By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has spent RM848.26 million on various education assistance from 2021 until 2024, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“The State Government’s commitment to human capital development is very clear, as we believe each child of Sabah deserves the right to quality and equal education.
“Hence, the State Government has always placed serious attention to human capital development under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan,” he said at the 29th Education Convention and Malaysia Headmasters Association 3rd Delegates General Assembly dinner at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Chief Minister I and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Hajiji said that over the past five years, a total of 14 new initiatives had been introduced involving an allocation of RM164.14 million, benefiting 210,918 students in Sabah.
“Among them are the cash assistance for IPT enrolment fee or BUDI, the Graduan Rindu Sabah programme (GRS – SUBFLY) and contribution for domestic higher learning students (SENTOSA).
“All these initiatives reflect the Sabah State Government’s commitment to build an inclusive, progressive and sustainable education system,” he said.
He said in this era of digital transformation and 21st-century education, headmasters play a crucial role and must be prepared to face challenges while innovating in their approaches.
“This is in parallel with the role of the headmaster as the pillar in the education system and school leadership.
“The quality of a school greatly depends on the effectiveness of the headmaster’s leadership in administration, guiding educators and driving educational reforms that align with the nation’s aspirations,” he said.
Hajiji said the convention serves as an important platform for all to share experiences, ideas, and strategies to drive educational excellence at the school level.
“The role of headmasters is vital in shaping the future generation. I believe that through the exchange of knowledge and experience in this convention, we can further enhance the quality of school leadership and management.
“Let us work together to nurture individuals who are excellent, distinguished and outstanding,” he said.
He said the role of the Malaysian Headmasters’ Association as a body that actively champions the professionalism of primary school leadership across the country is deeply appreciated.
“May this convention yield excellent outcomes for all headmasters involved in ensuring the continued empowerment of students.
“Therefore, let us work together to uphold the teaching profession, strengthen the role of headmasters, and continue our efforts to empower our nation’s youth,” he said.
