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Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah mulls free tertiary education, expands student aid
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is studying the feasibility of providing full education coverage, including free higher education, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif. While primary and secondary education is already free, the study explores extending similar support to the tertiary level. Existing efforts include the Human Resource Development Department's ILTP programme and various scholarships from the State Government and Yayasan Sabah. In reply to Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who urged Sabah to follow Sarawak's move on free university education and allowances for low-income students, Arifin said 306 students from Ranau received BUDI aid in 2024, and 29 so far in 2025. He also announced that 146 STPM students who scored 4.0 CGPA received RM1,000 each, with RM3,000 awarded to national top scorer Daniel Hakimi Roland. Under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Education Programme, 13 initiatives have been rolled out, including BUDI (IPT aid), BAKTI (exam cash), BAIK (computers), BAGUS (teacher-parent aid), BISBAH (school aid), and others targeting various educational needs. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah Government mulls free tertiary education
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arifin also highlighted a new initiative to reward academic excellence. A total of 146 STPM students across Sabah who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA were given RM1,000 each, while one exceptional student, Daniel Hakimi Roland of SMK Kota Klias in Beaufort, who was named National Top STPM Student, received RM3,000 in recognition. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is currently conducting a study on the feasibility of offering full education coverage for Sabah students, including free higher education, said State Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif. He said while primary and secondary education in Sabah has long been free, the government is exploring whether similar support can be extended to the tertiary level. 'We are conducting a study on this matter,' said Arifin during the recent State Assembly sitting. 'Some institutions have already been offering full scholarships, such as the Industrial Training and Learning Programme (ILTP) under the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM), which covers diploma-level training,' he said. He added that many Sabah students currently enrolled in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are already supported by either State Government scholarships, Yayasan Sabah or other education funds provided by the State. Arifin was responding to a question from Lamag Assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who asked whether Sabah would follow Sarawak's move to provide free university education and RM15,000 annual allowances to students from low-income families. Bung Moktar urged the Sabah Government to consider a similar approach to ease the financial burden of parents and ensure equal access to higher education. In response to a follow-up question by Nominated Assemblywoman Datuk Amisah Yassin regarding Budi recipient from Ranau and incentives for high-performing students, Arifin revealed that 306 students from Ranau received the Budi education aid in 2024. These included 199 pursuing bachelor's degrees, 68 in diploma programmes, 16 in foundation (Asasi) studies and 23 in matriculation. 'So far in 2025, 29 Ranau students received Budi support,' he said. Arifin also highlighted a new initiative to reward academic excellence. A total of 146 STPM students across Sabah who scored a perfect 4.0 CGPA were given RM1,000 each, while one exceptional student, Daniel Hakimi Roland of SMK Kota Klias in Beaufort, who was named National Top STPM Student, received RM3,000 in recognition. 'This is a token of appreciation and encouragement for our students to strive for academic excellence,' Arifin said. Arifin also elaborated on the 13 education initiatives introduced under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Education programme, which are coordinated by the Deputy State Secretary's Office (Special Tasks). These include Budi – One-off cash aid for IPT registration, Bakti – Exam cash assistance, Baik – Computer assistance, BAGUS – Assistance for teachers and parents, BISBAH – School aid,AKSA – Excellence awards, BISTARI – Education savings aid, BANTU – Special education aid, BALKIS – Minor school repairs, SEMESTA – Student secretariat support, GRS-SUBFLY – Flight ticket subsidies, Sentosa – In-state student assistance, Sukses – One-off school activity aid. He said this in response to Amisah's question on how many education aid programmes have been distributed under the SMJ Education Initiative. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
ILTP shows promising performance
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arifin presenting a certificate to one of the Best Trainee Award recipients during the ILTP convocation ceremony. Kota Kinabalu: The employment and academic progression rates of Institut Latihan Teknik dan Perdagangan (ILTP) graduates are on an upward trend, reflecting the growing impact of technical and trade training in Sabah. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said recent data shows significant improvements in graduate outcomes from ILTP – a training institution under the Human Resource Development Department (JPSM). 'In 2023, 42 per cent of ILTP graduates secured employment while 21 per cent continued their studies. 'By 2024, those numbers rose to 54 per cent employed and 24 per cent pursuing higher education,' he said during the 35th ILTP JPSM Convocation Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). 'These numbers show that ILTP graduates are gaining traction in various sectors across Sabah and are becoming increasingly competitive. Their success should inspire current and future trainees to aim higher,' he added. A total of 310 graduates completed their training this year, with 18 outstanding individuals – nine each from technical and trade programs – receiving the Excellent Trainee Award in recognition of their excellence and determination. 