Tuaran: Human capital development remains among the State Government's top priorities in Sabah's new phase of development under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this emphasis is vital to ensuring that Sabah's children possess the knowledge, skills and capability to meet future demands.
He said human capital development and people's wellbeing form the Second Pillar of the SMJ Development Plan.
"The State Government always accords serious attention to education and human capital development because Sabah's future relies not solely on the richness of its natural resources, physical development or economic progress alone.
"Sabah's true strength lies in its people. We need a generation that is knowledgeable, skilled, personifies integrity, is technologically and digitally literate, capable of critical and creative thinking and possesses strong human values and self-identity," he said when officiating at the Silver Jubilee Charity Dinner in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of SMK Sri Nangka Tuaran, here, Sunday.
The Chief Minister said the education field needs to move in tandem with global developments by strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem), digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), technical education and vocational training (Tvet), skills and talent development.
He added that the State Government is also strengthening educational digitalisation through the TPNS Smart Application system, enabling applications for the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), launched in 2022, to be made fully online.
"The Government, through the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS), has allocated RM155 million for this year, representing a multi-fold increase from RM50 million in 2020.
"Throughout the period from 2021 to 2025, a total of 14 education-related initiatives were introduced, including registration cash aid for higher learning institutions (Budi), computer assistance (Baik), as well as flight ticket subsidies for our students in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and assistance for State college students returning to their home towns.
"We continue all these initiatives to this day," he said.
Hajiji said these efforts demonstrate the State Government's commitment to educational development, which remains a key priority as the sector forms a vital foundation in producing knowledgeable, skilled and competitive human capital.
However, he added that technological advancement must be balanced with the instillation of values and morals among the younger generation.
"We want to produce a generation that is not only intellectually sharp and highly skilled, but also possesses moral character, integrity and the nobility of mind to develop Sabah," he said.
Hajiji said education is a shared responsibility and cannot be placed solely on the shoulders of teachers and schools; rather, it requires the support of parents, the Government, the community and the private sector.
Commenting on SMK Sri Nangka's Silver Jubilee celebration, he said a 25-year duration is no short time, as throughout that period the school has gone through various transformations, challenges and development processes.
He said thousands of young people have sought knowledge at the school before stepping into various fields, including the public service, education, entrepreneurship and the professional sectors.
Hajiji added that SMK Sri Nangka holds its own unique history and is close to his heart because the school's construction originated from his efforts in applying for a new secondary school in the Sulaman constituency.
According to him, the name SMK Sri Nangka was also suggested by him after the school was originally known as SMK Tajau.
"I took the opportunity to meet the Education Minister at the time, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razal, to request the construction of the school and received the approval letter a few months later after being informed that land in the area was available," he said.
He explained that the name "Nangka" does not refer to the jackfruit tree or fruit, but rather to the name used by earlier communities for the area, which in the Bajau Sama language carries a meaning linked to strength or endurance.
Hajiji also expressed appreciation to all principals who have led SMK Sri Nangka since its establishment, as well as teachers who are still serving, retired or transferred elsewhere.
"Teachers do not merely impart knowledge, but shape mindsets, build confidence, uncover talent and help determine the future direction of the nation's youth," he said.
He added that the Silver Jubilee celebration is not merely about celebrating the school's 25th anniversary, but serves as a symbol of shared commitment in providing a better future for the younger generation.
"I hope this school continues to produce knowledgeable and virtuous generations and continues to be part of the strength behind Sabah's development," he said.
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