Latest news with #RM136
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Scholarships for pre-U studies
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Larry Ralon, Rahim Matnin Text Size: Hajiji posing with the scholarship recipients and students. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised. 'This initiative is part of BKNS' ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the State to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,' he said. Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Monday, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years. 'From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025. 'This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government's commitment to supporting the education of young Sabahans,' he said. The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the State, benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024. He said the Yayasan Sabah Group's commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students. It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million. He said through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) Zakat and Fitrah Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million. Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of young Sabahans and support the development of quality human capital. He reiterated that in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the State, various types of assistance have been implemented through the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task) Office. This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (Budi); Computer Assistance Initiative (Baik); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-Subfly); and Sentosa - aid for students studying in higher learning institutions in Sabah. These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said. Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government's strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of young Sabahans. 'We will continue to ensure that the people's wellbeing is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youths, study diligently and strive for greater excellence. 'Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,' he said. Hajiji hoped this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time help elevate Sabah's name on the national and international stage. 'I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. 'Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric or matters that could ultimately harm our State and country,' he said. * 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
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Scholarship for foundation, matriculation and A-level students too
Joyce KOTA KINABALU (July 21): The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised. 'This initiative is part of BKNS's ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the state to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,' he said. Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years. 'From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025. 'This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government's commitment to supporting the education of Sabah's children,' he said. Azhar The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the state benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, he noted that the Yayasan Sabah Group's commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students. It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million. He said that through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Zakat and Fitrah Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million. Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of Sabah's children and support the development of quality human capital. He also reiterated that, in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the state, various types of assistance have been implemented through the office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task). This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI); Computer Assistance Initiative (BAIK); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY); and SENTOSA – aid for students in local higher learning institutes. These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said. Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government's strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of Sabah's children. 'We will continue to ensure that the people's well-being is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youth, study diligently and strive for greater excellence. 'Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,' he said. Hajiji hoped that this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time, help elevate the name of Sabah on the national and international stage. 'I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. 'Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric, or matters that could ultimately harm our state and country,' he said. Among the scholarship recipients was Joyce Nicole Nicholas Mojugit, who is currently studying Foundation in Science at UiTM Dengkil, Selangor. 'This scholarship will ease my family's burden — from tuition fees to accommodation, airfare, and food,' said the former SMK Bahang Penampang student, who scored 9As in the SPM. She expressed her gratitude, sharing that her mother, a single parent raising three children, was extremely proud. 'I didn't even apply for this scholarship. I was in the middle of applying for the BKNS (State Government Scholarship) when my counselling teacher told me I had been selected,' she said. Joyce described her university experience as positive and shared advice for this year's SPM candidates: 'Make sure to get enough sleep. It's hard to focus without rest. All-nighters aren't sustainable — rest well to do well.' Another recipient, Azhar Azlin, who is pursuing foundation studies at Universiti Malaya and is a former SMK Majakir Papar student, said he felt deeply honoured. 'It makes all the hard work worth it. I'm thankful to my parents for their prayers and to my teachers. I know they're proud, even if they don't show it directly — I can feel it,' he said. Azhar also offered advice to other students, including his younger siblings: 'Have a purpose in your heart for why you're going to school, and never forget it. My motto has always been: 'Aim for the skies, so if you fall, it'll be on the mountaintops.'
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
BKNS expands to include foundation, matriculation and A-level studies
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji with some of the recipients. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has expanded its scholarship programme to include students pursuing foundation, matriculation, and A-level studies under the Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) scheme beginning this year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the scholarship allowance for all recipients in public and private universities would also be standardised as part of efforts to enhance education access and support. Advertisement Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony, he noted that the state has allocated a record RM136 million for BKNS in 2025, compared to RM50 million in 2020. From 2021 to 2024, a total of 13,550 students have benefited from various state-funded educational initiatives, reflecting a steady increase in investment in education development. The Yayasan Sabah Group also allocated RM67.17 million in 2024 to support 3,234 students, while the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), launched in June 2022, has aided over 10,000 recipients with RM15.8 million. Additionally, more than 48,000 students have received support worth RM92.4 million over five years through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) tithe fund. Hajiji urged scholarship recipients to continue striving for excellence and explore future-oriented fields such as energy, Tvet and AI, while reminding them to be role models in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. * 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 Sun
20-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah allocates RM136 million for scholarships to boost human capital
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has set aside RM136 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year, marking its highest allocation to date. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasised the state's dedication to nurturing competitive human capital through accessible higher education. The allocation has seen a significant increase from RM50 million in 2020, reflecting the state's resolve to support students from all socio-economic backgrounds. 'This is the government's long-term investment project to develop quality human capital that is competitive. We don't want young Sabahans to be left behind in education due to financial constraints,' Hajiji said. His speech was delivered by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif during the Sabah university student aid presentation (SENTOSA) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. A total of 4,170 students will benefit from the scholarship programme this year, aligning with the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative to strengthen education as a key driver of development. Beyond scholarships, the state has allocated RM77.5 million for 13 education initiatives, including one-off cash aid for registrations, computer purchase assistance, and flight fare support for Sabah students. Additionally, the Sabah State Education Fund, introduced in June 2022, has assisted 10,104 recipients with RM15.8 million in funding. - Bernama
Borneo Post
20-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah boosts higher education with RM136 million scholarship
Mohd Arifin presents the Domestic Higher Education Student Contribution (SENTOSA) at the ceremony held at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (July 20): The State Government continues to strengthen its commitment to higher education development through targeted initiatives, including the highest-ever allocation of RM136 million this year for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the significant increase from RM50 million in 2020 to RM136 million this year reflects the government's determination to ensure that all Sabahans have access to higher education, regardless of their socio-economic background. 'This is the government's long-term investment in developing high-quality and competitive human capital. We do not want Sabah's children to be left behind in education simply because of financial constraints,' he said. His speech was delivered by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister cum Education Exco, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, during the presentation ceremony of the Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Negeri Sabah (SENTOSA) at Dewan Canselor, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Sunday. Hajiji said a total of 4,170 students will benefit from BKNS sponsorships this year, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) policy, which positions education as a key pillar of the state's progress. He added that RM77.5 million has also been allocated this year for 13 educational aid initiatives, benefiting schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG), students in higher learning institutions (IPT), as well as Sabah student associations within and outside Malaysia. Among the key initiatives are the one-off Bantuan Tunai Pendaftaran IPT (BUDI), the Bantuan Ihsan Komputer (BAIK), the Sekretariat Mahasiswa Sabah Malaysia (SEMESTA), and the Bantuan Tiket Penerbangan Pelajar Sabah (GRS-SUBFLY). In addition, Yayasan Sabah contributed RM67.17 million last year for educational development, benefitting 3,234 students. Meanwhile, the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), through its Zakat and Fitrah Division, has disbursed RM92.4 million over the past five years, helping more than 48,000 students. The Tabung Pendidikan Negeri Sabah (TPNS), introduced in June 2022, has assisted nearly 10,104 recipients, with a total expenditure of RM15.8 million. The SENTOSA aid programme, launched last March at IPG Gaya Campus, involves an allocation of RM6 million and aims to benefit 20,000 Bumiputera Sabah students in local higher education institutions. 'This assistance aims to ease students' financial burden, particularly for essential needs and travel costs. It also reflects the government's commitment to ensuring no student is left behind,' he said. At the event, Hajiji presented the one-off SENTOSA cash aid of RM300 each to over 600 students — comprising 319 from UMS and 323 from MAHSA College Sabah — who had not previously received the assistance. 'I hope the students will fully utilise the aid provided and continue striving for excellence in their respective fields for the future of the state and the nation,' he added.
