RM1.33 billion for human capital
Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji (second right) poses for a photo with Tokoh Kepimpinan award recipient Mohd Zaini Yanin (left) and Tokoh Guru award recipient Teo Poo Siang. Tuaran: The State Government continues to reinforce its commitment to strengthening the education sector in Sabah, having allocated more than RM1.33 billion towards human capital development since 2021. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said education remains a top priority for the State Government, in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. He said between 2021 and 2024, the State Government channelled RM848.26 million for various forms of educational assistance, including the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) and the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS), in addition to RM485 million specifically for human capital development. According to him, a total of 14 new initiatives have also been implemented from 2021 to 2025, involving an allocation of RM164.14 million and benefiting 210,918 students. He said among the initiatives were the Sabah Student Airfare Subsidy, the Contribution for Higher Education Student In Sabah (Sentosa), the Computer Assistance Initiative (Baik) and the IPT Registration Cash Aid (Budi). 'All these initiatives are aimed at easing the financial burden of parents and students while enhancing access to quality education for Sabahan youths,' he said when officiating the 3rd State-Level School Management Appreciation Ceremony (MAPenS) 2025 at Dewan Seri Sulaman, here, Wednesday. Hajiji said to meet future labour market needs, the State Government had established the Sabah TVET Council (MTS) in May as a strategic move to coordinate more than 160 technical and vocational training institutions across the State. He added that the State Government had also provided cash assistance of RM1,000 to 146 outstanding STPM 2024 students and RM3,000 to a Sabahan student who excelled at the national level. 'The outstanding achievements of these students reflect the continuous efforts, dedication of teachers, support from parents and the effectiveness of our education system,' he said. He said Sabahan students' performance in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination also showed encouraging improvement, with the State Average Grade (GPN) rising to 5.00 compared to 5.09 the previous year. He called on all teachers to continue demonstrating commitment, sincerity and dedication in fulfilling their responsibility as educators to children across every corner of Sabah. Hajiji said the third edition of MAPenS, organised by the State Education Department, brought together educators from across the State to celebrate excellence in school management and to honour high-performing teachers. 'This ceremony is highly meaningful as it recognises the service and contributions of educators. This recognition is not merely symbolic but serves as motivation for all teachers and administrators to continue upholding the quality of education in Sabah,' he said. He also expressed his appreciation to the recipients of the Tokoh Guru and Tokoh Kepimpinan awards presented at the event. He said the recognition symbolises respect for the dedication, sacrifices and extraordinary commitment of educators in shaping future generations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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