SMJ Fellows To Become Future Leaders

The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Fellows Programme is a youth development initiative to search, train, groom, and shape a generation of leaders who can lead and drive the economy. The Youth Leadership Incubator under the State Ministry of Youth and Sports spearheads the youth initiative – akin to a premium "talent pool" - to engage with young talents for real-life exposure in leadership, policy, and governance through strategic placements in State Ministries, Government Linked Companies (GLCs), and statutory bodies.

Youths participate in a six-month attachment program during which they receive mentorship and practical experience in the daily operations of a company or department. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said being selected as an SMJ Fellow was not merely about participating in a programme, but represented the trust, responsibility and investment placed in them for Sabah’s future.

“The Government sees the potential in youths who are selected to prepare them to become part of the generation that will take Sabah forward. We look forward to them emerging with greater maturity, stronger confidence, broader networks and the genuine ability to contribute to the State,” Hajiji said at the Presentation of Appointment Letters for the SMJ Fellows 5.0 on 7 October 2026 at Menara Kinabalu.

GLCs have continued to collaborate with the government to host young Sabahans. “Developing Sabah’s talent must be part of our agenda in developing the State,” Hajiji said. “We want Sabahans to have the option of building their future locally, who can feel and understand the pulse of the community, bring the people’s voices to the policy-making table and place their love for the State above self-interest.”