By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Education Fund has paid RM40 million to 27,781 students since its launch on June 2, 2022.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said 11,383 students received RM15.89 million between January and August this year alone.
“TPNS proves its theme – Sponsorship Opportunities for All.”
“We are not just presenting assistance. We are giving Sabah’s children the chance to study, to achieve, to build their future,” he said at the TPNS aid presentation and launch of the TPNS Smart Application System at Menara Kinabalu yesterday.
A state cannot progress on roads and bridges alone, he said. It needs an educated generation.
“This is the most important investment for Sabah’s future. We must produce graduates who are knowledgeable, skilled, honest and competitive.”
Hajiji said the state has raised its scholarship budget sharply.
The State Government Scholarship (BKNS) stands at RM155 million this year, up from RM50 million in 2020. It funds thousands of students, mainly in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Furthermore, between 2021 and 2025, 14 education-related initiatives were introduced, including the Higher Education Institution (IPT) Registration Cash Aid (BUDI), the Computer Assistance Scheme (BAIK), and flight ticket assistance for Sabah students in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Labuan.
At the event, 362 students received RM6.79 million.
“No Sabah child will be left behind,” Hajiji said.
On digital reform, Hajiji said the state launched the Sabah Education Sponsorship Portal (PTPS) on July 2, 2024 as a single window for five state education agencies.
The new TPNS Smart Application System goes further. Applications are now fully online, with real-time status checks.
“It will be easier, faster and more transparent – especially for children in rural areas,” he said.
He called on corporations operating in Sabah to contribute to TPNS through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Government, private sector, GLCs and NGOs must build this education ecosystem together.”
Hajiji also marked the 60th anniversary of Yayasan Sabah Group this year, noting its role in education, human capital, economic and social development, and conservation.
Hajiji launching the TPNS smart application.
