Kota Kinabalu: All participants of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellows Programme from 1.0 to 4.0 have secured employment after completing the programme, said Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Industries Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He said the 100 per cent employment rate demonstrated the benefits of the programme, which was initiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in 2022, particularly for young Sabahans and fresh graduates.
“From SMJ Fellows 1.0 in 2022-2023 through 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0, all those who participated in the programme secured employment, with a 100 per cent employment rate,” he said when met after the Presentation of Appointment Letters for the SMJ Fellows 5.0 at Dewan Bankuasi, Menara Kinabalu, here, Wednesday.
Nizam said the achievement was expected to continue with SMJ Fellows 5.0, which saw 36 Sabahans receiving placement letters after being selected from 200 applicants.
He said 80 candidates were shortlisted from the 200 applicants before undergoing screening, training and simulation processes, after which 36 participants were selected.
He said the programme was one of the key pillars of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan in strengthening human capital, particularly among young people.
According to him, SMJ Fellows was particularly beneficial to fresh graduates and those awaiting their graduation ceremonies as it provided exposure to the real working environment.
“We hope those selected will make full use of the opportunities available to improve themselves, particularly in understanding the ins and outs of their careers.
“They are no longer university students but have entered the real world,” he said.
Nizam said participants were also expected not only to succeed in their respective careers but also to develop the leadership capacity and qualities needed to place the interests of the State, the people and Sabah’s development as their priorities.
He was confident that with the guidance and advice provided, the participants could eventually become leaders who could be relied upon to continue Sabah’s achievements in the future.
Nizam also congratulated the Chief Minister for his vision and initiative in introducing the SMJ Fellows Programme, which he said continued to provide opportunities for young Sabahans to build their futures.
