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Six hours east of Kota Kinabalu lies the rural town of Beluran, nestled on the Labuk River, which empties into the Sulu Sea. With a population of just over 100,000 people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Kadazan-Dusun, Tidong, and Orang Sungai, this palm oil and fishing hub faces a stark reality: 27% of the population is completely out of the workforce, with youth unemployment significantly exceeding the district’s average of 6%. But last week, something extraordinary happened in Beluran’s community halls.
The Moment That Changed Everything
“For many of these Form 6 and SPM graduates, this was the first time someone had presented a future that felt real and possible.”
Partnering with Persatuan Alumni University Kebangsaan Malaysia and Mara, we launched the Beluran Youth Talk Program, reaching students and recent graduates across the district with a simple yet powerful message: your rural background isn’t a barrier, it’s your foundation for success.
Managing Director Maria Kinson, alongside senior students Leslie and Betnix, presented the pathway to becoming a Health Care Aide – complete with a nationally recognised qualification (SKM3) and connection to stable, meaningful employment in Malaysia’s growing elder care sector.
Addressing Two Challenges at Once
The World Bank’s report on Sabah highlighted that “a crucial element of reducing inequality is enhancing equality of opportunity by investing in foundational human capital, such as health and education.” That’s exactly what we’re doing – one kampung at a time.
We’re not only tackling Malaysia’s critical shortage of caregivers, we’re uplifting entire communities by offering rural youth a genuine
opportunity for lifelong careers in the burgeoning aged care industry.
Our Simple Model, Deep Impact. The approach is straightforward, but
transformative:
● Identify motivated youth in underserved areas
● Provide accredited professional training
● Connect them with stable, meaningful employment in elder care. With minimal resources but maximum heart, this grassroots model is creating ripple effects throughout rural Sabah communities.
The Potential is Limitless
The response in Beluran demonstrates what’s possible when we bring real opportunities
directly to where young people are. With the right support, we can train hundreds more
young carers while addressing one of Malaysia’s most pressing demographic challenges –
our rapidly ageing population.
This is what grassroots change looks like – authentic conversations in community
spaces, connecting rural youth with pathways they never knew existed, and building
Malaysia’s healthcare workforce from the ground up.
For more information about the Health Care Aide program and upcoming community
visits, contact CarersPlus-
● Email: Admin@carersplusasia.com ;
● WhatsApp: 011 1059 3389 ; and Phone: 088 715 885
Link pendaftaran https://forms.gle/q5KzgLBz2cwMjJZS8
