Labuan Has Strong Potential To Produce Quality, Globally Competitive Youth - Mordi

LABUAN, June 13 (Bernama) -- Labuan has strong potential to produce quality youth who can become future leaders that are competitive, resilient, and globally respected, said Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Anak Bimol.

He said this potential could be strengthened through continuous participation in skills development, entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-development programmes provided by government agencies.

Mordi urged Labuan youth to leverage the island’s unique strengths and advantages to excel beyond the local level and make their mark both nationally and internationally.

“Use Labuan’s strengths and advantages as a catalyst to rise to a higher level. I am confident that with consistent effort and determination, Malaysian youth, especially those from Labuan, can become future leaders who are outstanding, competitive, and respected internationally,” he said.

He said this when officiating the 2026 Federal Territory of Labuan-level National Youth Day celebration and presenting the Labuan-level National Youth Premier Awards here today.

Mordi added that the National Youth Day celebration, observed annually on May 15, reflects the government’s appreciation of youth contributions to nation-building, community empowerment, and Malaysia’s future development.

He said this year’s theme, ‘Menggerak Belia MADANI,' positions youth as active drivers of change rather than passive recipients of development.

“The theme calls on youth to move from potential to action, from aspiration to implementation, and to prepare to lead change in an increasingly complex world. This includes navigating challenges like the cost of living, employment opportunities, mental health, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence,” he said.

He reiterated that the government remains committed to holistic youth development through various initiatives, incentives, and allocations under Budget 2026. These cover training, entrepreneurship, social protection, education, employment opportunities, youth development, sports, and the Rakan Muda programmes.

Mordi highlighted that international platforms, including youth exchange programmes, global conferences, and innovation competitions, are now more accessible, providing opportunities for Malaysian youth to gain knowledge, build networks, and raise the country’s profile globally.

-- BERNAMA