By WU VUIDE
KIULU: Youth contributions to community development in tourism and agro-based entrepreneurship in Kiulu have been formally recognised.
The awards, introduced for the first time, aim to acknowledge young individuals who have demonstrated leadership and initiative in their respective fields.
The recipients were Juanson Moidin (Youth Tourism Entrepreneur) from Kampung Pahu; Charlie Gumbolog (Youth Agro-Agriculture Entrepreneur) from Kampung Taginambur; and Dell Darion Victor (Youth Agro-Fisheries Entrepreneur) from Kampung Rugading.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Kiulu Assemblyman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, presented the awards during the Santai Pitimungan Belia Kiulu programme at the Pulou Kelapa Eco-Tourism Open Hall in Kampung Malanggang Lama.
Over 500 people attended the event, which was jointly organised by Kelab Belia Prihatin Kiulu (KBPK) and the Kiulu Tourism Association, with support from the Kiulu ADUN’s Office.
KBPK Chairperson, Elsheera Alfred Yapat, said the programme served as a meaningful platform to encourage active youth participation in character building and community contribution.
“Our goal is to bring Kiulu youth together in an empowering environment to share their talents, experiences, and build networks for a brighter future.
“Kiulu has great potential in tourism, agriculture, and industry. I believe our youth can unlock this potential, with creativity, spirit, and wisdom as their greatest assets,” she said.
Joniston said it is crucial to motivate more youths to take an active role in areas that directly impact the community, such as tourism, agriculture, and social initiatives.
“Young people in Kiulu should not rely solely on existing opportunities, but must be bold in creating their own space.
“Technology and social media should be used wisely to highlight the uniqueness of their villages, generate income, and support initiatives such as agropreneurship, home cafés, and community-based tourism services,” he added.
He also proposed introducing an Idea Pitch Mini programme as a platform for youth to present business or community project ideas, with the opportunity to receive seed funding.
This, he said, should form part of wider efforts to further empower youth in Kiulu.
Two former students of SMK Tun Fuad Stephens — Joshua Subing from Kampung Pahu Lama and Adellysandro Edward from Kampung Longkou Baru were also recognised for their achievements in sports.
Joniston additionally presented incentives to 17 outstanding STPM students from SMK Tun Fuad Stephens in recognition of their academic accomplishments.
The programme featured a traditional costume design competition, musical performances, a local produce market, and information-sharing sessions on financing opportunities available for young entrepreneurs through relevant agencies.
