KOTA KINABALU: Human capital remains Sabah's priority to spur economic recovery and growth, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       He said the focus was part of the state's road map under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative that focuses on key economic sectors.

       “I have addressed this in our state’s 2022 Budget where sizable funds have been allocated to relevant agencies and ministries for human capital development,” he said at the Shell LiveWIRE Sabah 2021 Award Ceremony here Thursday (March 3).

       His speech was read by state Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.

       Among these, Hajiji said RM24mil was allocated to the state Human Resource Development Department to conduct courses and skills training in technology, technical and trade to strengthen human capital development and to produce a competent and resilient generation.

       These included the Sabah Talent and Entrepreneurship Development Programme to help youths who have lost their source of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       The most recent platforms established were the SME Product Centres in Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort and Ranau, and the collaboration with supermarket chains.

       “This will boost the local retail sector for those intending to scale up their businesses.

       “A total of RM5.76mil was also allocated to establish four more SMI Centres in 2022 at the district level to market SMI products. Similarly, the SMI Assistance Programme (BAIKS) which has helped a total of 3,269 entrepreneurs in the state will be intensified,” he said.

       In this respect, Hajiji commended Shell for introducing the entrepreneurship development programme here in Sabah seven years ago that benefited young Sabahans.

       The Chief Minister congratulated the five young recipients of the Shell LiveWire 2021 Awards who successfully pitched their business ideas to win RM10,000 cash each to grow their businesses.

       He said the state government welcomed the support of all parties including the private sector to complement its development efforts as outlined in the state’s five-year development plan, Hala Tuju SMJ.

       “I am happy to know that the Shell LiveWIRE programme has supported local entrepreneurs to access knowledge, skills, networks and resources, and turn their business ideas into successful enterprises,” he said.

       Hajiji encouraged budding entrepreneurs to seek out and take advantage of government initiatives as well as to take advantage of opportunities such as this Shell LiveWIRE programme.