The current main focus of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is to ensure that digital technology is applied holistically to enhance the skills of the youth in various technical and creative fields. Technology is not merely a tool, but a key driver that transforms the way youth learn, work and create economic value, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad.

The minister said this during the ninth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in response to questions raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan on how digital technology supports the development of skills and employability for youth, as well as efforts to expand the creative economy and digital sports (e-sports).

He added that the ministry is committed to acting as an enabler by providing an ecosystem that supports the youth, ensuring they have broad access to the latest tools and technological platforms. The ministry’s goal is to build the capacity of the youth so that they are capable of competing not only domestically but also on the global stage.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi shared, “Through the Youth Development Centre (PPB) and the Artisan Skills programme, the ministry offers specialised courses that create a young workforce with the competencies required by today’s industries.

“To date, 24 courses have been conducted with the participation of approximately 300 youth.

“These courses cover critical areas such as digital graphic design and multi-media production; laser cutting and digital fabrication; social media marketing; as well as the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (Al) and web development.

“This initiative enables the youth to translate their creativity into digital products and services that have high market value.”

Regarding the field of e-sports, he said, “The ministry views this sector as more than just recreational activities. With mastering of technology, youth are capable of creating their own economic opportunities, including involvement in the gig economy, which offers more sustainable and flexible income generation. Alhamdulillah, the Brunei Darussalam E-Sports contingent has secured seven medals, including one gold medal, during the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.”

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)