Latest news with #SENTOSA
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Record RM136 million for students: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: 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: The State Government continues to strengthen its commitment to higher education through various targeted initiatives, including the largest allocation to date — RM136 million — for the Sabah State Government Scholarships (BKNS) this year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the significant increase from RM50 million in 2020 reflects the government's determination to ensure access to higher education is available to all Sabahans, regardless of their socio-economic background. Advertisement 'This is a long-term investment by the government to develop a high-quality and competitive human capital. 'We do not want Sabah's youth to be left behind in education simply due to financial constraints,' he said during presentation ceremony for Sabah-Based Higher Education Students Aid Contribution (Sentosa) at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), on Sunday. His speech was delivered by State Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif. Hajiji said 4,170 students would benefit from BKNS sponsorships this year, in line with the goals of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy to strengthen the education sector as a pillar of the state's progress. Hajiji who is also UMS Pro-Chancellor said that this year alone, the State Government has allocated RM77.5 million to implement 13 education aid initiatives, benefiting schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), students from institutions of higher learning, as well as Sabah student associations both locally and abroad. He added that key initiatives include the one-off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI), the Computer Assistance Program (BAIK), the Sabah Malaysian Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), and the Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY). He said Yayasan Sabah has also played a significant role in educational development, allocating RM67.17 million last year, which benefited 3,234 students. Through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) RM92.4 million was disbursed over the past five years via the Zakat and Fitrah Division, helping more than 48,000 students across the State. To ensure continued education support, the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), introduced in June 2022, has benefited nearly 10,104 recipients with a total expenditure of RM15.8 million to date. He said the Sentosa assistance program, launched in March at the Gaya Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG), involves a RM6 million allocation and targets approximately 20,000 Bumiputera Sabah students within the State. 'This assistance aims to ease students' financial burden, especially for basic necessities or returning home. It also reflects the government's strong commitment to ensuring no student is left behind in their educational journey,' he said. At the event, Hajiji handed out a one-time cash aid of RM300 per student under the Sentosa program to over 600 students, including 319 from UMS and 323 from Mahsa College Sabah, who had not previously received the aid. 'I hope the students will fully utilize the assistance provided and continue striving for excellence in their respective fields, for the future of the state and the nation,' 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
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.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Over 2,400 UiTM Sabah students receive RM300 aid
Masidi (seated centre) with guests and SENTOSA Programme recipients at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU (July 10): A total of 2,477 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah received a one-off cash assistance of RM300 under the SENTOSA initiative, a move by the State Government aimed at easing the financial strain on Sabahans pursuing higher education locally. The aid, officially known as Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Negeri Sabah (SENTOSA), is part of a RM6 million state allocation to support some 20,000 Bumiputera students currently enrolled at institutions of higher learning across Sabah. Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who presented the aid at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu, said the initiative demonstrates the State Government's firm commitment to investing in human capital through education. 'Education is the bedrock of a progressive society. It shapes a generation that is not only skilled and knowledgeable, but one that upholds values and integrity. The State Government remains steadfast in our resolve to ensure no Sabahan is left behind in the national education agenda,' he said in his speech. Masidi revealed that SENTOSA is one of 13 education-focused aid programmes introduced this year, involving a total allocation of RM75.5 million. Other forms of assistance include school maintenance funds, student excellence awards, exam preparation support, flight subsidies for students studying outside Sabah, and digital device aid. He also noted that in a separate effort, RM125 million has been allocated under the Biasiswa Kerajaan Negeri Sabah(BKNS), benefitting 4,170 students. Meanwhile, Yayasan Sabah has set aside RM11.25 million for scholarships, study loans and education grants, supporting a further 1,879 students across the state. Calling on stakeholders to strengthen their cooperation, Masidi emphasised the need for continuous support to ensure Sabah's young generation are not only equipped for academic success, but empowered to shape the state's future. The SENTOSA aid distribution ceremony was jointly organised by the State Secretary's Office (Special Tasks) and UiTM Sabah Branch.
