A FUTURE LEADER: Abdul Karim (centre) presenting a certificate to a youth camp participant while Aloysius (right) looks on — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: It is important to guide the young generation through youth-centric programmes so they will not stray.
Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said youth-centric programmes can reach out to youths as they are in tune with what youths want.
“We must guide youths properly so they have a successful future and not deviate into wrong-doing.
“As leaders of the state, we do not want to see our youths end up in rehab centres or in jail. Anything planned in life will be gone if that happens, therefore young people must know how to focus on what is important and of value to them.
“Whenever opportunity arises to organise something for youths, we must make sure their needs and wants are taken care of as they are future leaders,” he said at the closing ceremony of the ‘Innovating4Tomorrow’ youth boot camp at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
Abdul Karim pointed out such youth camp, with its focus on innovation, will train young participants to enhance their skills and knowledge to change their lives for the better.
“They will stay focused, knowing what is good for them and what is not.
“To excel in life, one must have something different from others; this is where innovation is important. It is not just about innovation of products and services but a change of mindset to transform oneself.
“It is our responsibility as current leaders to take care of the young by inculcating in them a sense of responsibility so they know how to take care and lead future generations when their turn comes.
“It is a continuous process to guide and lead youths on the right path, especially with the challenges of today,” he said, adding that such youth camps should be organised more often and in other parts of the state as well.
Meanwhile Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris said the organisation has been engaging youths in activities that interest them.
“We feel encouraged by the overwhelming participation. We are always on the lookout to tap into the potential of our young people and work with them for a greater future,” he said.
The one-day programme was put together with the Sarawak Career and Training Fair 2012 organised by the Chief Minister’s Department.
It aimed to nurture the innovative and enterprising spirit among today’s youths as well as encourage their creativity for innovative and effective leadership.
Programme for the day included motivational experience-sharing sessions as well as concurrent group creative sessions on clay art, music, sports, dance and short film production.
A total of 142 participants from various schools, institutions of higher learning, associations and Azam Kuching Young Souls volunteers took part.
Also present was director of the state’s Workforce Development Unit, Dr Abdul Rahman Din.