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11th September, 2007
KOTA KINABALU: The government is committed in providing training to youths to enable them to become responsible leaders of the future and with a positive attitude.
The seriousness of the government was demonstrated under Budget 2008 whereby some RM984 million had been allocated for youth training programme, said Deputy Chief Minister cum Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
“It shows the focus of the present leadership towards creating future leaders who have the personality, skills and are responsible,” he said.
Pairin who is also the Rural Development Minister was speaking at the Outstanding Young Person of Sabah (TOYPS) 2007 Awards ceremony gala dinner organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Kota Kinabalu at a hotel here on Sunday night.
“This programme means a great deal to all aspiring leaders in the country as it recognised the importance of leadership and it also provide a platform to give recognition to outstanding person in Sabah,” he noted.
He also congratulated JCI Kota Kinabalu for embarking on the first of its kind project in Sabah which is very commendable.
“I think when we give recognition to the outstanding youth it will also serve as an aspiration to the younger generation that needs to be given guidance,” said Pairin.
Beside that, he said the government is also welcoming all other programmes and efforts from other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help the government towards achieving its objective.
He hoped the award will encourage other youths to strive for excellence and to move toward greater heights and hoped that more outstanding leaders will be produced in future.
Among others the objective of the award is to accord recognition to young Sabahans and individuals based in Sabah between the ages of 15 to 40, whose dedication to their profession or life undertakings has resulted in exceptional achievement.
It is also to create public awareness and give recognition to outstanding achievements and to promote a variety of industries in Sabah with the goal of contributing towards national development and growth.
The winners of the coveted TOYPS 2007 are the honourees and the winners of the certificate of merit. The certificate of merit are awarded to encourage individuals who have contributed to the community and their profession but not to the level set by the honourees and the standard set by the judging committee.
The winners of the TOYPS 2007 awards and according its categories are;
- Business, economic or entrepreneurial accomplishment. Honouree: Raymond Chan, executive chairman of the Ramajuta Group.
- Academic leadership and accomplishment. Winner of the certificate of merit: Melissa Sia, student.
- Cultural achievement. Honouree; Roger Daniel Wong (aka Roger Wang), Musician. Winner of the certificate of merit: Amber Chia, brand ambassador.
- Contribution to children, world peace, or human rights. Honouree: Josephine Wan-Wen Hadikusomo, CARYS.
- Humanitarian and voluntary services. Honouree: Adrian Lasimbang, social worker. Winner of the certificate of merit: Dr Felix Chong, medical practitioner.
- Personal improvement and accomplishment. Honouree: Alex Lim Keng Liat, sportsman. Winner of the certificate of merit: Rufina Tan, sportswoman.
All the winners received their award from Pairin except for Rufina and Melissa represented by their father Johnny Tan and Dr Sia while Amber was represented by Miss Sabah 2007 Madelyn Nandu.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Jahid Jahim, JCI Malaysia national president Law Lee Kiau, JCI Kota Kinabalu president Neelkrish Perumal and organising chairman Donald Stephens.
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