The State government is firmly committed to advancing educational opportunities in Sabah with the aim of developing a highly-skilled, competent workforce equipped to meet the changing demands of local and global job markets.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor emphasised that the government's focus on human capital development is a crucial step in producing the next generation of capable leaders who will shape the state's future direction.
He highlighted access to quality education is a crucial factor in improving the quality of life for individuals, which in turn contributes to ensuring the nation's continued success and advancement, particularly in Sabah.
“It is policy of the state government to ensure that no individual in Sabah is sidelined from receiving education.
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According to Hajiji, the government is always attentive to needs and concerns of students, including assistance in the form of subsidised air tickets of RM600 each, with an allocation of RM10 million for the “Graduates Missing Sabah Initiative” for all Sabahans studying overseas in public and private educational institutions in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Labuan.
Additionally, he noted the government increased the allocation in 2023 for State Scholarships to RM101 million from RM55million previously
Hajiji pointed out that the launch of the Sabah Education-led Portal (PTPS) is a new initiative under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Roadmap to enhance and improve the distribution of assistance to the young people of Sabah, particularly in higher education institutions, through joint collaboration with the major sponsors and educational assistance providers in the state.
“This is part of the various assistance planned and implemented by the state government for the development of human capital in the state through the SMJ roadmap,” he added.
He further noted there are various initiatives, assistance and programmes planned to elevate the capacity of human capital aimed at bringing Sabah to greater heights of excellence.
“The government and people are proud of the extensive achievements of the university, and its contributions have resulted in the transformation of development in various aspects, apart from being a source of reference, especially in Sabah,” he said.
In addition, Hajiji noted that the government has always places great importance to working with UMS to help develop and raise the standards of higher education in the country, which is in line with the SMJ Development Plan.
“Similarly, the SMJ Roadmap also places emphasis on human capital development, asides from the focus on the industrial sector, agriculture and tourism being the main key drivers to ensure the state's economic recovery,” he added.
Hajiji, who is also UMS Pro-Chancellor, urged the university to ensure a conducive environment in the higher education sector to produce competitive and innovative graduates to fulfill the need for skilled workforce across industries in the country and the state.
“Therefore, higher education institutions such as UMS are encouraged to increase collaboration with industry players in research, development, commercialisation and innovation,” he said.
Furthermore, Hajiji wants UMS graduates to abide by the rules of the University, to fulfil their responsibilities as students, and to work diligently towards greater heights of excellence, using their knowledge to contribute to society and the nation.
Among those who attended the auspicious ceremony include UMS Vice Chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Hj Mansor and UMS Chairman of the Board Of Directors, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
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