BRIEF HISTORY
SANYA was formed in 1966 in Kota Kinabalu (known then as Jesselton Town). The organisation acts as a central mechanism for Sabah youth activities in Malaysia and at the same time plays the role as a communication channel linking the youth of various races of different religion, culture and social backgrounds. SANYA also functions as a catalyst to mobilize the whole of youth energy for participation in nation building.

SANYA is affiliated to the Malaysian Youth Council to represent the youth of Sabah.

OBJECTIVES
1. To uplif the cultural and social status of members.

2. To instil the spirit of goodrill, harmony among the people in the state and responsible on the civic intrest of the society.

3. To safe guard the spirit of harmony and frienship with the other youth organisations with similar interest in the state.

4. To participate in any project benefical to the state members of SANYA and SANYA itself.

5. To instil the spirit of loyalty and willingness to serve amongst its members.

6. To raise fund in order to achieve the objectives of SANYA.

7. To do anything necessary to achieve the above objectives.

GOALS
A) The aim of SANYA is to gather youth in this country aged between 15 - 40 years with the aim of :-

1. Raising the social and cultural level of its members.

2. Maintaining and raising feelings of goodwill, harmony among the people of the state and taking full responsibility in the affairs of the people of the community.

3. Maintaining and raising feelings of goodwill, and brotherhood with other youth bodies that have similar goals in this state.

4. Taking part in any project that benefits this state, the members of SANYA and the SANYA body itself.

5. Instilling a sense of loyalty and a desire to serve the country among its members.

B) SANYA cannot get involved or join any political party or any organization with political elements.