By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 28: Sarawak Youth Week 2026, which will be held from Aug 10 to 16 at the Samarahan Civic Centre, is targeting to attract some 7,000 youths through a week-long programme featuring youth development, sports, entrepreneurship and entertainment activities.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the official opening ceremony will take place on Aug 15 at 10.30am and will be officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that the annual event is organised to inspire young people and reinforce the government’s commitment towards youth development and well-being.
“The celebration serves as a platform to show that the government remains attentive and responsive to the aspirations, needs and current developments affecting our youth,” he told a press conference on the upcoming celebration held at the ministry’s office in Baitulmakmur Building today.
On the expected attendance, Abdul Karim said the target of 7,000 participants was based on the overall capacity of the event venue and surrounding programme areas.
“This is because the main hall of the Samarahan Civic Centre can only accommodate about 800 people at any one time. But there are plans to upgrade the facility to a convention hall size to better cater for larger events in the future,” he explained.
This year’s celebration retains the theme “Belia Aspirasi Kita” (Youth, Our Aspiration), which underscores the role of young people as the hopes, dreams and future of society and the nation.
“The theme reflects a national commitment to empowering youth and recognising their importance in shaping the future,” he added.
Abdul Karim also revealed that the Sarawak Youth Award selection committee met yesterday (July 27) and had chosen recipients for this year’s awards under the Individual Category (Male and Female) and Association Category (Champion and Runner-up).
The winners will be announced during the official opening ceremony on Aug 15.
“The awards are part of the ministry’s efforts to identify outstanding and exemplary youths who can serve as role models and icons for other young people at both the State and national levels,” he said.
A wide range of youth, sports and entrepreneurship activities have been lined up throughout the celebration, including Youth Combat, Youth Therapy, Youth Expo, Youth Camp, Youth Wall Climbing, Youth Skill and Creativity, Youth Got Talent, Heritage Games, Youth Fun Run, Youth Fun Ride, E-Sports competitions and an Aerobicthon competition.
“A key attraction will be the Youth Marketplace, which will feature 30 youth-operated booths showcasing products from local entrepreneurs. The marketplace will offer food and beverages, clothing, accessories and agricultural products,” he said.
To further enliven the celebration, Abdul Karim highlighted that several Sarawakian artistes, including Mawat, Faris Malek, Hairee Francis, Raquel Tan, Hijrah Yahya, Firdaus Materang and JayC, have been invited to perform during the pre-show and the Sarawak Youth Concert on Aug 15.
Artistes from Peninsular Malaysia will also be featured, with Afiq Syazwan set to perform during the official opening ceremony, while Baby Shima has been invited to headline the Sarawak Youth Concert.
Abdul Karim expressed confidence that the celebration would be successfully organised and bring significant benefits to the people of Samarahan and surrounding areas.
He stressed that cooperation from all stakeholders would be essential in ensuring the smooth running of the event and encouraged members of the public to attend the celebration.
“We welcome everyone to come and be part of Sarawak Youth Week 2026 and support our youths,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat and representatives from various local authorities were among those present at the press conference. — DayakDaily
