The State Government continues to strengthen human capital development by allocating a sum of RM474.55 million for 2024, said State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
He said human capital development needs to be carefully planned to produce knowledgeable, skilled and competitive work force with strong self-identity that will subsequently become valuable assets towards universal progress.
“Information is the raw material of knowledge, wisdom is the art of using it wisely. As the Chinese philosophy goes, “zhīshì shì bǎokù, shíjiàn shì yàoshi” which means “knowledge is a treasure, practice is the key to it”.
“This saying describes the acquisition of knowledge is crucial in forming and shaping a skilled and high-quality human workforce. This is achieved through ongoing learning and the practical application of acquired knowledge.
“Recognising this reality, the State Government allocated RM474.55 million for human capital development, next year,” he said when tabling the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly here Friday.
Among the human capital programmes prioritised by the Government, Masidi said includes: RM101 million has been allocated for scholarships and bursaries, benefiting 1,500 students pursuing advanced education; RM131 million for operation and development of Islamic religious schools and mosques as well as spiritual programmes under the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department; RM56.75 million for development of non-Muslims religious bodies as well as missionary, vernacular and private schools; RM44 million to assist less fortunate students who are unable tocontinue their studies due to financial constraints as well as assistance to support educational institutions. RM44.57 million for operation and development of libraries including rural and mobile libraries throughout the State; RM27.45 million to implement various programmes, training and skill courses in the Department of Human Resource Development; RM12.92 million to implement courses and research in agricultural institutions; and RM33 million to implement courses and skill trainings on science, technology and innovation.
In line with borderless global digitalization development, Masidi said the State Government would implement various initiatives to strengthen and expedite the development of ICT infrastructure in Sabah, among others are:
The installation of 300 Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) will ensure that rural residents receive broadband access through collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC);
RM43.49 million to upgrade Internet connection in 1.031 State government premises including e-Desa Centres by using optical fibre with a minimum speed of 300 Mbps; and
RM27.17 million to enhance cyber security and strengthen monitoring, detecting as well as reporting of cyber threats, especially the State’s internet network in order to facilitate access of information by the people.
“Through the Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) with China Science and Technology Museum (GSTM), Sabah’s youths who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will have the opportunity to participate in interactive learning sessions through involvement in exhibitions to gain exposure.
“A total of 60 exhibits will be showcased over a period of three years from Sept 2023 to Aug, 2026. For next year, the exhibition will be held in five districts, namely Membakut, Beaufort, Sipitang, Tenom and Tawau,” he said.
Furthermore, Masidi said the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Center (Scenic) would also continue various programmes to ensure that the development of human capital talent in Sabah is continuously nurtured, including driving the State’s animation industry to be the first licensed Toon Boom Training Centre in Malaysia.
He said Sceni had been honoured with the Special Award - The Most Impactful Public Agency in Driving Digital Adoption at Top Tech Innovation Award 2022, supported by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti).
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