Kota Kinabalu: A two-day platform, Ideas Playground 2026, jointly organised by OOZE and Daily Express to connect young people, especially those in the rural areas, with industries and careers, has gained more support.
Ideas Playground 2026 is scheduled to be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from Nov 7-8.
The State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry is the latest to lend support, said OOZE Founder cum Chief Executive Officer Precilla Fong after a courtesy visit to Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar at Wisma Pertanian, Tuesday.
“The purpose of our visit is to get industry players under the Ministry involved so they can run activities throughout the programme,” she said. “Datuk Jamawi has been very supportive. We are very happy about that,” she added.
Precilla said the programme has already received backing from the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, the State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Sabah Convention Bureau, among others.
Daily Express Deputy General Manager Dexter Yeh said Daily Express backs the programme because it supports the initiative. “We are always passionate about carrying stories that support these children, especially rural students and highlight their issues,” he said.
“Rural children from different areas of Sabah rarely get an opportunity like this. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, not just to read things from a brochure but to have hands-on experience,” he added.
Dexter said the idea is to encourage young people to think outside the box.
He said Daily Express reporters will be on the ground to ask students about their passions and the issues they face.
“I think it is for the future of the State also. We are thankful that many ministries, especially Agriculture, are supporting as well,” he said.
The programme, which will focus on agriculture, tourism, resources and the creative industry, aims to show young people what drives Sabah’s economy, where future careers are emerging and where businesses can be built.
It will feature some 20 industry skill-based activities, the Junior Innovate National Competition, TEDxLikasBay talks, a Human Library and a Mini Boss Market.
