LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) adopted SMK Sepagaya under its 2026 Madani Adopted School Programme here on Saturday (July 25), with RM100,000 allocated to upgrade two facilities.
The allocation will be used to maintain the school’s multipurpose court and the Abdullah Munshi open hall to provide better facilities for learning, co-curricular activities and student development.
Esscom chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said national security could not rely solely on enforcement and border control in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
“Lasting peace is not built only through modern security assets, but through a knowledgeable and principled society with a strong sense of identity that values the peace it enjoys,” he said.
He said Esscom would work with the school on student leadership, security education, national awareness, preparedness, volunteerism, social innovation and character development.
Jamaluddin said the programme should not be measured solely by the value of its physical projects, but also by the long-term relationship built between Esscom and the school community.
The programme was launched by Sabah Assistant Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jordan Jude Ellron.
Jordan said quality education required cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, communities and parents to prepare students for future challenges.
He said students must also be equipped with critical thinking, creativity, innovation and technological skills as artificial intelligence, automation and the digital economy reshape the employment landscape.
The launch was held together with the state-level Education, Career, Innovation and STEM Carnival 2026, which brought together schools from across Sabah to promote innovation, STEM education and awareness of future career opportunities.
SMK Sepagaya principal Shamsir Nureddin said the partnership would support initiatives in academics, character building, leadership, security, innovation and student wellbeing.
