Dr Joachim presenting an award on behalf of the Chief Minister to one of the recipients.
KOTA KINABALU: Yayasan Sabah Group achieved a historic milestone in 2025, recording a total pre-tax profit of RM683 million, a 17 per cent increase from RM586 million the previous year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“At the company level, Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd (ICSB), the investment arm of the Yayasan Sabah Group, recorded a pre-tax profit of RM243 million, an increase of 35 per cent from RM179 million previously. This is also the highest profit ever recorded in ICSB’s history.
“This achievement clearly reflects strong management capability and the commitment of the entire team in delivering outstanding performance. Congratulations to all,” he said at the Yayasan Sabah Awards Night held at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, tonight. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, said ICSB declared dividends of RM160 million in 2025, a seven per cent increase from RM150 million in 2024.
“This is the highest dividend payment in ICSB’s history. At the same time, ICSB remains the Sabah GLC with the highest dividend payout in the state for five consecutive years. We are optimistic this performance will continue to improve in 2026, supported by strong financial fundamentals and positive business prospects,” he said.
He said the Group’s performance was driven by key sectors, with agro-plantation remaining the largest contributor, generating RM323 million in profit.
The tourism and leisure sector posted RM65 million in profit, reflecting Sabah’s growing tourism industry, while the oil, gas and energy sector recorded a significant increase to RM40 million compared to only RM0.07 million in 2024.
Hajiji said Yayasan Sabah Group continues to play a significant role in driving the state’s economy and contributing to society.
“As a strategic arm of the State Government, I am proud that Yayasan Sabah Group continues to implement high-impact programmes in education, human capital development, socioeconomics, conservation and research, in line with its founding mission,” he said.
He said the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), an initiative under the Yayasan Sabah Group Transformation Strategic Plan, has benefited 15,629 students involving RM25.1 million.
“Loan collection efforts in 2025 reached RM8.03 million, the highest since Yayasan Sabah was established, reflecting a 22.4 per cent increase from the previous record of RM6.6 million.
“The combined contribution from loan repayments and TPNS has helped sustain the Group’s education commitments,” he said.
A total of 613 social and community development programmes were implemented through six Zone Offices, benefiting 78,648 recipients with an allocation of RM4.26 million.
Hajiji said University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), the Group’s fully-owned higher education institution, recorded encouraging growth, with enrolment exceeding 1,100 students and the introduction of new programmes beginning this year.
He added that UCSF is expanding its international collaborations with institutions in Brunei, Bosnia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS) received RM1.2 million from the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister’s Department, to train 460 participants under the Special Programme for Natives (PKAN).
Two new initiatives – the Secondary School Academic Pilot Project and the Innovative Marine Food Economy Movement (GEMILAU) – were also introduced.
Hajiji also highlighted the Group’s commitment to environmental conservation, including its collaboration with Preferred by Nature (PbN), Denmark, for the Third Strategic Management Plan of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area.
He said efforts are also ongoing to enhance ecotourism management through cooperation with protected park areas nationwide.
Looking ahead, Hajiji urged Yayasan Sabah Group and its subsidiaries to continue delivering their best in serving the people and the state while meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
In conjunction with its 60th anniversary on May 10, he called on Yayasan Sabah to remain a pioneer in producing knowledgeable, ethical and highly skilled human capital.
“I hope Yayasan Sabah Group will continue to be innovative and relevant in line with modern development, while contributing towards the success of Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0,” he said.
