Helping students is their mission

The Star

18-07-2025

Hands-on approach: Students participating in an character building session held by SMF staff at one of their hostels. (Inset) Lei sees value in teaching science subjects for the future of Sabah.
PETALING JAYA: From building hostels near schools to providing accommodation for students from rural communities, Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) is now hoping to directly help those same students achieve academic success.
Founded to make attending school safe and easier for rural students, the foundation's ambitions to assist students have grown significantly since it was named as a Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winner in 2023.
SMF founder Jimmy Lei said the recognition has since enabled them to easily find potential partners or sponsors for their cause.
'The recognition we received has been very helpful as we now include SGHA in all our communications with others.
'This has led to big names, like local banks, supporting our efforts. We hope to expand our goal of supporting education in Sabah,' he said in an interview.
Lei said SMF now plans to further assist students academically by building a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre after noticing a dip in students enrolling in science subjects in recent years.
'We want to spark interest among the students to take up science subjects by teaching them its importance, not just for their future but Sabah as well,' he said.
Lei also said renovations were already underway on a 0.3ha property in Tuaran to turn it into a STEM centre, with additional plans to promote STEM education with cooperation from the Sabah Education Department.
He said this will include hosting STEM roadshows and establishing STEM hubs in 30 selected urban and rural primary and secondary schools around the state.
Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) founder Jimmy Lei
The first programme will kick off on July 14.
'We will supply STEM equipment for over 30 interactive display stations to SMK Sri Nangka in Tuaran for the roadshow.
'Towards the end of the event, we will gift the equipment to the school to establish their own STEM hub so that the students can have easy and free access.
'Hopefully, this could encourage more students to take up science,' he said.
Looking to continue its original goal, Lei said SMF has also completed the construction of a new dormitory in Pitas last November to replace the rundown 50-year-old one in the area.
The new fully-functional building has the capacity to accommodate up to 40 boys and two tutoring or visitor rooms as they continue adding new items to further furnish the premises.
The dormitory joins SMF's other five hostels that they manage directly across northern Sabah, which provide a safe home for 180 students, comprising 50 from primary schools and the rest from secondary schools.
'We will continue to organise tuition classes, usually done by volunteers both face-to-face and online, on several subjects that the students need help on.
'Other programmes that focus on character building and life skills are also held during weekends at our hostels,' he added.
Meanwhile, the SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.