Latest news with #PanglimaHajijiNoor
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Respecting differences key to stronger unity, says Hajiji
Hajiji KOTA KINABALU (May 29): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has urged the people of Sabah to continue embracing and respecting their differences in order to foster a stronger bond of unity across the state. He said unity would grow deeper and more resilient if the people remained united in purpose. 'As such, I call on all Sabahans to stand with the government as partners in strengthening unity and preserving political stability, which are crucial for the well-being of the people and the smooth progress of our beloved state's development,' he said in his 2025 Kaamatan Festival message today. Hajiji said the annual Kaamatan celebration in May not only serves as a platform to strengthen camaraderie and unity among the multiracial and multi-religious communities, but also to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. 'More importantly, Kaamatan reflects the harmony and goodwill that exist among the people of Sabah, values that resonate with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration, which emphasises humanity, mutual respect and togetherness,' he added. This year's celebration carries the theme 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', a message Hajiji described as deeply meaningful and inclusive. 'This theme clearly underscores that Kaamatan is not the celebration of a single community, but a festival for all people regardless of race, religion or background,' he said.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
Education reform urgent for Sabah's future - Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and guests pose for a group photo with participants of the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference after the officiation ceremony at SICC, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The transformation of the state's education system is an urgent necessity, not a choice, to ensure Sabah's students are equipped to face future challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said recent research data from 2024 revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72 per cent felt confident applying scientific knowledge in daily life. 'This clearly shows that we cannot be complacent. Many students still struggle to grasp fundamental STEM concepts. Therefore, education reform must be a top priority for all stakeholders,' he said when officiating the Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration (ARISE) 2025 International Education Research Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Wednesday. He emphasized that research- and innovation-based teaching approaches must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive. He also urged educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continue exploring and enhancing educational strategies that align with the digital era and current industry needs. Hajiji said ARISE 2025, which gathered over 600 participants from both local and international institutions, including from the United Kingdom, Spain, the Philippines, China and Ireland, serves as a vital platform to pioneer global education collaboration. 'This conference not only brings together educators, researchers and policymakers from around the world, but also promotes the empowerment of education rooted in science, technology, and culture,' he said. He also underlined the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as key drivers in developing high-quality, competitive and innovative human capital in Sabah. In that regard, he noted that the state government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah (KSTI), the Sabah Skills and Training Centre (SSTC), and the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre for the implementation of various training and skills empowerment programmes. Among the key initiatives, he said, are Kembara Sains Borneo, Sabah Science Carnival, Technology and Innovation Competitions, STEM Education Festival, Roboneo Programme, and Sabah Screen Fest – all of which serve as vital platforms to spark student interest in technology and engineering. Hajiji also welcomed the presentation of 13 sub-themes at the conference, covering areas such as digital education, Malay studies, Islamic education, guidance and counselling, sports science, visual arts, and early childhood education. He expressed confidence that this exchange of knowledge would foster international collaboration and elevate the global profile of researchers and educational institutions in Sabah. 'Educators are the heart and backbone of successful education transformation. I call on them to boldly explore research and innovation in education,' he said. According to him, the conference also reflects the state government's commitment under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2021–2025, which prioritizes education as a catalyst for sustainable state development.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Youth development key to Sabah's future under SMJ, says Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor poses with participants of the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' after officiating its closing at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Youth development remains a key priority under the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, in alignment with the national Ekonomi MADANI framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said youths are not only beneficiaries of government policies but also agents of change and driving forces behind a resilient and inclusive state development agenda. 'Youth economic development is no longer an option, it is a strategic necessity. Young people are the heartbeat of the future and will steer the direction of our state,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' held at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday. Hajiji said the state government has allocated RM101.49 million to the state Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to carry out various youth and sports development programmes, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development. He added that several initiatives have been introduced to ensure Sabah youths are equipped to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship Programme, which provides direct exposure to government policies and administration. 'Through this programme, youths are shaped not just in terms of knowledge but also in leadership and national values, enabling them to contribute effectively to the state's development,' he said. He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (SYABAS), which offers grants, training and mentorship to young people keen on venturing into business. He said Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, especially in key focus sectors under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries. 