Kota Kinabalu: Young Sabah talents who once struggled to thread a needle are now designing their own clothes and taking custom orders – thanks to a youth empowerment programme under the State Youth and Sports Ministry (KBSS).
The 2025 Creative Arts and Tailoring Fashion Show, organised by KBSS, celebrated the achievements of participants who completed the ministry’s six-month training course aimed at nurturing creativity, confidence and technical skills among Sabah’s youths.
The event, held Sunday, was officiated by KBSS Permanent Secretary Datuk Mansur Asun, who was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Youth) Mary Paul Mijong Dagul. Mansur said the course not only equipped participants with practical skills but also inspired confidence and perseverance.
“Many of them started without even knowing how to use scissors, but now they can sew their own clothes and even take custom orders. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication and resilience of our young people,” Mansur said in his speech.
He said KBSS currently has eight Creative Arts and Tailoring classes across Sabah – in Kepayan, Papar, Keningau, Ranau, Kudat, Kota Belud, Sandakan and Tawau – targeting unemployed Bumiputera youths aged between 18 and 30. The courses are conducted free of charge.
Mansur said the programme was part of the ministry’s ongoing effort to empower youths through creative and technical training, in line with its vision of nurturing independent and innovative young Malaysians.
“The knowledge and experience gained here should not end today. Use them as tools to build your own careers, brands and brighter futures,” he said, urging participants to continue refining their skills and embracing new opportunities.
He also encouraged participants to integrate digital tools into their tailoring skills to reach wider markets and build home-based businesses.
“In today’s digital world, tailoring can be combined with technology to open up new opportunities in marketing and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Mansur said youths were no longer merely heirs to the future but must act as drivers of change, adding that such programmes help develop progressive thinking, teamwork, and resilience among young people.
The event featured creative booth exhibitions, video montages and four rounds of fashion shows showcasing exclusive designs produced by the course graduates.
Certificates were presented to participants, while trainers, judges and winners of the Best Booth and Best Costume categories also received recognition.
He said the certificate presentation symbolised not an ending but a new beginning for the participants to build meaningful careers and better lives.
Mansur added that KBSS would continue to support initiatives that promote creative youth development and strengthen human capital in Sabah.
“Developing skilled and innovative youth is one of the most valuable investments for Sabah’s future,” he said. “Our young people are not just heirs of tomorrow, but the driving force of change today.”
