By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Maju Jaya Fellows programme must produce leaders, not just graduates, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
Hajiji said selection as a Fellow is a mandate for the state’s future.
“You were chosen because the State Government sees your potential to be at the forefront of decision-making,” he said at the presentation of appointment letters for SMJ Fellows 5.0 at Menara Kinabalu yesterday.
He told the new group to treat the fellowship as a responsibility, not just a chance to gain experience.
The programme, now in its fifth year, places young Sabahans inside government-linked companies to expose them to management, administration and the corporate sector.
Hajiji said GLCs must stop treating human capital development as corporate social responsibility.
“It must be part of their core commitment,” he said. “Sabah has intelligent, creative and ambitious young people. Some just need an opportunity and a mentor.”
He said the State Government wants SMJ Fellows 5.0 to be judged on impact, not on numbers.
“We want those who join this programme to emerge with greater maturity, stronger confidence, broader networks and the genuine ability to contribute,” he said.
Hajiji takes a wefie with SMJ 5.0 Fellows during the presentation of appointment letters.