'Your achievements reflect your perseverance and fighting spirit. Today, you prove that determination leads to success,' said Arifin in congratulating the awardees. He emphasised that ILTP's growing track record is a result of both the trainees' commitment and the dedication of the instructors behind them. 'Our instructors have been instrumental in shaping the character and skillsets of these young talents. Their role is more vital than ever, especially as we face increasing demand for skilled workers in the age of globalisation and Industry 4.0,' he said. Arifin also assured that ILTP graduates who continue to higher education would be supported through multiple financial aid avenues, including Yayasan Sabah, the State Government Scholarship, the Sabah State Education Fund, and potential sponsorships from Asnab. 'This year, the State has allocated RM125 million in scholarships, benefiting more than 3,000 students – triple the number from previous years,' he added. Acknowledging that TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) still faces public perception challenges, Arifin stressed the need to change the narrative. 'Many still view TVET as a second-choice path. That needs to change. Skilled trades offer stable, in-demand careers – often with better job prospects than some oversaturated professional fields,' he said. To boost interest and awareness, the state is actively promoting Stem and TVET education through initiatives like the State-level TVET Stem Carnival, the Sabah State TVET Council, and collaborations with religious institutions such as the State Tahfiz Institute and Tahfiz Limum Bakut through the 'TVET Tahfiz' programme. 'ILTP's consistent results are a testament to the value of vocational education in Sabah's development journey,' Arifin concluded. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah Energy Commission, technical institute team up to boost TVET training
KOTA KINABALU: The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) has formed a strategic partnership to boost technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and enhance workforce skills in the state's energy sector. ECoS signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday (June 4) with the Institute of Technical and Commercial Training (ILTP) under its Inspirasi TVET ECoS-ILTP Programme. ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid ( pic ) said the programme will strengthen the collaboration between the commission and ILTP. He said ILTP's recognition as ECoS's first "adopted" TVET institution was a crucial step in developing a sustainable and competitive energy ecosystem for the state. This programme will also serve as a platform to provide accurate information about ECoS' role to trainees who represent the state's future skilled workforce, he said. "Energy for the future starts with you today," Nasser said at the signing, urging trainees to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of the energy industry, as well as its challenges and opportunities. He also observed trainees' progress in electrical competency upgrading and gas competency programmes. Under their collaboration, ECoS and ILTP will work to enhance skills training in the energy sector, expand networking with industry players, and improve the employability of local TVET graduates. Nasser said ECoS is confident that the synergy with ILTP will boost local human capital development and support Sabah's energy development agenda.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah Energy Commission backs state's TVET drive with electrical competency certification
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya (centre) and ECoS CEO Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid (third from right) at the MoU exchange ceremony in Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU: A total of 15 training institutions across Sabah have been accredited by the Energy Commission of Sabah (Ecos) to run Electrical Competency Programmes across various categories. The certification was handed over on May 19 during the launch of the Sabah TVET Council, witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya who represented the Chief Minister. Ecos chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said the move demonstrated their commitment to support the state government's efforts to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a preferred path for local youths. 'This accreditation is expected to boost industry confidence in the quality of TVET graduates from Sabah, thereby improving their employability and contributing to the state's economic development,' he said. Ecos also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state-run Technical and Commercial Training Institute (ILTP) under the TVET Institution Adoption Programme, which will focus on competency development in energy-related sectors such as electricity, gas and renewable energy. One of the key collaborations under the MOU is the development of a Gas Installer Competency Programme at ILTP aimed at increasing the number of certified gas personnel in Sabah. ECoS will provide technical expertise and advisory support in curriculum development, training modules and facility requirements. The ILTP will also be gradually upgraded to run Electrical Competency Programmes in the Electrical Machine Supervisor (up to B4 level) and Electrical Wiring (up to PW4 level) categories, under Ecos technical guidance. Nasser said both parties would work closely to enhance the employability of ILTP graduates and Ecos would serve as the main reference body to ensure ongoing compliance and accreditation. The 16 accredited institutions include UMS Investment Holdings, UTM-MPRC Institute for Oil and Gas, Institut Kemahiran Mara Kota Kinabalu, ILP Kota Kinabalu, IKBN Kinarut, GiatMara centres in Semporna, Kota Belud, Sandakan, Tawau, Kinabatangan, Keningau, Gaya and Limbawang, Akademi Binaan Malaysia Sandakan, Institut Latihan Teknik & Perdagangan, ILP Sandakan, and IEM Training Academy Sdn Bhd.
