By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 30: Kuching will host the 50th edition of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) on January 19 and 20, 2027, marking the first time the programme will be held in Sarawak.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the programme will bring youth from across Asia Pacific to Kuching, allowing them to take part in local activities and meet community leaders.
“Every year, the cruise ship has three ports of call. When they arrive, participants engage in youth programmes and pay courtesy calls to local leaders.
“In the past, the cruise has stopped at Port Klang (Selangor), Johor, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuantan (Pahang). Next year, it will be the first time the programme is held in Kuching, Sarawak,” he said during a press conference held at Baitul Makmur 2 today.
Abdul Karim, who also serves as the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, further said he was proud that Kuching was selected and highlighted the programme’s goal of fostering cross-cultural friendships.
The SSEAYP is an annual, Japanese government-sponsored exchange programme initiated in 1974 to foster friendship and international cooperation among youth from Japan and ten ASEAN nations.
Next year’s cruise will visit three ports — Cambodia, Malaysia (Kuching) and the Philippines — with cultural programmes, youth activities and leadership engagements at each stop.
Abdul Karim also said planning is still ongoing, with a year to finalise itineraries, venues, welcoming ceremonies and participation details.
“We will set up a coordination committee to decide who will attend dinners, who will welcome the participants and which places will be visited by youth leaders from ASEAN and Japan. It will be discussed in upcoming meetings,” he added.
Meanwhile, National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) director-general Azura Abidin said the milestone 50th edition is a special honour for Sarawak where Kuching will offer a unique experience for participants.
“We expect 211 youths aged 18 to 30 from 10 ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, to take part.
“The Japanese government will fund the programme, while logistical costs at the port of call in Kuching will be jointly supported with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS),” she said.
She added that organisers hope for a lively reception in Kuching and look forward to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attending the welcoming ceremony to greet the participants.
Also present during the press conference were Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron, SSEAYP International Malaysia (KABESA) president Datuk Che Muhamad Nordin Ismail and deputy president Dato Juhari Janan. – DayakDaily
