Nizam, representing the Chief Minister, posing with recipients of the 2026 National Youth Premier Award during the Sabah Youth Day Carnival held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2026 celebration.
TAWAU: Youth are no longer merely heirs to future leadership but have become idea generators, economic drivers, innovation leaders, community leaders and strategic partners of the government in shaping Sabah’s development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the development of a state does not depend solely on the wealth of its natural resources or physical progress, but is determined by the quality of its people, particularly the younger generation who are the main drivers of the state’s advancement.
In this regard, he urged Sabah’s youth to continue equipping themselves with high-level skills, master emerging technologies and cultivate strong integrity to ensure they remain competitive in the future economic landscape.
“Do not be afraid to explore new fields such as digital entrepreneurship, the green economy and innovation, which can create employment opportunities for yourselves and your local communities,” he said when officiating at the Sabah Youth Day Carnival in conjunction with National Youth Day 2026 celebrations at the Tawau Sports Complex here today. His speech was read by Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
Nizam, representing the Chief Minister, posing with members of Sabah Youth Council affiliated bodies who received government grants during the Sabah Youth Day Carnival held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2026 celebration.
Hajiji said the State Government has consistently placed youth development among its priorities in every Sabah development plan, particularly as the state enters a new phase under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap for the 2026–2030 period.
According to him, the plan not only builds on the achievements of SMJ 1.0 but also serves as a foundation to strengthen the state’s economy, accelerate infrastructure development, enhance public well-being and empower human capital towards making Sabah a progressive, inclusive and resilient state.
He said the Government will continue ensuring that the voices and needs of young people are taken into account through various policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening youth leadership and preparing them for future challenges.
The State Government, he added, will continue investing in human capital development through initiatives involving access to education, skills training, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), talent development, leadership building and more inclusive entrepreneurship opportunities.
Hajiji said the State Government is continuing the implementation of 14 educational assistance initiatives introduced since 2021 to ensure more Sabah students have access to quality education without being burdened by financial constraints.
He said the Government is also placing emphasis on TVET development, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy, automation, renewable energy, green technology, the oil and gas industry, aerospace, maritime, tourism, modern agriculture and the creative economy, all of which offer extensive career opportunities for the younger generation.
Touching on the launch of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Youth Volunteers, Hajiji said the initiative is not merely a programme but a movement that brings together the aspirations, potential and ambitions of Sabah’s youth to produce young people who are competitive, skilled, ethical, innovative and imbued with a strong spirit of volunteerism.
“I hope the SMJ Youth Volunteers will serve as a platform to nurture outstanding young leaders who are people-oriented, possess a strong spirit of unity and share a sense of responsibility in helping to develop the state we love.
“We want Sabah’s youth to be recognised for their achievements, the values they uphold and the significant contributions they make to the state, the nation and the world,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the culture of volunteerism would continue to be strengthened among young people, as Sabah frequently faces various challenges, including natural disasters, climate change and social issues, which require a spirit of mutual assistance regardless of race, religion or background.
The Chief Minister also urged youth to continue serving as a bridge of unity that brings communities together, preserves harmony and remains resilient against external influences that could threaten the state’s peace and stability.
