(Miri, 15th) Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that sports are not just a competitive activity, but more importantly, a platform to cultivate resilience, self-discipline, respect, courage, pressure resistance, and leadership. These values not only help athletes achieve success in the arena but are also essential qualities on the road of life.
He made these remarks during his speech at the closing ceremony of the “2026 Karate Kizuna Camp” held at Permy Mall, Miri, yesterday morning.
He said that for young learners, karate training not only enhances physical fitness and skills, but also builds self-confidence, hones character, and cultivates the strong will and discipline needed to face future challenges.
Lee Kim Shin praised the organizers for successfully hosting the two-day training camp and thanked the Sarawak Youth Talent Council, Permy Mall, sponsors, volunteers, and co-organizing units for their support and cooperation, which ensured the smooth running of the event.
He pointed out that this event attracted about 60 athletes, coaches, and family members from Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei, fully demonstrating the deep friendship, cooperative spirit, and sports exchange achievements among the Borneo regions.
“Similar activities not only strengthen sporting ties but also promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and the development of friendship among people from different regions.”
He especially thanked the two instructors, Mcroyce Donovan Dagul from Sabah and Sufizan Sufian from Brunei, for generously sharing their experience and expertise over the past two days.
He said the excellent performances of the two instructors in regional and international competitions fully prove that as long as one has firm faith, keeps working hard, and is highly dedicated, one can achieve outstanding success in the field of sports.
At the same time, he encouraged all trainees to make good use of what they learned in this camp, continue to train diligently, stay focused on their goals, and keep surpassing themselves.
He learned that many trainees will be heading to the Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur from the 25th to 28th of this month to participate in the MILO International Karate Championship, and he wished everyone to perform their best, bringing glory to their clubs, states, and country.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Sarawak government always believes that “investing in youth is investing in the future of Sarawak.”
He said that under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier, the government continues to focus on human capital development, youth empowerment, and talent cultivation, not only advancing infrastructure and economic construction but also actively investing in education, skills training, innovation and technology, youth programs, and sports development.
“Sarawak's future success depends on the quality, capability, and character of the younger generation.”
He pointed out that under the “Sarawak First” philosophy, the government hopes every young Sarawakian has the opportunity to discover their talents, unleash their potential, and pursue their dreams—whether in academic, technical, entrepreneurial, artistic, or sporting fields.
He believes that sports are indeed an important avenue to achieve the above goals, as participation develops teamwork, leadership, discipline, self-management, and perseverance—traits that will benefit youth for a lifetime.
In addition, the Sarawak government has launched multiple youth development initiatives, including free higher education at state tertiary institutions, expanding technical and vocational education and training opportunities, and cultivating talents to meet future economic demands through organizations such as CENTEXS and Sarawak Skills Training Centre.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Karate Kizuna Camp has fully demonstrated the positive impact of quality sports activities on Miri. Such events not only promote a healthy lifestyle and youth development, but also encourage community participation, sports tourism, and talent cultivation, while fostering knowledge exchange, cultural interaction, and interregional friendship.
As the Senadin state assemblyman and a member of the Sarawak government, he will continue to fully support more sports activities to be held in Miri and Sarawak, and welcomes more regional and international competitions to be hosted locally, providing youth with platforms for learning, competition, and growth.
“At the same time, such activities can also attract visitors from other places and boost development in the hotel, retail, and service industries, injecting vitality into the local economy.”
He also expressed his gratitude to all parents, coaches, team leaders, and volunteers, acknowledging their long-term dedication and support.
He said that behind every successful athlete is a strong support team, and the encouragement and dedication of parents and coaches play a key role in cultivating future champions and helping young athletes realize their potential.
He finally congratulated all participants, stating that being able to utilize the weekend to learn, train, and improve themselves is in itself an important step toward personal growth and sporting excellence.
“The true value of sports is not only reflected in medals and trophies, but more so in the building of friendships, the shaping of character, and the accumulation of life experience.”
He said that for young learners, karate training not only enhances physical fitness and skills, but also builds self-confidence, hones character, and cultivates the strong will and discipline needed to face future challenges.
Lee Kim Shin praised the organizers for successfully hosting the two-day training camp and thanked the Sarawak Youth Talent Council, Permy Mall, sponsors, volunteers, and co-organizing units for their support and cooperation, which ensured the smooth running of the event.
He pointed out that this event attracted about 60 athletes, coaches, and family members from Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei, fully demonstrating the deep friendship, cooperative spirit, and sports exchange achievements among the Borneo regions.
“Similar activities not only strengthen sporting ties but also promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and the development of friendship among people from different regions.”
He especially thanked the two instructors, Mcroyce Donovan Dagul from Sabah and Sufizan Sufian from Brunei, for generously sharing their experience and expertise over the past two days.
He said the excellent performances of the two instructors in regional and international competitions fully prove that as long as one has firm faith, keeps working hard, and is highly dedicated, one can achieve outstanding success in the field of sports.
At the same time, he encouraged all trainees to make good use of what they learned in this camp, continue to train diligently, stay focused on their goals, and keep surpassing themselves.
He learned that many trainees will be heading to the Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur from the 25th to 28th of this month to participate in the MILO International Karate Championship, and he wished everyone to perform their best, bringing glory to their clubs, states, and country.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Sarawak government always believes that “investing in youth is investing in the future of Sarawak.”
He said that under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier, the government continues to focus on human capital development, youth empowerment, and talent cultivation, not only advancing infrastructure and economic construction but also actively investing in education, skills training, innovation and technology, youth programs, and sports development.
“Sarawak's future success depends on the quality, capability, and character of the younger generation.”
He pointed out that under the “Sarawak First” philosophy, the government hopes every young Sarawakian has the opportunity to discover their talents, unleash their potential, and pursue their dreams—whether in academic, technical, entrepreneurial, artistic, or sporting fields.
He believes that sports are indeed an important avenue to achieve the above goals, as participation develops teamwork, leadership, discipline, self-management, and perseverance—traits that will benefit youth for a lifetime.
In addition, the Sarawak government has launched multiple youth development initiatives, including free higher education at state tertiary institutions, expanding technical and vocational education and training opportunities, and cultivating talents to meet future economic demands through organizations such as CENTEXS and Sarawak Skills Training Centre.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Karate Kizuna Camp has fully demonstrated the positive impact of quality sports activities on Miri. Such events not only promote a healthy lifestyle and youth development, but also encourage community participation, sports tourism, and talent cultivation, while fostering knowledge exchange, cultural interaction, and interregional friendship.
As the Senadin state assemblyman and a member of the Sarawak government, he will continue to fully support more sports activities to be held in Miri and Sarawak, and welcomes more regional and international competitions to be hosted locally, providing youth with platforms for learning, competition, and growth.
“At the same time, such activities can also attract visitors from other places and boost development in the hotel, retail, and service industries, injecting vitality into the local economy.”
He also expressed his gratitude to all parents, coaches, team leaders, and volunteers, acknowledging their long-term dedication and support.
He said that behind every successful athlete is a strong support team, and the encouragement and dedication of parents and coaches play a key role in cultivating future champions and helping young athletes realize their potential.
He finally congratulated all participants, stating that being able to utilize the weekend to learn, train, and improve themselves is in itself an important step toward personal growth and sporting excellence.
“The true value of sports is not only reflected in medals and trophies, but more so in the building of friendships, the shaping of character, and the accumulation of life experience.”