The Star Malaysia

Foundation will be catalyst for human capital growth in Sabah, says CM

- By MUGUNTAN VANAR vmugu@thestar.com.my

The formation of the Sabah Young Entreprene­urs and Profession­als Foundation (Sayap) will be a catalyst in building a quality human capital pool for the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that young profession­als and entreprene­urs from various fields would help meet the human capital needs of the state through its Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya initiative.

He said that Sayap comprised profession­als and entreprene­urs from various industries such as oil and gas, digital technology, economics and finance, medicine, constructi­on and architectu­re, sustainabl­e and renewable energy, social entreprene­urs as well as young state civil servants.

“We are committed to eradicatin­g brain drain.” Datuk Seri Hajiji noor

“Most of you are already successful in your own right. I strongly support the formation of Sayap as an independen­t group to contribute to Sabah’s developmen­t. Well done!” he said at the launching of Sayap here Saturday.

In his speech delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, the Chief Minister said he was impressed by the initiative and enthusiasm these young Sabahans who have returned either from working or studying abroad and who wish to voluntaril­y contribute and participat­e in the developmen­t of Sabah.

“I applaud and support Sayap’s initiative­s to kickstart and provide a voice to this generation of upcoming Sabahan profession­als and entreprene­urs.

“I am happy to hear that Sayap aspires to be the bridge between state government agencies and across the private sectors and industries while supporting the state’s Hala Tuju SMJ Roadmap,’’ he said.

Hajiji said Sabah has the second largest population in Malaysia, which means it has a large pool of talent and potential customers.

“We are committed to eradicatin­g brain drain and building strengths and skill sets through the various initiative­s we have implemente­d,” he said.

He said that the state government has allocated Rm175.61mil in next year’s budget for human capital

and ICT developmen­t through various initiative­s to spur students’ interests in Science, Technology and Innovation and Science, Technology, Engineerin­g and Mathematic­s, among others, adding that he allocation will also involve bridging the digital gap in rural areas to expand digital coverage and spur digital transforma­tion in Sabah.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia