Latest news with #SportsandEntrepreneurDevelopment
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abd Karim: Youth must be architects of our shared future
Abdul Karim (fifth left), flanked by his deputies, joins other officials for a photo session at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre. KUCHING (June 18): The Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) is more than just a platform for dialogue – it is a movement for co-creation and change, aimed at empowering young people to take ownership of their future, said Sarawak Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Speaking at the summit's opening ceremony held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today, he emphasised that Sarawak's role as host extended beyond logistics and hospitality. 'This platform is designed so that youths will not merely be participants, but active architects of our shared future,' he said. 'We are committed to ensuring the outcomes of this summit influence real policy decisions and spur community-driven action,' he added. Now in its second year, RAYS has convened more than 20 speakers from 13 countries, offering a vibrant space for youth to share diverse perspectives on sustainability, indigenous knowledge, climate action, and youth advocacy. Abdul Karim, who is also State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister, praised the Sarawak Tourism Board for its leadership in organising the summit and expressed gratitude to all collaborators, volunteers, and partners. He noted that the summit aligns with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which seeks to drive inclusive economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability and social equity. Absul Karim also highlighted Sarawak's ongoing efforts in environmental conservation and innovation, including investments in renewable energy, development of biodiversity corridors, and the pursuit of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognition for Sarawak Delta Geopark. 'Here in Sarawak, we are proud to lead by example. Our policies and programmes demonstrate that sustainability and cultural preservation are central to development,' he said. He added that RAYS supports Sarawak's alignment with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regional strategies, by ensuring youth voices are represented in climate and policy dialogues. Urging participants to bring back the insights gained at RAYS to their communities, Abdul Karim stressed the importance of continued engagement. 'We want our youth – whether from Sarawak, Malaysia, or across Asean – to shape, lead, and curate the future they wish to inherit. 'Through platforms like RAYS, we ensure their voices are not only heard but are part of the policymaking process,' he said. He concluded by inviting delegates to experience Sarawak's rich heritage and culinary traditions, reminding them that Kuching has been recognised by Unesco as both a 'Creative City of Gastronomy' and a 'World City of Crafts'. Also present were Deputy State Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan, as well as Deputy State Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministers Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat and Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah Rainforest Youth Summit RAYS youth
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Players from 16 countries in Kuching for 23rd Asian Individual and Doubles Squash Championships
Rentap (front fifth left) is flanked by Azlan and Lucy in a group photo with team coaches and other distinguished guests. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu KUCHING (June 17): The 23rd Asian Individual and Doubles Squash Championships 2025 will witness 87 contenders from 16 Asian countries vying for top honours. Running from today until June 26 at the Sarawak Squash Centre here, the championships will feature athletes from Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, China, Iran, Kuwait, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and Macao. 'I hope you will demonstrate that squash remains a highly relevant and fiercely competitive sport across the world,' said Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu at the welcoming dinner last night. Rentap commended organisers Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) and Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) for their efforts in securing support for the championships. 'They have also consistently ensured that both the venue and the event are welcoming to all participating nations,' he said. He called for more international sporting events to be held in Sarawak to showcase the state's natural beauty and peaceful charm to the world. Among those present at the welcoming dinner were SRAS president Lucy Read, deputy president Dr Shafiq Abdullah, and SRAM deputy president Azlan Iskandar.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Seniorpreneurs' initiative proposed to empower retirees in Sarawak's business landscape
