Kota Kinabalu: Universiti College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) should open its doors wider to international students as part of efforts to enhance its global reputation and strengthen Sabah’s position as an education hub in the region, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said attracting students from abroad would not only promote greater diversity in knowledge-sharing but also bring economic benefits to the local community.
“In view of this very positive development, UCSF should open its doors to international students.
“This can enhance the institution’s global reputation, encourage diverse knowledge-sharing and bring economic benefits to the local community,” he said at the 4th UCSF convocation at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Saturday.
Hajiji commended UCSF for strengthening its international network and strategic ties with institutions in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
He said such cooperation showed UCSF no longer regarded geographical boundaries as a barrier to excellence but was instead creating wider opportunities for student mobility, lecturer exchanges, joint research and cross-border community development.
“It is steps such as these that will strengthen Sabah’s position as an education hub, particularly in the Borneo and BIMP-EAGA region,” he said.
Hajiji said UCSF’s efforts to expand its academic offerings through the introduction of new programmes such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Foundation in Science and the development of the Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) programme were also highly commendable.
“Efforts to develop Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy programmes show that UCSF is entering a new phase as an institution that places greater emphasis on research, innovation and the advancement of knowledge at a higher level.
“This is the kind of transformation we expect from an institution of higher learning. I have also been informed that UCSF is a key institution supplying skilled workforce to the tourism and hospitality industry in the State,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government would continue to give full support to the development of higher education in Sabah.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Board of Directors, university management, academics, staff and Yayasan Sabah, UCSF would continue to achieve greater success.
Hajiji also congratulated the graduates and hoped the knowledge they had acquired would serve as a foundation for them to contribute to society, Sabah and the country.
“Let us work together to build Sabah’s future through quality education, high-impact research and a workforce of integrity,” he said.
He reiterated that Sabah’s human capital development agenda continues to be strengthened with an allocation of more than RM100 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year.
Hajiji said the initiative benefits thousands of students pursuing studies at various levels, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem).
“This allocation is being used to support existing students as well as new sponsorships for 2026, involving 2,182 students pursuing diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s programmes.
“To date, the total number of students who have received BKNS sponsorship has reached 13,389, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that more Sabahans have access to quality education.
“The State Government’s commitment to educational development remains a priority because the sector is an important foundation for producing knowledgeable, skilled and competitive human capital,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the Sabah State Government has always placed human capital development at the core of the State’s progress and, in keeping with current developments, Sabah greatly needs graduates who are knowledgeable, highly skilled, competitive and creative-minded.
He said the Government was determined to continue various educational assistance programmes, including the 14 education initiatives introduced since 2021.
About 416 students received their scrolls during the convocation ceremony.
Also present were Yayasan Sabah Datuk Ghulam Haidar, State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib, UCSF Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Datuk Dr. Rafiq Idris, lecturers and parents.
