RANAU: Roads, industries and investments alone will not secure Sabah’s future without knowledgeable, skilled and principled people capable of sustaining the State’s development, said Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
He said physical and economic development would not be enough if Sabah failed to invest equally in quality human capital.
“The Government can build roads, develop industries, attract investments and strengthen the economy. But ultimately, all these developments require people who have knowledge, skills, integrity and the ability to carry them forward.
“That is why education must always be seen as a long-term investment for Sabah’s future,” he said.
Masidi, who is also State Finance Minister and Karanaan Assemblyman, said this at the second MRSM Ranau Graduation Ceremony, here, Saturday.
He cited the RM132 million MRSM Ranau development as an example of investment not merely in infrastructure but in Sabah’s future generation.
“The RM132 million investment was not simply to build an educational campus. It was an investment in the potential and future of Sabah’s children,” he said.
The college was developed through cooperation between the Sabah Government, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Petronas.
Construction began in 2019 before the campus was handed over in 2023, with its first intake arriving in March 2024.
Masidi said similar cooperation should continue, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem), digital skills, entrepreneurship and talent development.
He said MRSM Ranau, as a relatively new institution, had the opportunity to establish its own identity, culture and legacy in producing quality young Sabahans.
He hoped the college would eventually be recognised not only for academic achievement but also for producing students who are knowledgeable, disciplined, principled, courageous thinkers, effective communicators and resilient.
Masidi also urged students not to focus solely on obtaining qualifications but to develop genuine expertise.
“Choose a field that interests you and master it seriously. The world of the future needs people who truly possess knowledge and skills.
“Whatever you achieve, make sure your principles and integrity are never sacrificed,” he said.
He also encouraged young Sabahans to move beyond their comfort zones and have the confidence to compete at higher levels.
“Go as far as you can. Reach as high as you dream. But when you reach the top, do not forget to look back and extend a hand to those who are still on their journey,” he said.
Masidi hoped that within the next 10 to 20 years, MRSM Ranau graduates would emerge as professionals, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and leaders who contribute back to society and Sabah’s development.
A total of 65 students graduated during the ceremony.
He also expressed appreciation to teachers, staff, parents and guardians for their role in shaping and supporting the graduates.
