Abdul Karim (centre) with Hii (left) and others during the conference.
KUCHING: At least 5,000 youths are expected at the state-level Youth Day 2018 to be held at the Indoor Stadium in Sibu from Nov 16 to 18.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said a series of activities had been lined up for the three-day event, to recognise the contributions of youths in Sarawak’s development.
“We had it in Betong last year and in Kuching the year before that. This year we are having it in Sibu, to also enhance closer rapport between the youths and the government.
“The Youth Day this year is expected to liven up Sibu and help boost domestic tourism in the central Sarawak town,” he told a press conference at Bangunan Baitul Makmur in Petra Jaya yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the launch of Youth Day 2018 on Nov 18.
Abdul Karim said there will be a town hall session with the Chief Minister where 300 youth representatives are to have an interactive dialogue with Abang Johari.
A Youth Concert for young individuals to showcase their talents will take place on Nov 17 while there will also be Youth Fun Run and other sport-related activities, he said.
The ‘Youth Got Talents’ contest which would include ‘Battle of the Bands’ would be revived.
“For our Youth Award 2018, there will only be a sole recipient for both male and female categories. These winners will bring home RM5,000 each.
“For the Youth Organisation category, the champion will be awarded RM10,000 and the second-place winner is to receive RM7,000,” he pointed out.
Abdul Karim said 20 booths will be set up for ‘Youth and Career Exhibition’ on top of 40 other booths that are meant for ‘Youth Kitchen and Sale’.
He added that the exhibition will serve as a platform for participants to explore opportunities in career development.
To further engage youths in the coming celebration, he said a theme and logo design contest is currently held until Oct 26.
The contest is open to Sarawakians aged 15 to 40. Winners of the chosen theme and logo will be awarded RM1,000 each.
Forms for the contest are available at the ministry’s Youth Section.
Among those present at the press conference was Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Hii Chang Kee.