KUCHING: Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng yesterday welcomed delegates from Malaysia and 22 countries to the 2022 JCI Malaysia National Convention here.

“Representing caretaker Deputy Premier Datuk Sim Hui Juan, he said: “The convention is being held after two years of the unexpected pandemic – the most anticipated, the most exciting, and the biggest event in JCI Malaysia history, with over 1,300 delegates finally able to meet here face to face in this beloved land of Kuching in Sarawak.”

Wee noted that Kuching last hosted the JCIM National Convention 24 years ago in 1998 and said, “Now, for this opportunity entrusted by JCI Malaysia unto Kuching to host the convention once again, we are sincerely grateful.”

Hosted by the Kuching chapter, the convention theme is ‘Leaders of a Changing World’.

Wee also said throughout the pandemic, JCI Malaysia as an NGO had adapted to the digitalisation in communication, projects, courses, elections in virtual conventions, and in membership roadmap systems, ensuring youths and communities are connected and empowered to overcome hurdles despite difficulties.

“Also, with the special consultative status granted unto JCI by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1954, JCI Malaysia and all its local organisations have upheld the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) at all times and everywhere to their best abilities.

Wee thanked the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.