Sarawak’s ‘Futurizing the Youth’ strategy to equip over 500 young people with AI skills
by Kentigern Minggu · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 19): The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Mysed) is shifting its focus to equipping Sarawak’s youths with skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah announced that the new strategy, ‘Futurizing the Youth’, aims to train over 500 young people in artificial intelligence skills.
“This is to prepare them for careers in technology and support the growth of Sarawak’s high-tech sector,” he said during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
He said the ministry has formed strategic partnerships to empower youth as catalysts for positive community change, with a focus on education, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Abdul Karim further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at positioning youth as leaders in green practices.
“The initiative focuses on education and raising awareness. We are partnering with the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and higher learning institutions to educate youth about renewable energy and conservation, while also collaborating with Petronas on the Beat the Heat tree-planting campaign, which took place during Le Tour de Langkawi on October 5 and 6 in Miri and Bintulu,” he said.
He added that this commitment extends to promoting sustainable practices, particularly through the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – at the Sambutan Hari Belia Sarawak 2024 on Dec 4-8.
One of the event’s highlights will be a large art installation made from 12,000 bottle caps, which is set to be recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records.
“We are also encouraging innovative green technology projects, such as solar panels, cascading dams, and micro-algae production. These projects will be featured in programmes like Jelajah Belia Sarawak, Sambutan Hari Belia Sarawak, Mysed Go University, Mysed Go Rural, and Mysed Red Ribbon,” he said, adding that these efforts aim to engage youth in shaping a sustainable and greener future.