By Shikin Louis
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24: The much-anticipated Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 is all set to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here tomorrow (Oct 25), bringing together over 3,500 Sarawakian students studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
With about 12 hours left before the event kicks off, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said preparations are nearly complete despite logistical challenges as the event coincides with the Asean Summit.
“The only challenge is logistics because there are several other functions happening here, including one attended by the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
“This means we have logistical issues that we need to address, but InsyaAllah, these will be resolved by our secretariat and volunteers. They are well prepared,” he told reporters after inspecting the venue today.
Organised by Sarawak Volunteers, this year’s LBAS will involve 280 student volunteers and attract about 3,500 Sarawakian university students from across Peninsular Malaysia.
Fadillah, who is the patron of Sarawak Volunteers, said the day-long event will feature a career fair, exhibitions, job interviews, Kenyalang Talks and sharing sessions by successful Sarawakians, alongside booths showcasing products and food from Sarawak.
“Agencies from Sarawak will also display their achievements and programmes to provide our students with the latest updates and information about development in the State,” he said.
The highlight of the annual gathering will be the Townhall Session with the Premier of Sarawak, moderated by Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie, where students and Sarawakians working or living in Peninsular Malaysia will have the opportunity to engage directly with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Every year, many impactful initiatives have emerged from these dialogues. For example, the I-GPS or Inisiatif Graduan Pulang Sarawak was born out of feedback from students during the townhall.
“It was announced that the Premier had agreed to provide RM600 for our students studying in Peninsular Malaysia to cover their return trips.
“Last year, there was also an additional RM1,200 pocket money assistance because some students have to rent places as not all can stay in hostels.
“All these initiatives came about as a result of the townhall sessions,” Fadillah noted.
He said Abang Johari is also expected to announce new job opportunities, with over 100 positions being offered during the event.
Fadillah added that the evening dinner will mark the grand finale, with attendance capped at 6,500 guests including the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and State assemblymen.
He also thanked all agencies, volunteers and Sarawakian students for their efforts and enthusiasm in making this year’s LBAS a success. — DayakDaily
