21-07-2025
Scholarship for foundation, matriculation and A-level students too
Joyce
KOTA KINABALU (July 21): The Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) is offering scholarships to
students pursuing foundation, matriculation and A-level studies beginning this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
'Apart from that, the scholarship allowance for all sponsored students currently studying in public and private universities will also be standardised.
'This initiative is part of BKNS's ongoing commitment to support the development of education in the state to ensure that more promising students gain access to higher education,' he said.
Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today, the Chief Minister said this year, the State Government has allocated the highest amount for scholarships compared to previous years.
'From only RM50 million in 2020, the BKNS allocation has continued to increase year by year over the past five years, reaching RM136 million in 2025.
'This marks an increase of RM86 million from 2019, reflecting the State Government's commitment to supporting the education of Sabah's children,' he said.
Azhar
The Chief Minister said the State Government has made significant investments to implement various initiatives in the development of education in the state benefiting a total of 13,550 students from 2021 to 2024.
Meanwhile, he noted that the Yayasan Sabah Group's commitment was evident, with an allocation of RM67.17 million for the education sector last year, benefiting 3,234 students.
It represented a significant increase of 148.96 per cent compared to only RM26.98 million in 2020, he said, adding that some 10,104 recipients benefited from the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) that he had launched in June 2022, involving a total expenditure of RM15.8 million.
He said that through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Zakat and Fitrah Division, more than 48,000 students across Sabah have benefited over the past five years, with a total expenditure of RM92.4 million.
Hajiji said the initiative will help to improve the education standards of Sabah's children and support the development of quality human capital.
He also reiterated that, in line with efforts to strengthen and diversify education aid initiatives in the state, various types of assistance have been implemented through the office of the Deputy State Secretary (Special Task).
This year alone, he said, a total of RM77.5 million has been allocated to fund 14 educational assistance initiatives, among them were the One-Off IPT Registration Cash Aid (BUDI); Computer Assistance Initiative (BAIK); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (GRS-SUBFLY); and SENTOSA – aid for students in local higher learning institutes.
These education assistance initiatives were also supported by agencies such as the Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah and the Sabah Baitulmal Corporation, he said.
Hajiji said the various educational assistance initiatives provided through different departments and agencies reflected the State Government's strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of Sabah's children.
'We will continue to ensure that the people's well-being is always protected and given due attention, regardless of their background. To our youth, study diligently and strive for greater excellence.
'Explore professional fields such as oil, gas and energy, Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI), to produce highly skilled and quality individuals from Sabah across various sectors,' he said.
Hajiji hoped that this award would serve as a strong motivation for the students to excel further and at the same time, help elevate the name of Sabah on the national and international stage.
'I would also like to remind all recipients not to let this award become a reason for complacency. Instead, let it be an aspiration to continue striving for excellence, in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision.
'Students who receive this excellent scholarship award carry a greater responsibility and trust in the future. This includes being exemplary role models to their peers, not easily influenced by sentiments, excessive rhetoric, or matters that could ultimately harm our state and country,' he said.
Among the scholarship recipients was Joyce Nicole Nicholas Mojugit, who is currently studying Foundation in Science at UiTM Dengkil, Selangor.
'This scholarship will ease my family's burden — from tuition fees to accommodation, airfare, and food,' said the former SMK Bahang Penampang student, who scored 9As in the SPM.
She expressed her gratitude, sharing that her mother, a single parent raising three children, was extremely proud.
'I didn't even apply for this scholarship. I was in the middle of applying for the BKNS (State Government Scholarship) when my counselling teacher told me I had been selected,' she said.
Joyce described her university experience as positive and shared advice for this year's SPM candidates:
'Make sure to get enough sleep. It's hard to focus without rest. All-nighters aren't sustainable — rest well to do well.'
Another recipient, Azhar Azlin, who is pursuing foundation studies at Universiti Malaya and is a former SMK Majakir Papar student, said he felt deeply honoured.
'It makes all the hard work worth it. I'm thankful to my parents for their prayers and to my teachers. I know they're proud, even if they don't show it directly — I can feel it,' he said.
Azhar also offered advice to other students, including his younger siblings:
'Have a purpose in your heart for why you're going to school, and never forget it. My motto has always been: 'Aim for the skies, so if you fall, it'll be on the mountaintops.'
