Joniston and the participants of the event.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 24): Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has introduced the Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Fund as part of efforts to empower youth and drive sustainable development in the constituency.
The initiative was announced during the Youth and Tourism Program and the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the sub-district level in Kampung Malangang Lama today.
The event was attended by more than 100 young men and women from across Kiulu.
According to Joniston, with an initial allocation of RM50,000, the fund aims to support youth in implementing various programs and activities that benefit the local community while contributing to the economic and social development of the sub-district.
“Youth are the backbone of sustainable development. With their enthusiasm and creativity, they can lead various community initiatives, including innovations in tourism, the economy and environmental conservation,” he said.
He disclosed that the fund will be managed by professionals to ensure efficient, transparent and accountable administration.
The Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment and chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board also said that the initiative represents a commitment to ensuring youth development aligns with efforts to achieve the SDGs.
As a community-based tourism destination, Kiulu has become a model for sustainable rural development in Sabah.
Joniston noted that community tourism aligns with the SDGs by creating job opportunities, enhancing socioeconomic conditions through income generation, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and fostering collaboration and understanding that promote community tolerance.
“Economic development in Kiulu must balance environmental sustainability and the preservation of local cultural identity. I believe this fund can act as a catalyst for youth transformation, enabling them to make a positive impact on the community,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the significant role of the State Government, through the Sabah Tourism Board, in supporting the empowerment of rural communities.
“With the involvement of all stakeholders, Kiulu has the potential to become a prime example of sustainable development integrating community, economy, and the environment,” Joniston added.
He also shared his strategic plans to achieve the objectives of Sabah Maju Jaya, focusing on advancing the industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors.
“Kiulu has already made some strides in advancing tourism, and our next focus is to establish Kiulu as a hub for agricultural products. Hopefully, soon, we can establish a processing plant for agricultural products, all of which are geared towards economic empowerment.
“I will allocate part of the state assemblyman’s annual budget to build and improve agricultural roads in the Kiulu area,” said Joniston.
According to the president of the Kiulu Tourism Association, Meijin Maggingow, the Kiulu sub-district now has more than 80 tourism operators, creating 400 job opportunities.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board, Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, was also present at the program.
