| Wani Roslan |
THE country’s high youth unemployment rate emerged as one of the prime concerns during the second day of the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.
Speaking on the issue of unemployment among registered jobseekers and graduates, LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon shared that findings from a recent study has collated a list of industry priority clusters that the country must focus on in order to diversify and expand its economy to generate more employment openings.
The Halal industry, business services, technology and creative industries, as well as tourism are among the industry clusters that need to be developed, in addition to the oil and gas industry.
“With these findings, the agencies need to formulate proactive steps in providing specialised programmes to jobseekers, especially the youth,” Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali said.
“Planned programmes will be able to equip the youth with the needed skills, leadership qualities and experience, and can play a role in the growth of the private sector, which [in turn can] expand the job market in this country.”
He noted also that youth as human resources need to improve their attitudes and not fully rely on employment opportunities in the public sector.
“The respective ministries have offered many opportunities for youth, such as initiatives to help develop youth entrepreneurs.
“The private sector also needs to provide youth with work opportunities and attract them by giving various opportunities for improvement,” he said.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali reminded parents of their roles in teaching children and the new generation not to be choosy and that success in academia and technical fields lie not only in the public sector, but also in the private sector.
LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Bokok Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, meanwhile, praised the youth who were involved in establishing the Tarindak Ungkayah Graduan Restaurant.