MIRI – The Sarawak Youth Talent (SYT) 2025 initiative is aiming to transform young participants into advocates of sustainable tourism, urging them to employ creativity and critical thinking in promoting travel that benefits both people and environment.
Miri City Mayor and Pujut State Assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, said that through the mediums of art, video and storytelling, youth can convey pivotal messages about awareness, empathy and respect for local culture, nature and community.
His remarks were delivered by councillor Sean Huang Hong Siong at the SYT 2025 Awards Presentation Ceremony held at MYY Mall on Saturday.
“SYT is more than just a competition. It calls on the younger generation to think critically, act responsibly and use their talents to promote tourism that benefits people and the planet,” he said.
He added that the creative outputs of participants reveal how tourism development and environmental conservation can progress hand in hand.
Mayor Yii emphasised that Miri is proud to host such a vibrant and inspiring platform because it reinforces the city’s role as Sarawak’s gateway to the north and as a destination aspiring to be sustainable.
“Miri is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia, namely Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, which reflect Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, ancient heritage and global significance,” he noted.
The SYT programme is organised under the theme Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, which encourages ethical travel, cultural preservation and environmental protection.
According to the organisers behind SYT, it seeks to instil responsible behaviour among youth while offering them a creative platform to engage in tourism development across Sarawak.
By emphasising concepts such as minimising environmental footprints, respecting heritage sites, and promoting community-led tourism, SYT aligns with broader efforts to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable in Malaysia and beyond.