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Keningau vocational student among finalists for global award
Keningau vocational student among finalists for global award

The Star

time22-07-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

Keningau vocational student among finalists for global award

Sabah, Keningau, Keningau Vocational College, Student, Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, Finalist, Global Student Prize, Finalist, Social Enterprise, Mearpet, Upcycling, Puppets, Storytelling, Sustainability, Inclusive Education Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim is the only Malaysian running for the Global Student Prize 2025 title. KOTA KINABALU: A young woman from Keningau has been named one of the 50 finalists for the prestigious Global Student Prize 2025, the only Malaysian selected from over 11,000 nominations worldwide. Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, 20, a final-year Early Childhood Education student at Keningau Vocational College (KVC), is reputed to be a trailblazer in vocational education, sustainability and inclusive learning. Among her initiatives is social enterprise Mearpet, which transforms used clothes and stuffed toys into puppets for early childhood storytelling. The project promotes sustainability while preserving local culture through performances of Sabah's indigenous folk tales. It also engages students with disabilities, providing inclusive opportunities in design and performance. 'I have always been passionate about upcycling since my lower secondary years. Living near Kota Kinabalu, I often saw plastic waste polluting the waterways. That inspired me to act,' she said when met recently. Upon joining KVC, she launched Mearpet, which quickly gained traction. The college became a collection hub for pre-loved clothing and toys, with some donations arriving from as far as Peninsular Malaysia, receiving over 200 tonnes of materials. With her peers, Siti Nur Hanisah transformed Mearpet into a thriving enterprise that creates educational tools and novelty items from recycled materials. She also founded The Path Forward, a programme offering free Malaysian University English Test (MUET) preparation classes to vocational students, a group often excluded from this academic requirement for higher education. The programme has now become a permanent part of the college's offerings. Beyond the classroom, Siti Nur Hanisah leads Virtual, Remote, Live (VRL), a digital learning platform that has connected over 2,500 Malaysian students and teachers with international educators through online masterclasses and exchange sessions. KVC director Lumang Lang said Siti Nur Hanisah's success highlights the calibre of students that vocational institutions can produce. 'Hanisah is living proof that vocational colleges under the Education Ministry can produce ambitious, capable and socially driven individuals who make a genuine difference,' he said. Siti Nur Hanisah hopes to win the prize and launch a state-wide social entrepreneurship competition for Sabahan youth, expanding Mearpet by developing commercial puppet kits and locally inspired educational materials. Sponsored by the UK-based Varkey Foundation and the Global Student Prize recognises outstanding students who are making a significant impact in their communities. The winner will receive US$100,000 (about RM420,000), and the finalists were announced on Thursday (July 17). The top 10 finalists are expected to be announced next month, and the champion will be known by September.

Keningau student finalist for Global Student Prize 2025
Keningau student finalist for Global Student Prize 2025

Borneo Post

time19-07-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Keningau student finalist for Global Student Prize 2025

Hanisah KOTA KINABALU (July 19): Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, a 20-year-old student of Early Childhood Education at Keningau Vocational College (KVC), is one of the 50 finalists for the Global Student Prize 2025, which offers a total prize of USD100,000 (RM400,000) to one winner. The award, sponsored by the UK-based Varkey Foundation and is considered the most prestigious student award in the world. In 2025, the award received 11,000 nominations, and Hanisah is the only Malaysian to qualify as a finalist for this award. This list of 50 nominees was announced officially on social media and website of Varkey Foundation on July 17. Hanisah was selected as a finalist for her achievements, contributions and impact on other students and within the education community. She is the founder of a social enterprise called Mearpet, which recycles used clothing and stuffed toys into puppets used to educate and entertain children. This project has won numerous awards both locally and internationally, including RM3,000 in prize money through the Pitchbah competition organized by the OOZE youth club in 2023, as well as the YouthMADE Festival Amplify Grant from the US-based Digital Promise in 2025. It was also featured on the DidikTV KPM television channel in early 2025. Hanisah has organized social enterprise workshops and competitions at the college, which have inspired many students to develop their own social projects such as sign language tutoring classes, food waste reduction campaigns, and toy innovations made from recycled materials. These students have won several competitions, including the Social Project Challenge hosted by myHarapan and Yayasan Telekom Malaysia. Hanisah is also an outstanding academic achiever, consistently receiving the Best Student Award every year. She is also the former vice president of the college's student council. Other than the Mearpet project, she has also initiated a Malaysian University English Test (MUET) for vocational college students who plan to pursue tertiary education as well as led a virtual internationalization learning session that connects students and teachers from different countries. The college director, Lumang anak Lang, expressed pride in Hanisah's achievement, stating that this success is proof that vocational colleges under the Malaysian Ministry of Education are capable and committed to producing skilled, competent, ambitious students who contribute to society. Hanisah's profile as a 2025 Global Student Prize finalist can be accessed on:

