Some 100 youths gather for Youth Unity, Solidarity camp
SIBU: More than 100 youth leaders from various nongovernmental organisations gathered here yesterday for the inaugural Youth Unity and Solidarity camp.
The youths are representatives from Seven Clan Association, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA), Sibu Malay Melanau Association (MMB) and Malay Union Club (MUC).
Addressing the participants, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King reminded the youths to stay united in order to achieve great things.
“Unity is strength, united we stand, divided we fall and sticks in a bundle are unbreakable,” he pointed out.
Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, described the youths of today as leaders of tomorrow.
“Indeed, our youth is the hope of our future. They are an essential asset and they have the crucial pool of talent, ideas and energy that play a critical role in addressing the challenges of global and local issues.”
Tiong said in a diversified multi-racial country like Malaysia, establishing unity among young people was even more significant to ensure the stability of our country.
“Team unity and team chemistry is by far more important than talent. Team work makes the dream work. Thus when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.
“Together, we can do great things. Our ability to achieve unity in diversity is the beauty and the test of our civilization.”
In this regard, he reminded parents to teach and imbibe in their children good values.
“Let us remember that cultural understanding bridges the gap between races and is a vital element in achieving national unity.”
Earlier, in his remarks, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee said the objective of the programme was to promote unity among the youths from the different racial, religious and cultural background.
“Besides, we are also imparting awareness on national integration and drug abuse through JPNIN and AADK.”
Hii said unity and solidarity among the youths with different background remains the important foundation of sustainable youth development.
“That is why Sibu Division Resident Office has sought funding from the Ministry of Welfare, Community Well being, Women, Family and Childhood Development to organise this meaningful programme.
“Sibu Division Resident office will continue to host the youth unity and solidarity camp and rotate the co-host among different NGOs in years to come.
“It is my fervent hope that this programme will also encourage the various NGOs to organise programmes and activities which are inclusive of all races to promote unity and solidarity among all races. This will be truly 1Sarawak and 1Malaysia.”
Team unity and team chemistry is by far more important than talent. Team work makes the dream work. Thus when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. — Datuk Tiong Thai King, SMC chairman