Ripin (front, fourth left) joins the participants for a group photo. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 12): 'Seniorpreneurs', a special entrepreneurship programme for retirees, should be considered as part of ongoing efforts to boost entrepreneurial development in Sarawak, said State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat. He proposed the idea when officiating the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium today. He highlighted that many retirees possess the financial means and experience to become successful entrepreneurs. 'Perhaps one day, the relevant agencies or ministries can consider establishing a special programme for Seniorpreneurs – not veterans, but Seniorpreneurs – for those who are about to retire or have already retired,' he said. Ripin added that many retirees already have the capital and networks necessary to start businesses, whether it is from their pensions or savings through schemes such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 'They have the financial resources, education, and experience. Perhaps they could collaborate with existing entrepreneurs in establishing ventures in various sectors.' He also emphasised that the initiative could help address issues faced by retirees including cases of pensioners falling victims to scams, saying: 'Why not provide them with a pathway to continue contributing through business?' The SAPPS programme was a collaboration between the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken), HRD Corp, the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred), as well as various entrepreneurship-related agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ripin praised Insken and its partners for continuously supporting local entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing platforms such as SAPPS, noting that 449 entrepreneurs participated in today's session. 'Your presence here today reflects a high level of commitment – a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs,' he said. He emphasised the importance of knowledge as a form of capital in entrepreneurship, reminding participants of the need to adapt to changes, especially with the advancement of technology. 'Adapting to technology in areas such as marketing, business management, and production is crucial in improving productivity, expanding market reach, and increasing income,' he said. Adding on, Ripin also encouraged entrepreneurs 'not to rush success, but to trust the process'. 'Just like in school, we begin with kindergarten, then primary, secondary, and university. The same applies to entrepreneurship – we start small and step by step, we grow.' He expressed confidence that the programme aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to create more entrepreneurs and job opportunities in Sarawak. Moreover, Ripin congratulated Insken for opening its office in Sarawak two months ago, noting that this move reflects its commitment to developing local entrepreneurs. Also present were Insken chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah, as well as HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurial development Kuching ripin lamat Seniorpreneurs
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Stadium Sarawak upgrades hinge on available budget ― Minister
KUCHING (May 27): The redevelopment of Stadium Sarawak remains a key focus in Sarawak's push to become a regional sports hub, though the final scope of upgrades will depend heavily on available funding, said Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister said while the stadium is an essential venue for athletics and opening ceremonies of various sport events, financial considerations will ultimately determine the extent of its redevelopment. 'We will have to see. Cost is always one of the main factors ― whether we want to proceed with the development, and at what stage,' he told a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here earlier today. Abdul Karim noted that aside from Stadium Sarawak, there are 18 other sports to be hosted, each requiring facility upgrades. 'If the budget does not allow for full upgrades, we may have to determine which improvements are sufficient for the stadium to accommodate the sport events and the opening ceremony,' he said. Earlier, during his speech, Abdul Karim reaffirmed the state government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure across Sarawak in its efforts to make the state a regional sports hub. 'Led by the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), key initiatives include upgrading grassroots and elite sports facilities to improve access, talent development and quality of life. 'A highlight is the redevelopment of Stadium Sarawak, which is set to meet international standards with smart and athlete-friendly features,' he said. He added that SSC will also implement a Critical Maintenance Audit Plan to ensure long-term sustainability of sport facilities.
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Minister: Sarawak committed to developing young football talent
Abdul Karim admitted that the future of Sarawak football remains uncertain, facing not only issues with players but also with sponsors. – File photo KUCHING (May 27): Sarawak will continue to implement football talent development programmes to produce quality players who can contribute to the state football team in the future, said Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the International Youth Football Championship, which kicks off today and runs until June 1 here. 'We are not running away from them (talent development), but sometimes when we develop players up to the age of 18 or 19, they disappear. 'Some states do not develop talent but instead lure them by offering high salaries, causing players to leave,' he told a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today. Abdul Karim pointed out that the future of Sarawak football remains uncertain, facing not only issues with players but also with sponsors. 'I noticed there are problems not just within Sarawak football but also across the national football scene. At one point, they wanted state associations to look after it, and now they want it to be run by clubs only. 'When it's a club, it becomes more a bit more difficult for us (the Sarawak Sports Corporation and the ministry) to be involved. 'We would rather the clubs get support from the private sector, with the government supporting in moderation when necessary.' He added that if the ministry is expected to continue financing an underperforming team, it would pose a 'big problem'. 'Unless we have somebody like TMJ (Tunku Mahkota of Johor) or the Sultan of Johor residing in Sarawak who is willing to dish out everything,' he quipped.
