Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

KUCHING: Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (Mysed), Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, welcomed more than 200 youths from various states and neighbouring countries participating in Sisco Borneo 2026.

“This conference brings together youths from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. You are united by a shared purpose,” Jabu said, referring to the ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (Sseayp). 

He acknowledged Datuk Che Muhammad Nordin Ismail, president of Sseayp (Kabesa), the driving force behind the programme, and his deputy, Dato’ Juhari Janan cum chairman of SICO 2026, both of whom personally experienced the Sseayp journey in the 1980s. 

The programme has been running since its inception in 1974 and involves annual voyages across Southeast Asia, culminating in Japan.

Jabu urged participants to unite under the spirit of Sseayp and to welcome the ship’s arrival in Sarawak in 2027. 

He emphasised the importance of building friendships during the conference, which he described as vital for connectivity and networking among Asean countries.

“Programme SICO Borneo serves as a bridge, connecting local youths with regional and global outlooks, while grounding international dialogues in realities. 

I am encouraged by young people who dare to be curious, stay engaged, and step outside their comfort zones,” Jabu said, delivering a message from Minister of Mysed, Dato’ Sri Hj Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The conference gathered participants from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and other countries. Jointly organised by Sseayp and Mysed, the event carried the theme “Internationalisation and Globalisation of Sarawak Youth and Asean.”

Discussions covered a wide range of topics including The AI Generation: Youth in the AI Era; Empowering Youth for the Sustainable Energy Transition; Globalisation and Youth Migration: Sarawak & Asean Youth Dreams, Challenges and Identity; The Importance of Integrity in Youth Advocacy, and Youth in Sarawak PCDS 2030.

A visit to the Borneo Cultural Museum was held on the final day, where participants were given valuable insights into Sarawak’s rich heritage and offerings showcased through the newly built museum.

Jabu reminded youths to continue engaging with one another, stressing that such connections are an important part of growth within the Asean region. 

As humans, we need to know each other, love each other, grow together, and have a voice together as one rumpun (cluster) in the same region. Only then will we succeed in whatever we do.

Young people are the driving force of the future in any country. I hope the sessions have provided you with knowledge and experiences. This is one of the best SICO events we have had, so take the opportunity to build connections.