UPSI's BKD programme produces 431 graduates, set to expand to other Sabah ethnic languages

25 April 2026

TANJUNG MALIM: Deputy Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Bahasa Kadazandusun (BKD) programme at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has successfully produced 431 graduates and is set to expand to other Sabah ethnic languages.

Ewon, who is also Sabah's Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the achievement proves the effectiveness of efforts to elevate that ethnic language through higher education, introduced since 2010.

“I also welcome UPSI's willingness to expand this programme to Sabah Ethnic Languages, covering several ethnic groups such as Kadazan, Tatana, Murut, Lotud and Sama,” he said.

He said this after visiting UPSI and receiving a briefing on the development of the BKD programme, introduced 16 years ago.

Ewon said the collaboration between UPSI and Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) has also been a catalyst for the programme's success, particularly in student financing.

“I am also proud that the collaboration between UPSI and Yayasan Bank Rakyat continues for student financing in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Ethnic Languages (Orang Asli),” he said.

Ewon said the ethnic language programme has received an overwhelming response from students, where only 50 places are offered but applications exceed 2,000.

“I will also discuss with the Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, about several proposals to strengthen the Sabah Ethnic Languages programme at UPSI,” he said.

He said the effort is important to ensure every Malaysian has a sense of togetherness and a strengthened national identity through education.

“I also hope Malaysians will continue to master their respective mother tongues, the national language and at least one major international language,” he said.

During the same visit, he also aided Sabah students at UPSI through the Ramah Mesra Bersama Pelajar Sabah programme organised by Ikatan Sepadu Anak Jati Sabah (IKSAS).

“I hope the students can graduate successfully from UPSI and return to their parents' embrace with success and commitment to continue achieving,” he said.

At the event, Ewon also presented a contribution of RM20,000 to IKSAS to support the implementation of the food bank programme, the organisation of Pesta Kaamatan, and the publication of research and final semester projects.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Norkhalid Salimin, Bursar Mohamad Najib Mohamed, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Communication Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Abdul Nasir Abd Latif, Head of the Ethnic Languages Department Dr Muhamad Fadzllah Hj Zaimi, and Postgraduate Coordinator of the Ethnic Languages Department Dr Rosliah Kiting.

Also in attendance were Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF) Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang, KLF Chief Executive Officer Rita Lasimbang, and President of the Bajau Language and Culture Association (PSBB) Hjh Chendramata Hj Sinteh.