KUCHING: Sarawak is setting its sights on becoming a regional hub for cooperative-driven sports, entrepreneurship and youth development, following strategic discussions between ANGKASA Sarawak and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED).
During a courtesy visit on Wednesday, ANGKASA Sarawak chairman Wan Azizan Wan Zainal Abidin, together with board members and senior officers, outlined bold ambitions to leverage the state’s thriving cooperative sector to foster economic and cultural ties within the region.
Received by MYSED permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick and a team of youth development officers, the ANGKASA delegation explored key initiatives that could boost Sarawak’s cooperative movement, including hosting the National Petanque Tournament with participation from BIMP-EAGA countries – Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
“We believe Sarawak has the capacity to lead not only within Malaysia but also across the region, using cooperatives as engines of growth, leadership and sustainability,” Wan Azizan said.
He added that both parties also discussed positioning cooperatives at the heart of preparations for the SEA Games 2027, with roles in volunteer mobilisation, event management, entrepreneurship and community support services.
Building on the momentum of SUKMA 2024, this focus aligns with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 theme, ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’.
“MYSED expressed strong support for the initiatives, recognising the cooperative movement’s unique ability to drive inclusive economic growth while empowering youth across urban and rural communities.
“The collaboration highlighted the Sarawak’s vision to build a dynamic, globally connected economy, rooted in cooperative excellence and strategic regional partnerships,” he added.