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
2,477 UiTM Sabah students receive RM300 aid under Sentosa programme
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Masidi (third left) hands over the SENTOSA education aid to a UiTM Sabah student during the presentation ceremony at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu. - Crystal E Hermenegildus/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: A total of 2,477 UiTM Sabah students received a one-off RM300 cash aid under the Sentosa programme on Thursday, aimed at easing financial burdens for students pursuing higher education locally. The initiative, part of the RM6 million allocation by the Sabah State Government, targets around 20,000 Bumiputera students enrolled in local institutions. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who officiated the event at UiTM's Dewan Al-Bukhari, said the aid reflects the government's commitment to human capital development. 'Education is the foundation for shaping a knowledgeable, capable, and ethical future generation. The State Government is serious about ensuring no Sabahan is left behind,' he said. Masidi added that Sentosa is one of 13 education-related programmes introduced this year under a RM75.5 million allocation, which also includes school upgrades, student excellence awards, and flight ticket subsidies. * 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
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah to formulate Youth Development Enactment
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor (centre) with this year's Anugerah Perdana Belia winners. KOTA KINABALU (May 17): The State Government will formulate the Sabah Youth Development Enactment making it the legal platform to strengthen the management of youth organisations, expand recognition of youth activism and ensure a more structured space for development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. Speaking at the state-level National Youth Day celebrations at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex here today, Hajiji said: 'With this enactment, we want every youth leader to be given the time, space and support to lead confidently and continue to contribute to the state without being sidelined due to policy changes.' He said the State Ministry of Youth and Sports (KKBS) and the Sabah Youth Council (MBS) have been entrusted to look into this matter including the youth age transition policy issue. 'KKBS and MBS will conduct a comprehensive study on the youth age transition policy as the issue needs to be thoroughly studied, taking into account social structures, organisational maturity and on-ground realities, particularly in Sabah,' he added. The Chief Minister said youth development in Sabah will continue to be the State Government's priority, including the provision of skills and tools necessary for them to lead the state in the future. 'Under the GRS-PH administration, the State Government has done much for youth development. 'Political stability has opened up opportunities for continuous development and people-centric policies, including in the aspect of youth development,' he said. Hajiji said the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, in his policy speech had emphasized that youth development should be prioritized, particularly in the aspects of education, skills and leadership. 'Therefore, the State Government has consistently taken into account the aspirations of the youth, including efforts to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need. 'This is to ensure that when the time comes for the younger generation to take over the helm of leadership, they will be qualified and capable of taking the state and country to greater heights,' he said. The Chief Minister said that the State Government had launched several initiatives and educational assistance programmes that have benefited students in this state. He said new initiatives such as the Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi dalam Negeri (SENTOSA) and Sumbangan Kegiatan Sekolah Secara One-Off (SUKSES) have also been introduced to expand access to higher education and support school activities. These initiatives are among the 13 educational initiatives provided to students, schools, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), and Sabah undergraduate associations both domestic and abroad, totalling RM75.5 million, he said. 'Other initiatives that have been implemented and continued this year include the One-Off Cash Assistance for IPT Registration (BUDI), Computer Assistance Programme (BAIK), Special Cash Examination Assistance (BAKTI), and the State Education Fund Assistance (BISTARI), Sabah Malaysia University Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), and the Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRSSUBFLY). 'In the area of skills development, the State Government continues to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and technical training programmes in the state. 'More than 179 courses in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and languages were conducted last year, with over 35,000 enrolments. We also encourage our youth to venture into Sabah's growing oil and gas industry to enhance their skills and to meet the future demands of the energy sector,' he said. Hajiji said the State Government is also focusing on youth development in sports by constructing and upgrading sports infrastructure such as sports complexes, youth arenas and multipurpose courts in the rural areas, which are now being utilised by the local communities. At the same time, he said high-impact programmes such as the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship (Felo SMJ) and the Sabah State Youth Council implemented in collaboration with the Sabah Youth Council, as well as the Sabah Youth Leadership Incubator (IKEBS) provide an excellent platform for our young to hone their skills within the state's leadership and governance ecosystem. He also expressed confidence in the Sabah Youth Council, supported by the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBSS), as the main body and backbone of the state's youth movement. 'Therefore, I want the Sabah Youth Council to continue leading the youth throughout the state with full dedication and continuously introduce the best, relevant and inclusive initiatives and programmes for the holistic development of the young generation,' he said. Hajiji urged the youth to stay united with the government and support all initiatives for their benefit and the well-being of the people. 'Let us work together with the government to maintain political stability and economic progress through cooperation and continuous support. This is crucial for the smooth implementation of development in the state.
