(Kuching, 18th) Sarawak is actively promoting sports development and has proposed that its affiliated universities offer sports courses.
This initiative aims to nurture high-quality young athletes, enhancing their performance comprehensively from school to university level and creating opportunities for the development of international sports.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that young athletes interested in enhancing their sports skills can participate in self-development courses.
"We can implement these courses at i-CATS University College or Swinburne University. Swinburne University is a suitable choice as it has students from different countries, facilitating international student exchanges and promoting cross-cultural and cross-school sports cooperation. Additionally, we can establish sports-based courses at Curtin University."
Abang Johari made these remarks at the press conference following the opening ceremony of the Women's U19 Cricket World Cup event today.
He added that the Sarawak government is also discussing with the Ministry of Education to implement sports courses at the secondary school level.
He explained that the potential of athletes must be cultivated from an early stage to ensure they are fully explored and developed as they progress to higher levels.
"In fact, we have already begun discussions with the Ministry of Education because the nurturing of athletes needs to start at the secondary school level, which can be achieved by establishing sports schools. Once we begin nurturing them from a young age until they identify their interests, whether they pursue further education at a university or participate in the sports field, they can further develop through university sports-related courses."
He mentioned that although Sarawak still lacks sports facilities, it has many athletes, like Pandelela, who hold potential and are the hope for Sarawak's sports.