Kota Kinabalu: Some 200 students from eight districts took part in the Sabah Seafarers Career Aspirations Programme 2026, aimed at promoting career opportunities in the maritime and shipping industry, on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick said the programme was organised by the Sabah Seafarers Association (SEAS) in conjunction with World Seafarers Day.
He said initiatives such as the programme are important in raising awareness among young people about opportunities in the maritime sector.
“The programme not only exposes students to careers as seafarers but also highlights employment opportunities available at both the national and international levels,” he said.
Ewon commended SEAS for organising the programme to expand awareness of maritime careers, particularly among school students.
“I hope more Sabah youths will consider joining the maritime and shipping industry in the future,” he said.
Ewon said the State Government is implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap, which places emphasis on maritime development as part of Sabah’s Blue Economy agenda.
“The growth of maritime-related industries and services will increase demand for skilled workers in the sector. The planned Blue Economy industrial park in Kudat is also expected to create additional economic and employment opportunities,” he said.
According to him, Sabah requires more local graduates and skilled workers to support the industry’s future growth.
“Despite Sabah’s strong maritime potential, the number of local youths entering the seafaring profession remains low,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (Mindet) would continue supporting initiatives to encourage greater participation in the maritime and shipping sector.
“I also hope SEAS will expand similar programmes to schools throughout Sabah to cultivate greater interest in maritime careers. Programmes such as this provide a platform for students to better understand the opportunities available in the industry,” he said.
He gave an assurance that Mindet would continue supporting efforts to develop local talent for the maritime and shipping sector.
