KUCHING: Youths have been asked to move beyond interactions merely in the cyberworld.
Minister of Social Development Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said youths who spend countless hours in cyberspace are more prone to face difficulties mingling with their peers and acquiring communication skills for the real world.
“The skills to interact in real life are still very important even though we are living in an era of social media. These skills are also needed to develop a positive bond in the community,” he said in a speech read by Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage Liwan Lagang for the ‘You Are The 1 — Youth Carnival 2014’ launch yesterday.
Mawan said while it is undeniable that there are endless benefits online from information gathering to economic activities, youths must know the limits and understand reality.
“In view of this, the state government welcomes the effort to organise this carnival, which aims to offer valuable experiences to youths by providing them with various platforms to interact and communicate while indulging in activities of their liking,” he said.
“The state government is also pleased to note that this carnival will also be making its way to Bintulu, Sarikei and Bau.”
Organised by the 1BFF Pending Sports and Recreational Club, the ‘You Are The 1 — Youth Carnival 2014’ includes an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for walking backwards (Retrowalk) on Oct 11 at the Kuching Waterfront.
The Guinness World Record is currently held by China, where the feat involved 1,000 participants.
Other activities, which will run until Oct 12, include battle of the bands, fashion shows, Zumba line dance, computer game tournament as well as car and motorcycle exhibition.