'The vast potential that Sabah holds must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that young people are not merely observers, but become key players in the state's economy,' he stressed. Hajiji also commended the organisation of the forum, which not only served as a platform for discussion but also created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen holistic youth development efforts. He believes that a collaborative approach through synergy between stakeholders will ensure that Sabah's youth talents and potential are fully nurtured, contributing meaningfully to the state's development agenda. He emphasised that close cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to translate youth aspirations into impactful policies for grassroots communities. 'I believe that with the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya and the principles of Ekonomi MADANI, Sabah's youth are capable of building a more progressive, balanced and competitive future,' he said. Hajiji also suggested that similar youth economic forums be held in other districts throughout Sabah, so that the voices of rural youth can also be heard and elevated.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
KK–Labuan ferry service resumes, boosting connectivity and tourism
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, accompanied by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, signs a plaque at the launch ceremony of the jetty and the inauguration of the Kota Kinabalu–Labuan Ferry Service at Kota Kinabalu Port on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 27): The passenger ferry service between Kota Kinabalu and the Federal Territory of Labuan has resumed after several years of suspension, strengthening maritime transport links and reopening a vital route for public mobility and cross-regional economic development. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the resumption of this route is more than just a logistical move, it is a clear signal of the government's concern for the well-being of the people in Sabah and Labuan. 'This service is crucial for the people. It is not just a means of transportation, but a connector of families, education, tourism and business that have long been intertwined,' he said during the launch ceremony of the jetty and the Kota Kinabalu–Labuan Passenger Ferry at Kota Kinabalu Port on Tuesday. He explained that the previous service disruptions were caused by several factors, including unsafe jetty structures, the withdrawal of fuel subsidies for operators, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, all of which affected the continuity of mobility for the people. As an immediate solution, the ferry terminal was relocated from Jesselton Point to Kota Kinabalu Port, with operational management now fully under the Kota Kinabalu Port authority. 'This project also received an allocation of RM1.3 million from the Ministry of Federal Territories for improvement works,' he said. 'I would like to express my appreciation to all agencies involved, including the Department of Internal Affairs and Research (PHEDNP), Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Federal Territories, and Suria Group for their joint efforts in realizing this initiative,' he added. Hajiji said the ferry service is expected to have a positive impact on the state's tourism sector, especially in the lead-up to Visit Sabah Year 2026. 'It also opens new opportunities in trade and investment between Sabah and Labuan,' he said. He emphasized that the ties between Sabah and Labuan go beyond geography, they encompass deep-rooted historical, cultural and social connections, making this route highly significant to the people of both regions. According to him, many Sabahans work and reside in Labuan, and vice versa. Therefore, the reconnection of this route is highly meaningful to many. He said that with the resumption of this service, the public now has more transportation options, whether by air, by road to Menumbok, or directly via express ferry from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan as in the past. Hajiji stated that the launch marks the beginning of a stronger, more efficient and sustainable maritime transportation framework, in line with the state's aspiration to provide people-friendly and environmentally friendly facilities for future generations. He assured that the State Government is committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind due to logistical limitations, and infrastructure development will continue to be driven for inclusive progress. 'May this jetty and ferry service become a bridge that connects not only regions but also relationships, economic opportunities, and the future hopes of the people,' he said.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Hajiji engages influencers, pledges support for creative talent and entrepreneurship
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor poses with some of the attendees at the Santai YAB Ketua Menteri Bersama Pempengaruh Sabah 2025 programme aboard the North Borneo Cruise in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. KOTA KINABALU (May 19): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor took the opportunity to mingle and listen to the requests and needs of influencers in the state during the 'Santai YAB Ketua Menteri Bersama Pempengaruh Sabah 2025' programme held aboard the North Borneo Cruise in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. During the programme, several influencers had the chance to share their views and aspirations, aiming to elevate their roles more significantly within the state. Among the matters raised was the proposal to establish an entity responsible for overseeing and coordinating the efforts of local creative talents to promote local art and creative products. Other suggestions included initiatives to support influencers, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship. In response, the Chief Minister said the state government continuously considers the needs of the people, including those in the creative and influencer communities, in the shared effort to develop the state according to each group's capacity. He added that the needs and requests of creative practitioners and influencers will continue to receive attention from the state government in an effort to elevate their work and enhance the standing of the arts industry in Sabah. The event, organised by the Institute for Government and People Cooperation (IKRAR) under the Chief Minister's Department, brought together over 70 prominent influencers as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement and foster greater unity between the government and the people of Sabah.
