By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Oct 16: The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, is considering allocating grants of up to RM2 million to assist youth in Sarawak in attending conferences.
He believes such initiatives could play a crucial role in developing aspiring future leaders.
Abdul Karim highlighted that attending conferences provides valuable networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing, especially with participants from academia and other sectors.
Speaking to reporters after participating in the Policy Dialogue Session on Sustainable Development In The Tropics at the 2nd International Conference of Tropical Sciences, Abdul Karim stated, “For you to progress and become a better person, building networks and acquiring knowledge through conferences is essential.”
He acknowledged that many young people, particularly university students, may struggle with conference fees.
As such, he emphasised that his ministry should be able to assist them.
“If finances are the barrier to attending these conferences, it would be a waste,” he said, adding that he plans to discuss with his ministry’s permanent secretary the possibility of setting aside funds annually to support young people in attending conferences.
Abdul Karim also drew a connection between providing research funds for professionals and offering financial aid to youth, expressing optimism that this initiative could support human capital development in Sarawak.
Present at the dialogue were Dr Chen Jit Ern, Academician Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail, and Professor Eric Meijaard. — DayakDaily
