Showcasing the Power and International Vision of Sarawak Youth — TOYM Makes Its Debut in Miri

(Miri, 17th) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, stated that having the Miri Junior Chamber International (JCI) host the Malaysia Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians Award (TOYM) is a historic moment and a great honor for Miri.
 Lee Kim Shin, who is also a JCI Senator, made these remarks last night while attending the ‘2025 Malaysia Ten Outstanding Young Malaysians Award (JCI 2025 TOYM)’ Top 30 Finalists Award Presentation Dinner organized by JCI Miri at Eastwood Valley Golf & Country Club Banquet Hall in Miri.
 Lee Kim Shin highly commended the event organizing committee for their efforts and specifically praised the Chairperson of the 2025 Malaysia TOYM Organizing Committee, Yang Jun Ting, for her "soft leadership", displaying the charm of overcoming strength with gentleness and successfully leading the team to bring the grand event to Miri. He also thanked Malaysian JCI National President Tan Wei Jian and President Nurul for their long-standing support towards the development of Sarawak Chapter.
“Tonight, we are also honored to have distinguished guests, including Miri Mayor Yii Siu Kiong, the representative of Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri City Councillor Lau Yi Jie, members of the National Awards Advisory Committee, the panel of judges, JCI Senators, and most importantly, the 30 finalists. Welcome to Miri—half of you are visiting here for the first time. I hope you take this opportunity to get to know Miri and Sarawak better.”
 He said that in the past, TOYM was mostly held in Peninsular Malaysia, and in the past ten years was once hosted in Kuching and Sibu, but this year it finally comes to Miri. As a highly prestigious youth award, the TOYM selection process is rigorous and professional; youths who make it to the top 30 should feel extremely proud.
“Tomorrow you will be facing an interview far more demanding than a job search, but it will be a rare experience. Youth development must start with a positive attitude. A person full of negative thinking cannot bring about positive change.”

He emphasized that society needs more young people who propose solutions and drive positive change, rather than those who only criticize and create problems.
“I frequently remind JCI Miri that whatever you do, it must be of high standard and strive for breakthroughs; this is the only way to truly showcase Miri’s capabilities.”
He pointed out that as an international youth organization, JCI shoulders the mission of cultivating future leaders and promoting social progress. He encouraged more young people to join JCI, establish positive values, expand international networks, and keep up with the era of globalization and artificial intelligence, thereby becoming citizens with a global vision.
“Tonight, what we are commending is not just individual achievements, but also their impact on the community and nation. TOYM adopts internationally recognized nomination and selection systems, giving young people a chance to build global networks, connect with outstanding youths, and represent Malaysia on the world stage.”
Lee Kim Shin also took the opportunity to introduce the beauty of Sarawak to the finalists from across Malaysia, highlighting that Miri has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah Caves (a site inhabited by Stone Age humans 65,000 years ago). In addition, Miri is home to an urban nature park where hornbills can be seen, and Sarawak puts great emphasis on sustainable development and protecting green landscapes, in line with the state government’s green economy and digital economy policies.
He said that the Sarawak government has pioneered green energy initiatives, such as hydrogen buses and hydrogen-powered automated rapid transit (ART), a first in Southeast Asia, demonstrating its determination for environmental protection and sustainable development.
“Over 30 years ago, when I first went to Peninsular Malaysia, people would ask: Are there still people living in trees in Sarawak? But now, when people hear I am from Sarawak, the first thing they ask is: How can I obtain Permanent Residency in Sarawak?”
Lee Kim Shin encouraged all finalists to give their best in the finals and strive to be among Malaysia’s top ten outstanding youths. He also shared his touching memories from receiving this honor in 1986.