By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 3: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen has unveiled an ambitious vision aimed at harnessing the energy and creativity of the city’s youth.
According to Dr Yii, the initiative, titled ‘Love Bandar Kuching’, seeks to foster entrepreneurship, promote arts and culture, and build a sense of community pride among Kuchingites.
“Today, we are excited to kick off the ‘Love Bandar Kuching Pop-Up Market’ at the historic Kuching Old Court House, where we not only learn about and appreciate our history, but also learn to write our own history for ourselves, our brand, our product, and our business.
“My office is sponsoring this pop-up market and events for the entire weekend. The market aims to serve as a platform for local young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and reach a wider audience,” he said when delivering his speech at the ‘Love Bandar Kuching Pop-Up Market’ held tonight at the Kuching Old Court House here.
Dr Yii, who also serves as the Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) chief, stated that the market received positive feedback from young entrepreneurs.
“However, due to limited event space, the pop-up market can only accommodate a maximum of 35 stalls,” he added.
He went on to say that, in addition to the pop-up market, the three-day event (May 3-5, 11am-11pm) will include The Next Entrepreneur seminar, ‘In Focus’ Photography Talk, and a Kids Colouring Contest.
“I hope that this initiative will expand beyond the event today. Imagine a platform that is more than just facilitating business transactions; it is also about cultivating a community of mentoring, support, and collaboration.
“I will continue to invest in and promote platforms that support our youth. We will continue to provide them with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to make their dreams a reality,” Dr Yii remarked.
Meanwhile, Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen highlighted in his speech that entrepreneurship is the way forward for Malaysia and Sarawak.
“I congratulate the over 30 stall owners who have participated in this programme, and I hope that this will serve as a platform for you to grow your businesses.
“I hope to see more youth entrepreneurship and participation in businesses because that is the way forward,” Chong said.
Also present at the event were Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui; special assistants to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian and Sim Kiat Leng; and special assistant to Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, George Lam. — DayakDaily
