Yayasan Sabah’s Commitment to Education: Empowering students through targeted financial support

30 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Yayasan Sabah has long placed education at the forefront of its mission, emphasizing both secondary and higher education as essential for fostering a dynamic and competitive society.

Under the leadership of Director Dato’ Sri Gulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar, Yayasan Sabah has implemented various targeted education programs to support students across Sabah.

In a statement released here today, Gulamhaidar stated that these programs, which include scholarships, bursaries, and educational loans, aim to promote equal learning opportunities and ensure that no student is left behind.

By investing in education, Yayasan Sabah recognizes its crucial role in the long-term development of Sabah.

The Foundation’s support for secondary education has grown steadily. In 2018, the number of recipients was 1,789, and by 2023, this figure rose slightly to 1,790 students.

Meanwhile, funding increased from RM1.86 million in 2018 to RM2.42 million in 2023, reflecting rising costs and the foundation’s commitment to meeting students’ financial needs.

As of October 2024, RM1.99 million of the RM2.96 million budget for 2024 has been allocated to secondary education, benefiting over 2,072 students statewide.

This targeted support has eased the financial burden on families, particularly those in rural areas, and prioritized students from low-income households to ensure they can continue their education uninterrupted.

Gulamhaidar said since 2018, Yayasan Sabah's Secondary Assistance Scheme (BMYS) has allocated RM420,000 annually to support secondary school students, impacting over 14,700 students and totaling RM2.94 million.

By providing this sustained support, BMYS ensures that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can focus on excelling in their studies.

To further address education inequality, Yayasan Sabah launched the Special Assistance Scheme (SBK), focusing on students from B40 families.

From 2023 to 2024, the SBK Program assisted 15,523 students with a total expenditure of RM1.46 million, underscoring Yayasan Sabah’s dedication to supporting economically disadvantaged families in accessing education.

In higher education, the number of scholarship recipients has grown substantially—from 1,176 in 2018 to 2,690 in 2023, he stated.

"During this period, funding rose from RM25.29 million to RM36.5 million. In 2024, Yayasan Sabah increased its commitment by allocating RM66.1 million to scholarships, bursaries, and loans, supporting 3,934 Sabahan students studying locally and abroad.

"This funding covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, enabling students to pursue critical fields such as engineering, healthcare, and education, which are vital to Sabah’s future development," Gulamhaidar explained.

Another notable initiative, the Sabah State Education Trust Fund (TPNS), was launched in June 2022 by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who also serves as Chairman of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees.

Since its inception, TPNS has supported 7,369 students and 32 educational institutions, distributing RM9.7 million.

The theme, "Sponsorship Opportunities for All," aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2021-2025 development plan to improve human capital quality and community well-being.

This fund especially supports students from underrepresented communities, such as rural and indigenous backgrounds, ensuring equal access to education.

"Yayasan Sabah plans to secure more corporate contributions for TPNS over the next five years to maintain a growing, sustainable fund for future generations.

"Yayasan Sabah also directly funds two educational institutions, University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS). Funding for UCSF increased from RM5.17 million in 2018 to RM15.8 million in 2024, while KTYS funding rose from RM4.46 million to RM20.68 million over the same period," said Gulamhaidar.

These funds provide scholarships, loans, and operational support to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in Sabah, ensuring that these institutions continue to produce skilled graduates who contribute to the state's growth.

Yayasan Sabah's financial commitment to education from 2020 to 2024 is projected to reach RM210.5 million. This significant investment reflects its strategic priority to develop Sabah’s human capital, support students’ educational aspirations, and lay a strong foundation for sustainable community growth.

Education remains the cornerstone of Yayasan Sabah's efforts to transform Sabah’s future. The Foundation is dedicated to providing all students, regardless of background, with opportunities to excel and contribute to the state’s progress.

"Yayasan Sabah also seeks to strengthen partnerships with government agencies, private sectors, and international institutions to expand its initiatives, aiming to nurture a generation of skilled professionals and leaders who will drive Sabah's advancement.

"The Management of Yayasan Sabah is resolute in ensuring these initiatives are implemented effectively, promoting the state’s educational development agenda to build a brighter future for all Sabahan students," he concluded.