Phoong Jin Zhe
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has set up a RM5 million Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Scholarship Fund, marking a significant step in providing financial support and recognition for UEC holders in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had on September 22 declared the State Government’s formal recognition of the UEC, alongside plans to introduce a dedicated scholarship scheme.
Today, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe confirmed the allocation, describing it as “real meaning and substance” to the recognition of the UEC.
“This is not just symbolic. UEC holders in Sabah will now have tangible support and access to state-funded opportunities to pursue their studies,” he said in a statement today.
He noted that while a previous administration had announced recognition of the UEC, its impact had been minimal in Sabah. This was largely because students in the state’s independent Chinese school system sit for the SPM at age 17, with the UEC being optional at age 18.
“In practice, most independent Chinese school students in Sabah already hold the SPM qualification, so entry into the state civil service has never been a barrier,” said Phoong, who is also DAP Sabah Chairman.
“Many senior officials in government departments and government-linked companies are themselves graduates of independent Chinese schools.”
The new scholarship scheme, however, goes beyond symbolism, he stressed. It provides genuine validation and equal treatment, ensuring UEC graduates receive the same level of support and access to resources as other students.
Phoong expressed appreciation to Hajiji for what he called a bold step forward in recognising the UEC as part of Sabah’s education landscape.
“This move realises the principle that UEC graduates are Sabah’s children too. It will enable more students from Chinese independent schools to pursue their aspirations with government-backed opportunities,” he said.
Phoong also revealed that he will soon meet with Sabah Dongzong and principals of Chinese independent schools to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
“This initiative will not only benefit students but also strengthen Sabah’s education ecosystem, nurturing talents that will contribute to the state’s future development,” he added.
