TRANSFORMING FUTURES: OFFICIAL LAUNCH AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE EU-ILO-UNICEF-SSTC PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
The European Union (EU), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Sabah Skills & Technology Centre (SSTC) Partnership has taken a significant step forward in empowering youth in the oil palm plantation sector with the official launch of its collaborative project on 10th December 2024, followed by the kick-off of the first pilot training on 21st January 2025.
The partnership was officially launched at the Heritage Hotel in Tawau, with the presence of key stakeholders from the EU-ILO-UNICEF-SSTC. The project is designed to address the challenges faced by local and migrant youth in plantation communities, who often have limited access to education and career opportunities.
The initiative aims to improve the socio-economic inclusion of young workers aged 15–24 in Sabah’s oil palm plantations by providing essential skills training, education, and opportunities for long-term employment.
During the event, Mr. Josh Hong, National Project Coordinator for ILO Malaysia, shared insights into the project’s objectives, which include strengthening public institutions and stakeholders in addressing education, child protection, and health services in oil palm plantations. The project seeks to increase opportunities, facilitate policy dialogues, and improve coordination among stakeholders. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness about the poor living and working conditions of children, their deprivation of rights, and the need for improved services. Another key focus is enhancing the core and entrepreneurial skills of children and youth to empower them and reduce child labour.
Meanwhile, Puan Dayang Norihsan Jainal, Executive Director of Humana Child Aid Society Sabah, provided insights into the realities of education for migrant workers and stateless children in Sabah. These children, often living in remote and challenging conditions, face significant barriers to accessing formal education due to their legal or socio-economic status.
At the event, Ms. Panudda Boonpala, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the transformative power of education, highlighting that the project is not just about skill-building but about creating pathways to secure and meaningful employment for vulnerable youth.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Audrey-Anne Rochelemagne, Team Leader of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Thailand, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting inclusive development. She passionately emphasized that education and training are transformative tools that enable youth to break free from cycles of poverty. She also highlighted the critical role of large companies and smallholders in Sabah, who heavily rely on migrant workers and provide essential services such as accommodation and education through community-based or alternative learning centres. She underscored that these efforts are vital in ensuring that no child is left behind in Sabah’s development. Looking ahead, she stated:
“Through these efforts, the partnership seeks to create a platform that secures a brighter future for the younger generation in Sabah.”
YBhg. Datuk Mohd Hanafiah bin Mohd Kassim, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, stressed the importance of investing in the next generation. He noted that initiatives like this are crucial in fostering an inclusive and prosperous Sabah, where young people can look forward to a future filled with opportunities for growth. He also emphasized the need to address key challenges, such as graduate unemployment and workforce retention within the state. Expressing his hope for the project, he stated that beyond providing training, the initiative should focus on ensuring job placements for participants. He further highlighted the issue of graduate unemployment in Sabah, noting its significant impact on the local workforce.
He concluded by expressing his aspirations for the long-term success of the initiative:
“I hope this project can address these issues and have a positive impact on the development of the young workforce in Sabah.”
YBhg. Datuk Mohd Hanafiah bin Mohd Kassim, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation Sabah (Centre), during the launching ceremony.
Following the launch, the partnership officially commenced its first pilot training program on 21st January 2025 at the Community Learning Centre (CLC) Sungai Balung in Tawau. The initial phase of the training started with Team Building Program followed by Basic Oil Palm Plantations Program and Basic Computer Skills Program.
The kick-off event featured opening remarks from Mr. Syahrin Samsir, Deputy Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, and Ms. Napaporn Udomchaiporn, Regional Programme & Partnership Officer at ILO. The event also included the handing over of the Letter of Intent of Cooperation between the ILO and Sawit Kinabalu Group, marking a significant step toward enhancing educational and vocational training for youth in Sabah’s plantation communities.
More photos here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EitB2JeK6/
Recap of the Project Milestones: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EitB2JeK6/
Objectives of the EU-ILO-UNICEF-SSTC Partnership:
- Enhance core and targeted skills of youth (aged 15–24) in areas such as occupational health and safety (OSH), basic production techniques, and business management.
- Strengthen Community Learning Centres (CLCs) to provide high-quality education and training that will benefit youth in the long term.
- Raise awareness among youth and their families about the benefits of education and training, fostering social and economic empowerment.
The training aims to equip youth in plantation communities with essential skills, including practical training modules on oil palm plantation work and computer skills. Additional training programs are planned for the future.
The partnership’s long-term vision includes:
- Empowering youth with the necessary skills to secure better employment and improve their socio-economic prospects.
- Strengthening local institutions, such as CLCs, to ensure continuous education and skill development.
- Creating sustainable pathways to education and employment.
- Reducing youth unemployment and addressing critical issues such as child labor in plantations.
This collaboration stands as a testament to the shared commitment of the EU, ILO, UNICEF, and SSTC to investing in Sabah’s youth, ensuring their development and empowerment through education and skills training.
