BINTULU – A youth-focused dialogue known as the Youth Talk Programme “Chill” was held in Bintulu to encourage greater participation of young people in the cooperative movement, highlighting its role as a platform for income generation and long-term economic empowerment.
The event, themed “Cooperatives: Generate Income, Build the Future”, was organised by the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKM) and took place at the Main Lecture Hall of Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) Bintulu on Saturday.
The session was officiated by Datuk Willie Mongin, a Board Member of the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa), who underscored the importance of youth involvement in cooperatives.
He explained that cooperatives not only provide opportunities for entrepreneurship but also help young people strengthen their skills, expand social networks, and enhance competitiveness in today’s market.
“Innovation and participation in cooperatives can open doors for young people to become not just consumers, but also creators and leaders in shaping the economy,” he said during his address.
The programme began at 10.30am and featured discussions on how cooperatives can serve as a sustainable model for economic development. It also introduced participants to entrepreneurial opportunities that align with Malaysia’s broader goals of fostering inclusive growth and community-driven initiatives.
The presence of UPMS management representatives, officers from the Malaysian Cooperative Institute, and a large number of students reflected the growing interest among Sarawak’s younger generation in exploring cooperative ventures.
Many attendees expressed enthusiasm about the potential of cooperatives to provide both financial stability and a sense of shared responsibility within communities.
The Malaysian Cooperative Institute has been actively promoting awareness of cooperatives as part of its mission to empower youth. By engaging students and young professionals, the institute aims to ensure that the cooperative sector remains relevant and dynamic in the face of evolving economic challenges.
Cooperatives in Malaysia have historically played a significant role in supporting small businesses, rural communities, and social enterprises. With youth engagement, the sector is expected to adapt more effectively to modern demands, including digitalisation and sustainable practices.
The Youth Talk “Chill” initiative is part of a wider effort to align young people with national strategies for economic resilience. By equipping them with knowledge and practical exposure, the organisers hope to nurture a new generation of cooperative leaders who can contribute to Sarawak’s long-term development.
As the session concluded, participants were reminded that cooperatives are not merely financial entities but also vehicles for social progress, offering young Malaysians the chance to shape their own economic futures while strengthening community bonds.
