MIRI, Dec 7: The setting up of the Sarawak Youth Venture Capital with an allocation of RM9 million will be used to develop talents among the youths.
Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that an initial RM5 million was approved by Chief Minster Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the last State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting while an additional RM4 million was approved thereafter.
“This fund is a start-up capital for our youths to develop their talents in various fields. So far, the management has received many applications from individuals, groups, associations and organisations of performing arts either at the national and international levels,” he addressed the State-Level Youth Day celebration held at Miri Indoor Stadium here today.
He added that those who were interested to apply can obtain the forms from Youth and Sports offices and civic centres throughout Sarawak.
“Those eligible will be able to obtain a start-up capital as low as RM5,000. This is one of our initiatives to get our youth involved in various programmes and activities which we have planned,” he explained.
Abdul Karim emphasised that the Sarawak government was serious in developing local talents including in the performing arts with the setting up of Centre of Performing Arts at the old DUN building.
“At the same time, we are also building our capacity in sports so that our champions can continue to compete in the Olympics,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim pointed out that the Sarawak Youth Index Study has been implemented since August this year with the aim of getting the necessary data to develop the youth comprehensively.
“This will provide the guideline for all the stakeholders to identify talents who needed assistance and help,” he said.
The study, he informed involved 12 domains which include self-development, social relations, identity, potentials, health, education, economy, socio-politics, security and media penetration.
“This study is crucial for us as it will become our yardstick to gauge our youth quality of life while the research will also provide input to develop our youth policy. This is useful as it can be used as an indicator to gauge the success of the Malaysia youth policy,” added Abdul Karim.— DayakDaily
