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The Star
2 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Helping students is their mission
Hands-on approach: Students participating in an character building session held by SMF staff at one of their hostels. (Inset) Lei sees value in teaching science subjects for the future of Sabah. PETALING JAYA: From building hostels near schools to providing accommodation for students from rural communities, Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) is now hoping to directly help those same students achieve academic success. Founded to make attending school safe and easier for rural students, the foundation's ambitions to assist students have grown significantly since it was named as a Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winner in 2023. SMF founder Jimmy Lei said the recognition has since enabled them to easily find potential partners or sponsors for their cause. 'The recognition we received has been very helpful as we now include SGHA in all our communications with others. 'This has led to big names, like local banks, supporting our efforts. We hope to expand our goal of supporting education in Sabah,' he said in an interview. Lei said SMF now plans to further assist students academically by building a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) centre after noticing a dip in students enrolling in science subjects in recent years. 'We want to spark interest among the students to take up science subjects by teaching them its importance, not just for their future but Sabah as well,' he said. Lei also said renovations were already underway on a 0.3ha property in Tuaran to turn it into a STEM centre, with additional plans to promote STEM education with cooperation from the Sabah Education Department. He said this will include hosting STEM roadshows and establishing STEM hubs in 30 selected urban and rural primary and secondary schools around the state. Starfish Malaysia Foundation (SMF) founder Jimmy Lei The first programme will kick off on July 14. 'We will supply STEM equipment for over 30 interactive display stations to SMK Sri Nangka in Tuaran for the roadshow. 'Towards the end of the event, we will gift the equipment to the school to establish their own STEM hub so that the students can have easy and free access. 'Hopefully, this could encourage more students to take up science,' he said. Looking to continue its original goal, Lei said SMF has also completed the construction of a new dormitory in Pitas last November to replace the rundown 50-year-old one in the area. The new fully-functional building has the capacity to accommodate up to 40 boys and two tutoring or visitor rooms as they continue adding new items to further furnish the premises. The dormitory joins SMF's other five hostels that they manage directly across northern Sabah, which provide a safe home for 180 students, comprising 50 from primary schools and the rest from secondary schools. 'We will continue to organise tuition classes, usually done by volunteers both face-to-face and online, on several subjects that the students need help on. 'Other programmes that focus on character building and life skills are also held during weekends at our hostels,' he added. Meanwhile, the SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
Daily Express
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Express
A platform to unearth talent
Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 01, 2025 By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Ellron presents a certificate of appreciation to the head of the Tambunan contingent. TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the hosting of major sports tournaments in the district can serve as a platform to unearth student athletic talent and foster unity. He expressed his deep appreciation to the Sabah Education Department and the Tambunan District Education Office for selecting Tambunan as the host for this year's State-level Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSSS) athletics championship. 'This championship is not merely a competition, but a platform to develop students who are disciplined, competitive and possess a strong fighting spirit. Noble values such as mutual respect, teamwork and leadership are essential in building a progressive society,' he said when officiating the MSSS athletics championship at the Sports Complex here, Sunday. Dr Jeffrey's speech was read by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin. Dr Jeffrey, who is also Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, emphasised that such championships can serve as a springboard for young athletes to shine at the State and national levels, and possibly on the international stage in the future. As the elected representative for Tambunan, he also took the opportunity to introduce the unique charms of the district to participants and accompanying officials from across Sabah, saying Tambunan is known as the 'Switzerland of the East' due to its natural beauty and cool climate. It is not only physically attractive but is also rich in the history, culture and heritage of the Kadazandusun community. 