Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellows Programme serves as a leadership nursery aimed at preparing the next generation to guide the State's economic and policy direction, said Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said being chosen for the initiative represents a significant investment and responsibility placed on participants to help drive Sabah forward.
Speaking at the presentation of appointment letters for the SMJ Fellows 5.0 cohort at Menara Kinabalu on Wednesday, he stressed that human capital development must form a core commitment of state government-linked companies (GLCs) rather than a mere corporate social responsibility exercise.
Hajiji said nurturing local talent is vital to prevent young Sabahans from leaving the State due to a lack of career opportunities at home.
He added that under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2.0, the State requires a highly skilled, technologically literate, and integrity-driven workforce to transition towards a sustainable, modern economy.
