Young people are encouraged to develop innovative ideas through InnoWaste

SERIAN, Oct 27: Young people are encouraged to continue developing innovative ideas for addressing problems in their environment, including related waste management and recycling practices.

Sarawak's Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the InnoWaste programme of Hulu Langat Municipal Council and Serian Municipal Council (MPHLG) 2026 gives students an opportunity to apply the knowledge learned in school to solve problems in everyday life.

He said that students do not have to come up with something complicated in order to be an innovator, instead they need to cultivate curiosity, determination and sincerity to bring about change that benefits society.

"This business shouldn't end here. Through this ministry, we want you to grow into a better innovator and creator.

"That's why we encourage you to take science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at school because these fields are closely related to innovation, including how we treat waste and turn it into something more useful", he said.

He said this during his inaugural address to the InnoWaste MPHLG 2026 in conjunction with Sarawak Public Service Innovation Month here today.

Sagah said that environmental practices should become a culture of community living, not just when awareness campaigns are organized.

He said communities can start by reducing food waste, reusing good things, isolating recycled materials and keeping housing clean.

He also emphasized the role of the Head of Community and Head of State in raising awareness among the population through grassroots activities, waste reduction and recycling practices.

Meanwhile, he urged the industrial and business sectors to expand implementation of the circular economy through waste reduction, reuse of materials as well as development of innovative products that could potentially create new economic opportunities.

He hoped that InnoWaste could strengthen cooperation between schools, higher education institutions, local authorities (PBTs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry sector and society to translate the innovative ideas of young people into solutions that benefit the public.