Sabah students shine at national arts festival
Sabah students shine at national arts festival

The Star

time14-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Star

Sabah students shine at national arts festival

D' Buvazoi (squatting left to right) Angelbert Lasung Robert, Therrence Soan Roystand, Christoper Lajurus, Brandon Zachary David, David Benny Ujan Benyamin and Ikmal Rezza J Padasian, posed for a group photo with their coaches Syuaib Samijan (standing left) and Bibiana Paulus (right), and Keningau Vocational College director Lumng Lang (standing centre). KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's reputation for musical talent was reinforced when six students from the Keningau Vocational College excelled at the national-level Vocational College Arts Festival (FesKoV) 2025. A group of Sabahan youths stole the show, winning top honours in both the male solo and band categories at the event, held recently at the Shaftsbury Lobby. Leading the accolades was Ikmal Rezza J. Padasian, whose stirring rendition of "Ku Cinta Padamu" by Hazami won him first place in the KV Terukir di Bintang male solo category and the coveted Best Vocal award. Ikmal's success did not end there. As the lead vocalist of college homegrown band D' Buvazoi, he helped secure the KV Battle of the Band title with energetic performances of "Beggin'," "Gerhana Cinta Luka," and "Juwita." The group also received a Special Award from the organisers, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Division (BPLTV), under the Ministry of Education. D' Buvazoi is made up of (standing left to right) Christoper Lajurus, Brandon ZacharyDavid, Therrence Soan Roystand, Ikmal Rezza J Padasian, David Benny Ujan Benyamin and Angelbert Lasung Robert (seated). They took home four trophies, certificates, and RM2,600 in cash. D' Buvazoi, a Kadazandusun word meaning "strong man," comprises Brandon Zachary David, Therrence Soan Roystand, Angelbert Lasung Robert, David Benny Ujan Benyamin, Christopher Lajurus, and Ikmal. They were mentored by teachers Syuaib Samijan and Bibiana Paulus, with strong support from college director Lumang Lang, who attended the event. 'This win proves that vocational education goes beyond just technical skills. It is also about discovering and nurturing talents in the arts, music, sports, and innovation,' Lumang said proudly. For Ikmal, the win marked a personal milestone. 'I have been chasing that top spot for years, after finishing second and third in state-level competitions. So to finally win both the solo and group categories feels like a dream come true. Getting the Best Vocal is totally a bonus,' he said. Bandmate Brandon, the oldest in the group and a veteran performer at the college since 2021, saw the win as a way to leave a legacy. 'It is a proud moment, like passing the mic to the next generation,' he shared. D' Buvazoi was formed through open auditions and scouting by senior students like Brandon after former members moved on for internships. Far from resting on their laurels, the band is looking ahead. D' Buvazoi has already performed live in Kuala Lumpur during the FesKoV week and earlier this year at the national vocational convocation in Negeri Sembilan. They are now open to more invitations, particularly for local music festivals and community events. With a repertoire that leans toward pop, jazz, and power ballads, their versatility and vocal strength continue to win new fans. Sabah's musical dominance was further highlighted as Kudat Vocational College won the duet category, while Bintulu Vocational College (Sarawak) took home the top prize in the female solo category. The event was officiated by BPLTV director Zulkernai Fauzi, who praised the students' passion and talent.

