Sabah SMJ Fellow program to cultivate future state leadership

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has emphasized that the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellow program serves as a foundation for future leadership in the state. During the SMJ Fellow 5.0 commissioning ceremony at Menara Kinabalu, Hajiji stated that the selection of participants represents a trust and an investment in the state's future, aiming to develop a generation capable of driving the economy and making strategic decisions.

The Chief Minister expressed his desire for the program to evolve beyond mere participation numbers, focusing instead on the maturity, confidence, and networking capabilities of the participants. He also called upon state-linked companies (GLCs) to integrate the development of Sabah's youth talent into their core agendas rather than treating it solely as a corporate social responsibility initiative.

Among the participants is Arnie Jaliusih, a 23-year-old Universiti Malaysia Sabah graduate and former recipient of the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS). She noted that the SMJ Fellow program provides a significant opportunity to gain professional exposure and develop the skills necessary to contribute back to her home state.