Sarawak youths gathered at Batu Kawa Seventh-day Adventist Church from August 31 to September 3 for Youth Alive 2026, a four-day youth-focused programme designed to equip, encourage, and inspire young people to live with purpose and hope in Christ.
Organised by the Health Department in collaboration with Youth Ministries, the event brought together almost 200 young people from seven locations: Sunny Hill Kuching, Sibujaya Centre of Influence, Simunjan, Serian Division, Kota Samarahan, Batu Kawa, and Bau.
Held under the theme “Undefeated,” based on Romans 8:37, the programme centred on the assurance that believers are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” The theme was reinforced throughout the event by the programme’s theme song, Living Hope, which emphasised Christ as the source of strength, freedom, and victory.
The opening ceremony featured energisers, the Youth Alive clap and chant, and a special cultural performance by representatives from Sunny Hill Secondary School. This was followed by an introductory presentation and plenary session.
Dr. Jane Yap, MAUM Health Director, presented “What Is Youth Alive,” introducing participants to the programme and its objectives. Dr. Veronica Lugah, Sarawak State Health Director, served as the featured plenary speaker and highlighted the importance and urgency of programmes that address the challenges facing young people today.
She also shared national statistics from behavioural studies involving secondary school students, focusing on addictive behaviours such as smoking, vaping, and alcohol consumption. The presentation drew attention to current research concerning youth behavioural trends in Sarawak. The opening session concluded with the introduction of the facilitators and the formation of friendship groups.
Throughout the four-day programme, participants engaged in friendship groups where discussions and activities provided a safe environment for them to open up and share their experiences. Facilitators guided participants in exploring how fear can influence their thoughts, emotions, and decisions through practical activities and reflective discussions.
These sessions were complemented by plenary presentations. Elder Farrel Gara, MAUM Youth Ministries Director served as the main plenary speaker, delivering messages on the theme “Undefeated” and exploring practical ways of overcoming fear. Elder Allan Yap presented a keynote session, “Life After Form 5,” addressing the important transition faced by young people as they complete secondary education and prepare for the next stage of life.
Due to a change in the scheduled programme, the concurrently planned workshops were rescheduled as seminar-style sessions. The sessions addressed several issues relevant to young people today, including “Sex, Vaping, and Other Addictions,” presented by Dr. Jane Yap; “Digital Detox,” by Ms. Ann Tan; “Help! I Can’t Control my Mind!” by Mr. Sim Nueng; “Speak Smart. Speak Kind,” by Mrs. Hazel Ginajil; and “Career That Fits Me, presented by Mr. Allan Yap.
The programme also provided opportunities for participants to develop teamwork, creativity, and confidence through Friendship Group(FG) activities and presentations. These activities helped foster meaningful connections and encouraged participants to work together beyond their individual backgrounds and experiences.
At the close of the programme, many participants came forward in response to Elder Farrel Gara’s appeal, reminding the young people that they need not be defined by fear because they belong to Christ. He invited those who desired prayer or were carrying personal concerns to come forward and be prayed for.
It was a moving and beautiful scene as many young people responded to the appeal, coming forward with a renewed sense of courage and faith and declaring through their response that, in Christ, they are ‘Undefeated.’
Many participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the youth camp. Reyna from FG6 said she never expected to become so closely connected with people she had just met.
“I will miss this camp—the activities, the laughter, and most of all, the friends I made,” she shared.
Echoing similar sentiments, Alexander, a participant from a Protestant church, shared how the experience encouraged him to become bolder in stepping into ministry.
“I returned home feeling more passionate to serve,” he said.
With its emphasis on spiritual growth, healthy choices, positive relationships, personal development, and preparation for the future, Youth Alive 2026 provided a platform for young people to explore how their faith can shape the decisions they make in everyday life.
Sarawak Youth Alive 2026 concluded with a renewed emphasis on helping young people recognise their value, make healthy and purposeful choices, and live confidently in the hope and strength found in Christ.
Reported by Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department
9, September 2026, Wednesday.