuning workshop, while another has become an automotive content creator with tens of thousands of followers.
“Your starting point does not define your ending point. What you do today can determine where you go tomorrow,” he said.
He encouraged youths not to attend programmes only as observers but to take concrete steps afterwards, including seeking mentors and participating in training opportunities offered through Sarawak Malay Community Development Organisation (PAMS).
Ahmad also highlighted entrepreneurship as an important pathway, noting that many successful initiatives begin on a small scale before expanding through exposure, networking and continuous improvement.
He further urged participants interested in simulation racing and digital motorsport to pursue structured training and professional guidance, including collaboration with the Sarawak Esports Association (SESA).
He said modern motorsport extends beyond driving and mechanical skills, emphasising the growing importance of videography, live streaming and digital media production.
“Sarawak must produce world-class content,” he said.
Ahmad also called on private-sector organisations, including Affin Bank and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), to support talented youths through sponsorship and partnerships, while encouraging the public to support locally produced automotive products.
He expressed pride in the participation of women in the programme and challenged organisers to increase female involvement to at least 30 per cent next year.
“Talent is not about gender. Women have many hidden strengths and should be given more opportunities in motorsport,” he said.
Describing motorsport as a global industry linked to engineering, data analytics, branding, media and tourism, Ahmad said Sarawak was well positioned to expand its presence in the sector given its infrastructure, strategic location and strong talent base.
He added that the programme aligned with the state’s development direction under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in strengthening the digital economy, creative industries, youth development and tourism sectors.
Ahmad expressed confidence that with continued cooperation among government agencies, industry players and community stakeholders, Sarawak could emerge as a motorsport hub in Borneo and eventually at the ASEAN level, while growing Torque of Borneo into a signature annual event for the state.
