Kota Kinabalu: The Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department (ICU, JPM) together with Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS) has allocated RM135,000 under the Special Programme for Anak Negeri (PKAN) Sabah to benefit 200 students from three secondary schools here.
KTYS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tah Nia Jaman said the selected schools, identified with the Kota Kinabalu District Education Office, are SMK Likas, SMK Bandaraya and SMK Inanam, focusing on students taking Mathematics and Science subjects.
She said apart from extra classes, students will also undergo self-development workshops, motivational camps and study skills courses to strengthen both their academic readiness and self-confidence.
“The main objective is to help students excel in Mathematics and Science, while raising the overall SPM achievement rate in Sabah. KTYS is proud to be part of this effort because we believe that investing in education is an investment in the future,” she saidin her speech during the launch of the 2025 Academic Pilot Project at the KTYS main Campus, here, Thursday.
Tah Nia said Science and Mathematics are critical subjects not only for SPM results but also as pathways into professional and technical fields.
Citing the Education Ministry’s report, she said moderate performance in both subjects has long been a major challenge for students, especially in Sabah.
She stressed the academic pilot project launched under PKAN is fully funded by ICU, JPM, with the support of the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) Sabah, specifically for mainstream secondary schools under the human capital development cluster.
Also present was ICU, JPM’s Director of Socio-Economic Development Division, Dr Abdul Hazif Abdul Hamid, who said the agency has long implemented tuition and mentoring programmes under the State Development Offices.
“One such programme that successfully improved student performance is the Academic Excellence Programme (PDCA), coordinated by the Bumiputera Participation Coordination Division in Penang since 2011,” he said.
Abdul Hazif added that in today’s fast-moving world with economic, technological and social challenges, programmes like this academic pilot are highly significant as they provide not only a platform for knowledge-sharing but also strengthen cooperation between government, private sector, educational institutions and the community.
“This initiative allows everyone to broaden understanding, gain new knowledge and apply it in daily life and careers. I believe the benefits will bring a positive impact not just to individuals, but also to society and the nation,” he said.
Tah Nia also expressed hope that the students will make full use of the opportunity.
“May this programme be the starting point for us to expand to more schools in the future,” she added.
