Many view lack of govt assistance, loans as setbacks: JCI Damai

KUCHING: Many young people, who like to set up their own businesses, view the lack of government aids and loans as setbacks, said Junior Chamber International (JCI) Damai.

The rising cost of living and confusion on tertiary education opportunities were also factors, said the local chapter president Bibianna Chin.

Promoting JCI Damai’s upcoming events yesterday, Chin said that youths needed “extra motivation and push”.

The non-profit organisation will hold two seminars, one focusing on entrepreneur development on July 10, to be followed by another on higher education and the civil service on July 19.

The worldwide non-profit organisation is celebrating its ‘JCI Week’ here from July 6 until July 12.

“I really believe there is a lot of energetic and creative young people out there who have so much potentials. They just need more guidance and exposure,” she said.

For the first seminar — which the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Deputy Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah is expected to speak on topics concerning financing will take centre stage.

“We want to know about what kind of aids and funds the government has in store for entrepreneurs. Based on what JCI Damai has been briefed, there are many programmes, especially for female.

“So many people nowadays are talking about ‘no money for this and that’, so we believe this seminar will put things into perspective,” she said.

The president added that the seminar should shed light on ‘lowest interests rates and longest repayment period’.

Housing Minister Dato Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will also attend this seminar, which will take place at Inti College here.

Tickets are priced at RM20 per person and JCI Damai is expecting around 450 participants.

On the second seminar titled ‘Today Youths, Tomorrow Leaders’, Chin said officials from the Youth and Sports Ministry would present talks.

She said matters on higher education and the lack of non-Bumiputera in the civil service would be addressed.

The second seminar, which is free, will be held at the Sarawak Tourism Board Complex (Old Court House) here.

Both events are open to all members of the public and not just JCI members.

Meanwhile, a series of roadshows will also be held throughout this month.

On future activities, Chin said charitable sales and more workshops on other youth-related concerns would be highlighted.

“The organisation, which was founded 20 years ago, is also taking new members,” Chin added.

For more information, call 016-8600297 or 016-8887200.