KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellowship programme initiated by the State Government has succeeded in opening up the path for young Sabahans to grow and contribute directly to the state’s development ecosystem, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“The SMJ Fellowship is an important platform not only for building experience but also for shaping identity, integrity, and outstanding leadership qualities.
“This aligns with the State Government’s commitment under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan framework, in which human capital development is the core driver in building a sustainable and competitive future for the state.
“This is among the initiatives undertaken by the State Government today to develop the youth and young generation in Sabah,” he said at the presentation of appointment letters to 42 young Sabahans taking part in the SMJ Fellowship 4.0 batch programme atMenara Kinabalu today.
“We do not only aim to produce leaders who excel in knowledge and skills, but more importantly, we strive to develop leaders with a genuine empathy for the people.
These leaders will grasp the pulse of the community, elevate the people’s voices in policy discussions, and prioritise the spirit of love for the state above personal interests.”
“My hope is that these fellows will become the catalyst for change, igniting the flame of sincere, courageous, and visionary leadership for a more advanced, united, and successful Sabah,” he said.
He urged the SMJ Fellows to make the most of this opportunity and experience the real world of State Government administration, understand how policies are crafted, decisions made, and how the machinery of government is mobilised for the people.
“Make this fellowship a leadership arena. A place to build discipline, empathy, vision, and courage. Let integrity be the core of who you are.
“Take this opportunity to prove that young people are capable of presenting brilliant ideas, offering bold solutions, and leading with effective action,” he said.
Hajiji said that youths are not merely successors, but important assets and heirs to the future that is being shaped today.
“I would like to wish all SMJ Fellows every success. Let this experience mark the beginning of a leadership journey that will benefit the people and the state. My hope is that this young generation will continue the legacy of leadership that will bring Sabah toward a brighter future,” he said.
He also commended all government-linked companies (GLCs) that participated in the SMJ Fellowship programme for their continued commitment and consistency in supporting human capital development in Sabah.
“I was informed that in this round of the SMJ Fellowship programme, a total of 20 GLCs are involved, compared to only 10 previously. This increase is not just a number but it is a manifestation of trust and strong support that reflects the solid cooperation between the State Government and GLCs in nurturing Sabah’s next generation of young leaders.
“I was also informed that many of these fellows have been offered opportunities to join their respective GLCs after completing the programme. This is indeed an encouraging development,” he said.
Hajiji viewed the continuous efforts by the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBSS) in designing and implementing programmes that serve as important platforms for sharpening leadership talent, building competitiveness, and preparing the next generation of Sabah’s successors as a highly commendable initiative.- pr/BNN
