Arifin (seated right) being briefed about podcast studio in the American Green Corner by Kagan (left) while Sabah State Library director Fatimah Abdillah looks on.
KOTA KINABALU: Collaborations such as the American Green Corner in the state library here are a testament to the strong relations between the Sabah government and the United States, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said the American Green Corner was more than just a space within the library as it represents a significant commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.
“We look forward to many more such partnerships in the future,” he said at the launch here on Thursday (June 13).
“We thank the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for its support in fostering knowledge exchange which has strengthened ties.
“This initiative also signifies our collective commitment towards educational and environmental advancements in Sabah," Hajiji added.
Arifin (right) and Kagan cutting the ribbons to launch the American Green Corner.
The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif.
The American Green Corner, on the second floor of the Sabah State Library, features a podcast studio, and a technology zone for drones, robotics and augmented reality (AR), among others.
The section is intended to reflect a focus on environmental and climate issues, to become a hub for workshops and expert-led discussions on promoting skills development, cultural exchanges and educational programmes in the United States.
Hajiji said the initiative aligns perfectly with the Sabah government’s vision for the future.
“It is one where education, innovation and environmental stewardship are intertwined to create a harmonious and sustainable society," he said.
The American Green Corner, he added, was significant because it is a centre for learning, a place where the community can access a wealth of resources on environmental issues, sustainable practices, and the latest technologies.
"By providing these resources, we empower our citizens, especially the younger generation, with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact on our environment.
Arifin (middle), Kagan and Sabah State Library director Fatimah Abdillah giving the thumbs up to the launch of the American Green Corner.
"This initiative is a crucial part of our broader vision encapsulated in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (development plan) roadmap.
“Our goal is to ensure that Sabah not only prospers economically but also thrives in terms of environmental health and social well-being.
"Indeed, the American Green Corner supports this vision by fostering an informed and environmentally conscious society," Hajiji said.
US Ambassador Edgard D. Kagan said the Embassy was grateful for the cooperation from the state government which helped make this project a reality.
“I think this is an exciting opportunity for us to find ways to make more connections in Sabah, to find ways in which we can try and bring (our) programmes to people in Sabah.
“But I want to be very clear, the really exciting part is ... the way this will develop as people come and as we learn more about what people in Sabah are interested in ... (to) figure out the things we can do that will be of value here.
“And more broadly, how we can bring people in the United States and Malaysia, and particularly Sabah, closer together,” he said.