'Among the main attractions in this district are the Mahua Waterfall, the Rafflesia Conservation Garden, the Mat Sator Memorial and the Sinurambi View Point. There are also traditional dishes such as linopot, tuhau, bambangan and hinava which are a source of pride for the local people,' he added. Dr Jeffrey urged all athletes to compete with true sportsmanship and uphold the values of integrity and fair competition. He said winning or losing is not the main measure of success – what matters most is the experience, knowledge and friendships formed throughout the championship. He also express appreciation to all teachers, coaches and parents who play a crucial role in supporting and guiding children in the field of sports. A total of 24 contingents are competing in the four-day MSSS athletics championship. They are Beaufort, Keningau, Tambunan, Ranau, Sandakan, Tawau, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Papar, Penampang, Tuaran, Beluran, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabatangan, Kuala Penyu, Kudat, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Pensiangan, Pitas, Semporna, Sipitang, Telupid/Tongod and Tenom. Also present were Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin, Tambunan District Education Officer Haison Jahudin, district education officers from across Sabah, principals, headmasters, teachers and parents. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Sabah school wins international folk dance competition in Turkiye
KOTA KINABALU: SMJK Chung Hwa has earned Sabah international recognition after winning the overall championship at the 26th International Istanbul HarmanFolk Folk-Dance Music Festival and Competition in Turkiye. The group of students from Tenom, about a three-hour drive from here, impressed judges and audiences alike with their energetic and precise performance of the Magunatip, a traditional bamboo dance of the Murut community. Held from May 29 to June 1 in Istanbul, the competition featured 14 teams from various countries. The team also took home the Best Performance Award, beating last year's champions from Russia. The school's cultural coach, Siti Faridah Lawadin, said the win was not only for the school, but a moment of pride for Sabah and Malaysia. "The students' commitment and discipline made this possible," she said in a statement. The Magunatip is a physically demanding dance requiring agility and coordination as dancers leap between clapping bamboo poles. Siti Faridah said the performance was the result of months of training and strong community support. "Our traditional arts deserve a place on the global stage. "I hope this inspires more young people to value and preserve our heritage," she added. The delegation, led by contingent head Irene Josie Sambang, returned to Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 1am today. They were welcomed by representatives from the Sabah Education Department, Tenom District Education Office, school board members, alumni, and parents.
Daily Express
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Nusantara Jamboree closes on high note
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Scouts who braved tough weather throughout the five-day programme. TAWAU: The 2025 Tawau Nusantara International Jamboree concluded, Monday, with heartfelt farewells and resounding praise for participants who braved tough weather throughout the five-day programme. Sabah Education Department Student Development Sector Co-Curricular Assistant Director Mejar Mohd Rizal Ramelin commended the organisers and contingents for their dedication and resilience. He said the jamboree was more than just a camping experience but also a platform for identity-building, patriotism and unity. 'Despite the rain and muddy terrain, you gave your best. 'From mastering semaphore to various sports and cultural nights, every activity here strengthens the character of our future generation,' he said while officiating the closing ceremony of the jamboree. Tawau Scout Zone One Assistant Commissioner Arbin Setta expressed his gratitude to all attendees, adding that the spirit of camaraderie and grit was displayed by the participants coming from different countries. He said five days and four nights of unpredicted weather proved that the participants are true scouts who adapt and thrive. 'What matters is the bond we have built and the lessons we take home,' he said. The jamboree, which began last Friday, featured leadership workshops, cultural performances, team challenges and community-building activities, aiming to foster friendship and mutual understanding across borders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah schools to showcase poetic heritage in Hiis competition
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 Text Size: Steve (left) and Lorendah PENAMPANG: The public is invited to witness the Hiis (traditional poetry) competition in conjunction with the State Kaamatan Festival at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan Hall here on Saturday (May 17). The event will run from 10am to 11pm and conclude with an official closing ceremony and prize presentation. Advertisement Hiis, also known as Hius or Lilihis, is a traditional oral poetry form of the Kadazandusun people, rich in sound variation, expression, and ancestral wisdom. This year's competition, co-chaired by Steve Johnny Mositun (KDCA) and Lorendah Joseph (Sabah Education Department), aims to instil cultural appreciation among the youth. Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan will officiate the closing, featuring performances, and the final round involving ten school teams from across Sabah. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
