Sabah students see brighter future through State education boost

Borneo Post

09-07-2025

Hajiji (second right) with Tokoh Kepimpinan award recipient, Zaini Yanin (left); Tokoh Guru, Teo Poo Siang (right) and Raisin during the Third State-Level School Management Appreciation Ceremony 2025 held at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Tuaran on Wednesday.
TUARAN (July 9): The State Government has reinforced its commitment to strengthening the state's education sector, allocating more than RM1.33 billion towards human capital development since 2021.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said education continues to be a key priority under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
'Between 2021 and 2024, the State Government channelled RM848.26 million into various education assistance initiatives, including the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) and the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS), in addition to RM485 million specifically for human capital development,' he said.
He added that 14 new education initiatives were introduced between 2021 and 2025, with a total allocation of RM164.14 million, benefitting 210,918 students across Sabah.
Among the initiatives introduced were the Sabah Student Flight Subsidy, the Higher Learning Student Contribution (SENTOSA), the Computer Assistance Scheme (BAIK) and the Higher Education Registration Cash Aid (BUDI).
'These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden of parents and students, while improving access to quality education for Sabah's children,' said Hajiji when officiating the third Sabah State School Management Appreciation Ceremony (MAPenS) at Dewan Seri Sulaman on Wednesday.
To meet future job market demands, Hajiji announced the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council (MTS) in May, a strategic move to coordinate over 160 technical and vocational training institutions across the state.
The Chief Minister also noted the state's recognition of academic excellence, including a RM1,000 cash aid to 146 outstanding STPM 2024 students and a RM3,000 award to a Sabah student who excelled at the national level.
'The achievements of these students are a reflection of the relentless efforts and dedication of teachers, the support of parents, and the effectiveness of our education system,' he said.
He added that Sabah's performance in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) had also improved, with the State Average Grade (GPN) rising to 5.00 compared to 5.09 the previous year.
Hajiji urged teachers to remain committed, sincere and dedicated in their duty as educators to children throughout Sabah, including those in remote areas.
He said MAPenS, organised by the Sabah Education Department, serves as a platform to celebrate excellence in school management and recognise high-performing teachers from across the state.
'This ceremony holds deep significance, as it acknowledges the invaluable contributions of our educators. It is not merely symbolic but acts as a motivator for all teachers and school leaders to further elevate the standard of education in Sabah,' he said.
During the event, Hajiji also paid tribute to Tokoh Guru recipient Teo Poo Siang and Tokoh Kepimpinan awardee Mohd Zaini Yanin, describing the honours as a mark of deep respect for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices in shaping the future generation.
Also present at the event was the State Education Director, Datuk Raisin Saidin.