What Sarawak Youths Want!

KUCHING: Seven out of 10 Sarawakian youths feel they lack exposure and opportunities to get high-income jobs and experiences.

In The Youth Report, a major study spanning eight months and backed by Social Development and Urbanisation Ministry, it was revealed that only 23% of Sarawa-kians between 18 and 24 years old were happy with what they were doing now.

More than ever, authorities needed to provide better guidance and education programmes to enable long-term higher productivity, the study said.

“Due to the lack of knowledge and exposure, youths have limited choices when it comes to career progress and developments. Importance must be given to the state’s human capital development.”

The study is based on a cross section of 1,000 youths and was conducted during the youth assemblies in the past year.

It noted that Sarawakian youths were “amazingly” ambitious, but some were affected by social woes like drug addiction and female abuse. The study also found that 89% of respondents were largely unaware of government programmes aimed at tackling social issues.

On job prospects, the study said: “About 70% of Sarawakian youths feel they are under-exposed to opportunities that are currently available here. Youths are asking for more exposure, especially to contribute to — not just to participate in.

“Empowerment and a proper strategy to encourage mindset shifts are crucial factors. Youths are eager to diversify from their current jobs, hoping to move on to opportunities that are bigger and better.”

The study said, by and large, youths shared an overwhelming preference to work for multi-national corporations (MNCs). Indeed, the study found that 35% wanted to work for MNCs — more than the 26% who preferred to earn a living based on their passions.

On the lack of communication between government and youths, particular blame was placed on the authorities’ “offline” approach.

The situation had played a discouraging role between young people and authorities, the study said. Only 15% of respondents said they had properly communicated with authorities.

The report said Sarawakians had turned to social media like Facebook and Twitter to express dissatisfaction.

As an example, the study quoted Jarvis Ling from Kuching as saying: “Most of us know about Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy but not many know what it actually means and what benefits it can bring”.

In the report’s summary, it concluded that the local demographic was different from other states. Sarawak faced its own set of unique challenges in social, economy and living lifestyles, it said.

“Sarawakians have an eccentric identity. With an open mind and heart, many will find that locals are humble and portray an identity that is constantly seeking new ideas, opportunities and experiences.”

(Extracted from the news written by Yu Ji of The Star published on 3 May 2011 http://thestar.com.my/)