Three Keningau Vocational College students receive 'Golden Hand' award
Three Keningau Vocational College students receive 'Golden Hand' award

Borneo Post

time13-07-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Three Keningau Vocational College students receive 'Golden Hand' award

Lyeo (second right) receiving the award from Arifin. KOTA KINABALU (July 13): Three students of Keningau Vocational College received the 'Golden Hand' award at the 2025 KV Skills of Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan Zone. They are Lyeo Alexander Jumani (97%), Nurul Fitriyani Izwani Abdul Mutalip (94.41%) and Wilson Fung Wei Sheng (92.4%) who are first-place winners in their respective categories: automotive technology, electrical circuit installation and pastry. All of them emerged as the overall champion by winning first place in six categories: electrical circuit installation, automotive technology, floor and wall tiling, beauty therapy, cooking and pastry. These six gold medals were complemented by two silver and two bronze medals. The 'Golden Hand' award is an exclusive prize presented at skills competitions to participants who achieve top-tier scores of 90% and above. The awards were presented by the Sabah Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, during the opening and closing ceremony held at KVC's main hall on July 10. The 2025 KV Skills of Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan Zone, held from July 5 to 10, was hosted by KVC and it featured 15 categories involving various vocational programmes offered at vocational colleges in the region. KV Skills is an annual skills competition among vocational colleges nationwide. It is one of the initiatives taken by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Division of the Ministry of Education Malaysia that aims to strengthen skill-based technical education. KVC director Lumang anak Lang, expressed his gratitude and delight with this year's organization of KV Skills, praising the cooperation and dedication shown by the committee members, as well as the commitment of the participants and trainers in giving their best in each competition category. He hopes that the fighting spirit of vocational college communities, particularly in the Sabah zone and the Federal Territory of Labuan, will remain strong in producing skilled, efficient, and capable TVET graduates.

Keningau students win singing, band performance at National Arts Festival
Keningau students win singing, band performance at National Arts Festival

Borneo Post

time07-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Borneo Post

Keningau students win singing, band performance at National Arts Festival

The Keningau Vocational College students who emerged as champions in the male solo singing category 'KV Terukir di Bintang' and the band category for the 'KV Battle of the Band' competition. KOTA KINABALU (July 7): A team from Keningau Vocational College, consisting of six students, emerged as champions in the male solo singing category 'KV Terukir di Bintang' and the band category for the 'KV Battle of the Band' competition, held during the National-level Kolej Vokasional Arts Festival (FesKoV) on July 6 at the Shaftsbury Lobby in Putrajaya. The team also received the Best Vocal award for the solo performance as well as a Special Award from the organizer, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Division (BPLTV) of the Ministry of Education Malaysia. Altogether, they brought home trophies, certificates and a total cash prize of RM2,600. Ikmal Rezza J. Padasian was crowned champion in the male solo category with his rendition of Ku Cinta Pada Mu, a song by popular local artist Hazami. The college's band, known as D' Buvazoi, won the band category with their performances of Beggin', Gerhana Cinta Luka and Juwita. Ikmal Rezza also received the Best Vocal award, and the band was honored with a special award as well. The band comprises six male students: Therrence Soan Roystand, Angelbert Lasung Smd Robert, David Benny Ujan Benyamin, Christoper Lajurus, Brandon Zachary David and Ikmal Rezza. The team was managed and coached by two teachers, Syuaib Samijan and Bibiana Paulus. The college director, Lumang anak Lang, who attended the festival throughout, including the concert and competition segments, expressed his pride in the students' achievements. He emphasized that vocational college education also prioritizes talent development in the arts, such as singing and music performance, alongside other areas like sports, innovation, skills competitions and language. The arts festival, which featured two singing categories, also included female solo and duet singing competitions, won by Bintulu Vocational College, Sarawak, and Kudat Vocational College, Sabah, respectively. The event was officiated by the director of BPLTV, Ts. Zulkernai bin Fauzi.

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