Joniston with the youth during the Santai Pitimungan Belia Kiulu programme.
KIULU (July 14): Kiulu youth were recognised for their contributions to community development through the presentation of awards for outstanding youth in tourism and agro-based entrepreneurship.
The awards, introduced for the first time, aim to acknowledge and encourage young individuals who have demonstrated leadership and initiative in their respective fields.
The recipients were Juanson Moidin (Youth Tourism Entrepreneur) from Kampung Pahu; Charlie Gumbolog (Youth Agro-Agriculture Entrepreneur) from Kampung Taginambur; and Dell Darion Victor (Youth Agro-Fisheries Entrepreneur) from Kampung Rugading.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Kiulu assemblyman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, presented the awards during the Santai Pitimungan Belia Kiulu programme, yesterday.
More than 500 people attended the event, which was jointly organised by Kelab Belia Prihatin Kiulu and the Kiulu Tourism Association, with support from the Kiulu ADUN’s Office.
The programme took place at the Pulou Kelapa Eco-Tourism Open Hall in Kampung Malanggang Lama.
Kelab Belia Prihatin Kiulu chairperson, Elsheera Alfred Yapat, said the programme served as a meaningful platform to encourage active youth participation in building their character and contributing to their community.
“Our goal is clear, to bring Kiulu youth together in an empowering environment where they can share talents, experiences, and build networks for a brighter future.
“As Datuk Joniston has often emphasised, Kiulu has great potential in tourism, agriculture and industry. I believe our youth have everything it takes to unlock this potential, with creativity, spirit, and wisdom as their greatest assets,” she said.
Meanwhile, Joniston said recognising youth achievements is crucial to motivating more young people to take an active role in areas that directly impact the community, such as tourism, agriculture and social initiatives.
“The young people of Kiulu should not rely solely on existing opportunities, but must be bold in creating their own space, be independent and competitive.
“Technology and social media should be used wisely to highlight village uniqueness, generate income, and support initiatives such as agropreneurship, home cafes and community-based tourism services,” he added.
He also proposed having an Idea Pitch Mini programme as a platform for young people to present business or community project ideas, with the opportunity to receive seed funding. This, he said, should be part of efforts to further empower youth in Kiulu.
During the event, two former students of SMK Tun Fuad Stephens — Joshua Subing from Kampung Pahu Lama and Adellysandro Edward from Kampung Longkou Baru — were also recognised for their achievements in sports.
Joniston also presented incentives to 17 outstanding STPM students from SMK Tun Fuad Stephens in recognition of their academic accomplishments.
The programme featured a traditional costume design competition, musical performances, a local produce market, as well as information-sharing on financing opportunities available for young entrepreneurs through relevant agencies.
