A youth-focused intellectual platform bringing university students into meaningful conversations about Sarawak’s future.
Sarawak is currently undergoing a transformative phase of development driven by ambitious policies and strategic initiatives under the leadership of the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak. Through the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the State Government has introduced various initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, strengthening human capital, enhancing social inclusivity and positioning Sarawak as a leading regional economy.
As these policies continue to shape the future of the State, there is an increasing need to ensure that the younger generation not only benefits from these initiatives but also understands, appreciates and participates in discussions surrounding them. Recognising this need, Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak identified debate as one of the most effective educational tools to cultivate critical thinking, analytical reasoning, public speaking, leadership and policy literacy among young people.
The programme was envisioned as a platform for policy discourse — where participants are encouraged to examine real issues, analyse development priorities and debate public policies that directly impact the people of Sarawak. It also responds to the growing importance of English as Sarawak’s second official working language, strengthening communication competencies while fostering intellectual confidence among Sarawakian youth.
“The programme reflects the aspiration to encourage young Sarawakians to think critically, speak confidently and understand the policies shaping Sarawak’s future.”
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg
AZAM Sarawak has undertaken several behind-the-scenes engagements and strategic discussions to strengthen the programme’s direction, youth involvement and overall relevance to Sarawak’s development agenda. These efforts included key meetings with relevant stakeholders and representatives, including an engagement held on 25 June with Dato Ambrose Cheng, Media Secretary to YAB Premier of Sarawak, as part of the process to ensure the programme remains aligned with the State Government’s broader priorities and aspirations.
Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established in 1984 with the mission of empowering communities through effective participatory communication. For more than four decades, AZAM has played a significant role in supporting social development initiatives across Sarawak.
AZAM serves as a bridge between information, institutions and communities — creating platforms that encourage dialogue, awareness, learning and positive social change. Today, AZAM continues to strengthen its role through digital content creation, podcasts, publications, public discourse programmes and strategic partnerships.
To be a leading communication and engagement platform that empowers communities and inspires positive change.
To strengthen communities through effective participatory communication, strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing and innovative engagement initiatives.
Foster policy discourse and critical thinking among university students across Sarawak's higher education institutions.
Develop communication, analytical and leadership skills in young Sarawakians preparing for the future workforce.
Promote understanding of Sarawak's development initiatives and the PCDS 2030 framework among the next generation.
Establish a sustainable, annually recurring programme as a cornerstone of AZAM Sarawak's youth engagement agenda.
Foster policy discourse and critical thinking among university students across Sarawak’s higher education institutions.
Develop communication, analytical and leadership skills in young Sarawakians preparing for the future workforce.
Promote understanding of Sarawak’s development initiatives and the PCDS 2030 framework among the next generation.
Establish a sustainable, annually recurring programme as a cornerstone of AZAM Sarawak’s youth engagement agenda.
Strengthening critical thinking, public speaking and leadership skills aligned with PCDS 2030's talent development goals.
Encouraging young Sarawakians to become active contributors to governance and development conversations.
Fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, evidence-based reasoning and lifelong learning.
Helping students understand public administration, policy-making and the rationale behind key government initiatives.
Strengthening English language competencies in line with Sarawak's recognition of English as a second working language.
Exploring topics spanning education, healthcare, environment, transport and economic transformation.
Identifying and nurturing emerging talents in policy analysis, strategic communication and public engagement.
Empowering Minds. Inspiring Leaders. Advancing Sarawak.
The programme is envisioned to evolve into a prestigious and sustainable intellectual platform — ultimately becoming Sarawak’s premier debating championship and one of the leading intellectual youth platforms in Malaysia. Over time, the competition may be expanded to include participation from institutions across Malaysia, ASEAN and international partners, positioning Sarawak as a centre for intellectual exchange and policy dialogue.
