TalentCorp Empowers Sabah Youth Through YES! Rock the School Mega 2025, Supporting STEM and Blue Economy Aspirations

Among participants during Yes! Rock the School Mega Sabah Edition 2025

KOTA KINABALU, 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 – With more than half of Sabah’s school students opting for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in 2024, the state has set a strong benchmark in advancing YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to boost participation in these critical fields.

Building on this momentum and aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) which positions Sabah as a potential Blue Economy hub - spanning fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, and renewable ocean energy, YES! Rock the School Mega Sabah 2025 provides students with the skills, exposure, and pathways needed to seize opportunities in high-growth sectors.

As the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Sabah State Government, spearheaded this initiative to empower Sabah’s youth with early career awareness and industry engagement.

During the officiating ceremony at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, the Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, underlined that education, character, and resilience are pivotal in unlocking the full potential of Sabah’s young generation.

The speech was delivered on his behalf by YB Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah.

YB Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister of Sabah delivering his speech

“We know that today’s and tomorrow’s industries are in dire need of highly skilled workers. This challenge cannot be met by schools and universities alone. Industry must work together to provide training, guidance, and employment opportunities that match market needs,” he said.

YB Wong Shu Qi, Chairman of TalentCorp, emphasised that demand for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM-related roles is especially critical, particularly in petroleum, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

“That is why today’s programme is so important. It gives our students the opportunity to explore future skills requirements and discover career pathways that best match their interests and potential. At the same time, it ensures they are equipped with relevant skills and prepared for the challenges of an ever-evolving world of work,” she said.

Chairman of TalentCorp, YB Wong Shu Qi delivering her welcoming remarks duritn the ceremony

The two-day, one-night YES! Rock the School Mega Sabah 2025, organised by TalentCorp, offers secondary school students exposure to emerging career pathways, industry insights, and STEM-focused activities. The programme enhances employability while cultivating stronger interest in STEM among young Malaysians.

This edition has gathered more than 500 students from 28 schools across Sabah. It follows the recent YES! Rock the School Mega Melaka 2025 held in August, marking the sixth large-scale edition of the programme.

In conjunction with the event, TalentCorp also contributed RM20,000 in flood relief aid to support school students in Sabah affected by recent floods. This reflects TalentCorp’s commitment not only to developing future talent, but also to extending care and assistance to communities in need.

For more information on this initiative, visit www.talentcorp.com.my/rts/.