Hajiji congratulating the recipients.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised.
“This initiative is part of BKNS’ ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the state to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,” he said.
Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years.
“From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025.
“This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to supporting the education of Sabah’s children,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the state benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024.
Meanwhile, he noted the Yayasan Sabah Group’s commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students.
It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million.
He said that through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Zakat and Fitrah
Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million.
Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of Sabah’s children and support the development of quality human capital.
He also reiterated that, in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the state, various types of assistance have been implemented through the office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task).
This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI); Computer Assistance Initiative (BAIK); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY); and SENTOSA – aid for students in local higher learning institutes.
These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said.
Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government’s strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of Sabah’s children.
“We will continue to ensure that the people’s wellbeing is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youth, study diligently and strive for greater excellence.
“Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,” he said.
Hajiji hoped that this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time, help elevate the name of Sabah on the national and international stage.
“I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for
complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision.
“Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric or matters that could ultimately harm our state and country,” he said.
