Suara 2.0: Young Sarawakians share solutions to support working students, education access

KUCHING (Dec 11): Youth participants of Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak’s (YPS) ‘Suara 2.0 programme’ have put forward several proposals to improve access to education in the state, particularly for working adults seeking to further their studies, said Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.

Speaking to reporters after closing of the Suara 2.0 event at Raia Hotel Convention Centre here on Wednesday, the Chief Political Secretary to the Premier said the ideas shared by the 60 participants reflected the genuine concerns and aspirations of young Sarawakians.

Suara stands for ‘Strength through Unity, Alliance and Responsive Action’.

“One interesting suggestion came from those who are already working but still want to continue their studies. They told us that although they have jobs, they struggle to find support or face difficulties accessing financial assistance,” Fazzrudin disclosed.

“They asked how the government can assist people in this situation―and this is something worth looking into.”

The Tupong assemblyman said the youth participants also raised issues surrounding free education, education loans, and other forms of academic support that could help youths pursue upskilling and professional growth.

“There were many thoughtful suggestions. Some of these I may present to the state leadership or other relevant communities for discussion,” he added.

The three-day Suara 2.0 programme, organised by YPS, brought together 60 youths from various districts and institutions to brainstorm their vision for Sarawak’s future and discuss issues surrounding this year’s theme, ‘Youth as Change Maker’.

“While many participants expressed uncertainty about MA63 (Malaysia Agreement of 1963) and the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the programme helped clarify the state’s development direction,” he noted.

Fazzrudin emphasised that youth involvement is critical not only in giving feedback but also in implementing and inheriting major state initiatives such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund, hydrogen development, and green economy ventures.

“They are not just future leaders. They are contributors, implementers, and inheritors of the policies being rolled out today,” he stressed.

Fazzrudin commended YPS for providing a platform that empowers young Sarawakians to voice their ideas and align themselves with the state’s long-term development goals.

According to a YPS press statement, the programme was held with a sense of purpose, empowerment, and confidence to enable the young people to contribute positively to their communities and be an advocate for Sarawak’s development.

The three-day sessions were deemed impactful and informative, strengthening alignment between policy, execution, and the mission to build a more competitive and resilient Sarawak.

Among other distinguished guest speakers were State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Higher Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Advisor in the Office of the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Jaul Samion; Unimas lecturer Professor Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat; Sarawak State Attorney-General’s Chambers Khairul Anwar Shazali; Mohammad Safri Ibrahim of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) and Salina Bujang from the state Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development.

YPS manager Roslin Latip and Communication Manager Benedict Jimbau, Universiti Institute Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak Rector Dr Firdaus Abdullah, and programme moderator Dr Nur Aida Kipli were also present at the ceremony.

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