MIRI – The Sarawak Youth StartUp (SYStartUp) Cohort 2 2025 programme concluded on Saturday, reinforcing the state’s drive to nurture a new generation of competitive entrepreneurs.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Sarawak’s entrepreneurial landscape.
He emphasised that the programme is designed to equip young Sarawakians with practical skills and resilience needed to thrive in business.
Cohort 2 attracted 393 applications, with 150 participants selected through screening and online interviews conducted in collaboration with agencies such as MINTRED, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sarawak Foundation for Skills (SFS), and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Held over eight days in Miri, the programme offered intensive training sessions covering financial management, branding, marketing strategies, certification processes, product verification, and business model development.
The training culminated in group pitching sessions, where 19 teams presented their business ideas to evaluators.
Dr Ripin noted that while the programme has achieved significant impact, improvements will be introduced in future editions.
He welcomed feedback from participants to ensure the initiative continues to evolve and meet the needs of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Each participant was issued an ID card with QR code access to programme schedules, enabling streamlined participation and monitoring.
Progress tracking for Cohort 2 will commence in January 2026, ensuring accountability and follow-up support for participants.
“You are the chosen ones of this cohort. Success requires effort, resilience and the right mindset. Don’t rush the process but trust the process,” Dr Ripin reminded the youths during his closing remarks.
He also extended appreciation to facilitators, speakers, MYSED staff, and strategic partners for their contributions to the success of the programme.
The SYStartUp initiative, first introduced in 2024, aims to build a sustainable pool of young entrepreneurs by combining training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world business challenges.
Cohort 2 builds on this foundation, reflecting Sarawak’s broader strategy to strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside other programmes such as SCALE Sarawak.
With the state’s agencies reaffirming their commitment to entrepreneurship development, SYStartUp is expected to play a pivotal role in preparing Sarawak’s youth for opportunities in both local and global markets.
