Hajiji Noor: RM685 mil distributed for scholarships, sponsorships & loans for higher education since 1967

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (centre, seated) taking a selfie photo with some of the Sabahan undergraduates studying in Peninsular Malaysia during the breaking of fast event in Putrajaya on Monday (April 10).

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government via Sabah Foundation Group (Kumpulan Yayasan Sabah) has distributed RM685mil for higher education scholarships, sponsorships and loans since 1967 until last year.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who was also the Foundation’s board of trustees chairman, said this consisted of 43,665 Sabahan students who were furthering their studies in various fields whether domestically or overseas.

Besides the Group, those who also provided scholarship or sponsorship assistance included the state Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, state Public Service Department and Muis (Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah) through the Sabah Zakat centre and Sabah Welfare Foundation.

"The Sabah State Education Fund was also launched last year, to assist more Sabah youths who needed education funding to pursue higher learning.

"We see the undergraduates as the future and a big asset to the state as well as the country, who will inherit the leadership in times ahead.

"When you complete your studies, the state and country need you to participate in bringing progress.

"That is why the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) halatuju development plan enlists human capital development as one of the main core to be given attention to," he said during the breaking of fast with over a thousand Sabahan undergraduates in Peninsular Malaysia held at Putrajaya on Monday (April 10).

Hajiji said the various educational assistance were provided to ensure the younger generation are able to become versatile and competitive leaders in future.

With domestic and foreign investments coming into the state and recent economic developments like acquisition of 50% participating interest in the Samarang oil field, the government requires the students to play their roles and contribute to the progress.

"Sabah needs leaders and human capital that are of quality and knowledgeable with good character.

"Regardless of where you will end up and the position you will take up, you are all needed to ensure the success of the nation’s development mission," he stressed.