KOTA KINABALU: The time is now right for home-grown University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) to open its doors to international students, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"This move can enhance the institution's global reputation, encourage diverse knowledge sharing and bring economic benefits to the local community," he said at the fourth UCSF Convocation ceremony here on Saturday (Aug 8).
He commended UCSF for its efforts to strengthen international networks through strategic ties with institutions in Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, which demonstrates that UCSF no longer sees geographical boundaries as a barrier to excellence.
"Instead, the university is opening up wider opportunities for student mobility, lecturer exchanges, joint research and cross-border community development," he said.
Hajiji said efforts to strengthen international networks would further reinforce Sabah's position as an education hub, particularly in the Borneo and BIMP-EAGA region.
He commended UCSF's efforts to expand its academic offerings by introducing new programmes such as the Master of Business Administration, Foundation in Science and the development of the Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) programmes.
"Efforts to develop Master's and Doctor of Philosophy programmes show that UCSF is entering a new phase as an institution that places greater emphasis on research, innovation and the advancement of knowledge at a higher level.
Hajiji assured that the state government would continue to provide its full support for the development of higher education in Sabah.
"I am confident that under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Board of Directors, university management, academics, the entire university community and, of course, Yayasan Sabah, UCSF will continue to achieve greater success," he said.
Hajiji reiterated that Sabah's human capital development agenda continues to be strengthened with an allocation of more than RM100mil for the Sabah State Government Scholarship this year.
He said the initiative benefits thousands of students pursuing studies at various levels, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
