BINTULU (May 19): The voices and perspectives of youths in Sabah and Sarawak must remain central in shaping the future development of the two regions, said Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

The Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Sabah and Sarawak) stressed that the aspirations of young people are crucial in ensuring regional development agendas continue to reflect the needs and expectations of the younger generation.

“Education must serve as a bridge towards progress and a better future for the people of both regions, while university students play an essential role as agents of change in driving national development,” he said during a dialogue session with students from Sabah and Sarawak at Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) here recently.

The session provided students with an opportunity to voice their views on regional development, access to higher education, employment opportunities and the future of Borneo.

Mustapha added that the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must continue to be strengthened so that its benefits can be more widely felt by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, especially in areas such as education, infrastructure development and community well-being.

“This is important to ensure youths are well prepared to become future leaders of a more progressive and inclusive nation,” he said.

UPM deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Abd Rahim Abu Talib said the university remains committed to expanding the impact of education, research and innovation to communities across Borneo.

“Through UPMS, the university continues to strengthen initiatives related to food security, community development and knowledge transfer that directly benefit the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, UPMS director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini said the campus would continue strengthening its role as a hub for education and community development in line with its aspiration to become an internationally recognised university with strong societal impact.

Shahrul said the working visit reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to strengthening strategic collaboration with the government in advancing sustainable development in Sabah and Sarawak through higher education, research and innovation.

During the session, a special presentation on the AgriHub@Sepanggar initiative was delivered by UPMS Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science deputy dean (Research, Funding and Graduate Studies) Shairil Izwan Taasim.

The urban farming-based programme is seen as having the potential to help urban communities improve agricultural skills, reduce living costs through self-produced food and strengthen public awareness on the significance of food security and community resilience.

Date of Input: 20/05/2026 | Updated: 20/05/2026 | lanz