KUCHING: Youths are called to be more involved in shaping the country’s economic sector, especially in the tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Youth in Tourism (YIT) 2022 town hall session, provided a platform for the younger generation and industry players alike to discuss issues and challenges faced by tourism, arts and culture industry.
“This is the best platform for us to find suggestions and solutions to continue to be competitive and progress, for the future of the Malaysian tourism industry.
“Through creativity and innovation, economic activities will grow and can be further monetised to generate income for the people,” she said at the YIT 2022 held at a hotel here, yesterday (Oct 18).
Meanwhile, director general of Tourism Malaysia Datuk Zainudin Abdul Wahab said YIT 2022 provided an opportunity for the younger generation to understand the development of the country’s tourism industry including job opportunities as well as applying elements of tourism-based entrepreneurship in an effort to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“Our intention is not only to approach the young people, but also to inject aspirations among them to choose a career or business based on tourism.
“This step is also in line with the recommendations of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) by emphasising the importance of sustainable tourism in the context of inclusive growth which is a link to all levels of society to improve socioeconomic development and job opportunities,” he said.
The programme, organised by Tourism Malaysia saw about 300 students from public and private higher education institutions, tourism product operators, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government agencies attending the event.
Besides Kuching, the programme will also be held at five other locations across the country, namely – Penang, Pahang, Johor, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.
Three panelists namely Awang Saifeluddin Awangku Karim, chief executive officer of Grit Event Management; managing director of Pungu Borneo Sdn Bhd Lucille Awen Jon; Meldrick Udos and Jackson Lian Ngau of At Adau participated in a forum entitled ‘Inspirasi Anak Muda Membuka Lembaran Baru Industri Pelancongan Negara’ where they shared their experience and knowledge on tourism industry. The forum was moderated by Gabriel Fairuz, TN50 Youth Ambassador 2018-2019 (Arts & Culture).
