Sarawak charts long-term pathways for Sukma athletes with education, career and financial support

Gerald (third left) leading the Sarawak contingent at the closing ceremony of Sukma Selangor on Aug 24, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak athletes are set to receive continued financial assistance, education opportunities and career pathways beyond competitive sports as the State government moves to strengthen long-term athlete development through the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC).

Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said SSC provides financial assistance and incentives based on athletes’ achievements, while strengthening welfare support through more comprehensive monitoring.

He said SSC is also establishing a dedicated unit to oversee athlete welfare and development, including planning education and career pathways to secure their future after retiring from competitive sports.

“In education, SSC is strengthening collaborations with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), as well as local public and private higher education institutions.

“Meanwhile, collaborations with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions such as i-CATS and CENTEXS will be expanded to provide athletes with skills-based and technical education pathways,” he said speaking during the tabling of Supply Bill 2027 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.

He said SSC would also explore employment opportunities for retired athletes in coaching, sports management, technical officiating, fitness, sports science and event management, alongside jobs in other sectors based on their skills and qualifications.

To support this effort, the athlete tracking system will be strengthened to monitor each athlete’s performance, education, welfare, skills and career direction.

Gerald said the Sarawak government was committed to ensuring that athlete development continued beyond the Sukma, with long-term pathways to help athletes progress to national and international levels. — DayakDaily