Kota Kinabalu: This year’s edition of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellows 2.0 Programme is more interesting because it also involves those young Sabahans with diploma, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or its equivalent, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said in addition to selecting participants from among the graduates, the 2023 edition of SMJ Fellows also opened space and opportunities for those with a diploma, STPM or equivalent to be involved in the programme.
“This effort can directly holistically develop our youths and thus be able to provide them as competent, productive and capable human resources to support the State and National leadership.
“There is an increase in the number of agencies and institutions that are strategic partners in the implementation of SMJ Fellows 2.0 this time, including nine government-linked companies (GLCs), in addition to the existing ministries.
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Hajiji is optimistic that the implementation of the SMJ Fellows 2.0 will be a catalyst for the youths in this State to compete healthily, thus developing their self-achievement.
He called on the Sabah Youth and Sports Ministry to provide full empowerment to the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) in implementing the Sabah Youth Leadership Incubator (IKEBS) programmes, especially the SMJ Fellows programme which he is confident MBS can run the programme well and in an orderly manner under the Ministry’s monitoring.
Hajiji said the State Government really cares, is aware and supports activities related to youth development, especially those that give exposure and build potential and personal skills in young people.
"This SMJ Fellows initiative is part of the State Government's efforts to empower the development of human capital in the State. It is also in line with the second thrust in the Hala Tuju SMJ which is Human Capital Development and People's Wellbeing. The State Government will focus fully on efforts to empower human capital to always be competent, innovative, resilient and have integrity," he stressed.
The Chief Minister said various initiatives have been and will be implemented by the Government to achieve the desire to empower the human capital of the State such as the setting up of the Sabah Student Consultative Council (MPPS) under the supervision of the Institute for Government and People Cooperation (Ikrar), Sabah Chief Minister's Department.
MPPS is a programme that brings together Sabahan student leaders and undergraduates from higher education institutions (IPTs) and educational institutions across the country, as a medium to exchange views and raise the aspirations of the State's youth, added Hajiji.
He also said the Government has agreed to implement the SMJ Youth Transit House proposed by MPPS and wants the implementation of this transit house pilot programme to be expedited to help target groups who need temporary housing, thereby helping to ease their burden.
Hajiji hopes the SMJ Fellows participants who are placed in ministries, government agencies and GLCs to receive direct guidance from ministers, chief executives and top government leadership will gain career exposure and be able to learn the management procedures of a ministry, agency and GLC.
"Hopefully the opportunity to become a SMJ Fellow will be fully utilised by the participants to learn as much knowledge and skills as possible, both in administrative aspects and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Throughout the implementation of this programme and afterwards, they are encouraged to apply their knowledge and experience to return to the community," he stressed.
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