Recognise, support roles of youths as catalysts of progress, says Nanta - Borneo Post Online (2025)

MIRI (April 12): Many youths, particularly from rural or semi-urban areas and indigenous communities in Sarawak, face limited access to education resources and employment opportunities.

Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this includes inadequate access to skills training and opportunities to advance themselves.

“Acknowledging these challenges is merely the first step—responding proactively and effectively requires collective commitment, strategic planning and genuine collaboration among various stakeholders,” he said at the launching of the Madani Youth Empowerment Expo at the Miri Indoor Stadium here today.

Nanta said it was important to recognise and support the roles of youths as catalysts of progress.

“We must actively recognise and support their roles as catalysts of today’s progress and growth. The reality faced by many young individuals, particularly from rural areas, semi-urban regions, and our treasured indigenous communities in Sarawak, reveals substantial hurdles,” he said.

On the expo, he said it was driven by a collective ambition to translate the Madani Youth Development Model 2030’s vision into tangible outcomes and provide genuine pathways for the younger generation towards empowerment, resilience and sustainable development.

“None of these comprehensive initiatives would be possible without the extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment of AFPPD (Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development) and all our dedicated partners.

“Together, these organisations demonstrate an inspiring example of what collaborative governance and multi-stakeholder partnerships can achieve.

“Indeed, this combined dedication of academia, government bodies, civil society, community groups, and parliamentary representatives epitomises a shared mission for inclusive youth development, as envisioned in the Madani Youth Development Model 2030,” he pointed out.

The one-day expo was a collaboration between the Miri Service Centre, Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (Perantis), Curtin University Malaysia and Skills Development Department Sarawak Region (JPKWS).

Nanta said the organisers’ contributions embodied the true spirit of partnership and unity, and underscored their unwavering commitment to empowering Sarawak’s youth, especially those from underprivileged families.

“These opportunities span across critical areas such as entrepreneurship, vocational education, financial literacy, and emerging industries such as e-sports and culinary arts— areas proven to be significant drivers of employment and economic growth,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to Perantis for their dedicated leadership in coordinating efforts among the various partners and sponsors.

Meanwhile, Miri MP and head of AFPPD Malaysia Youth Cluster Chiew Choon Man also praised Perantis for taking the lead in organising the expo and AFPPD Malaysia for the collaboration and sponsorship.

“When Perantis approached me to discuss an impactful event aimed at keeping our youth informed about the latest global developments as well as their educational and career pathways, I immediately recognised the potential to do something truly meaningful.

“I am deeply grateful to all partners, supporters, and stakeholders for joining forces with us to bring this vision to life, for the benefit of our youth,” he added.

Chiew added that the expo aims to equip youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic economy, fostering informed decision-making and contributing to the region’s development.

Also present at the event was Head of Cluster on Women Development of AFPPD Malaysia Dr Halimah Ali; Perantis president Spancer Biondy Raymond Ramba; and the expo’s organising chairman Dr Alpha Ngadan.