The Sabah government has allocated more than RM100 million this year for its state scholarship scheme, benefiting thousands of students pursuing higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, Bernama reported.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the allocation under the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) covers both existing recipients and 2,182 new students enrolling in diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programmes for the 2026 intake.
He said the total number of students receiving BKNS sponsorship has now reached 13,389.
“The funding covers existing students and 2,182 new students for the 2026 intake at diploma, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree levels.
“To date, the total number of students receiving BKNS sponsorship has reached 13,389, reflecting the state government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education,” he said at the 37th Sabah State Excellent Scholarship Awards ceremony in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday.
Hajiji said the Sabah State Government Excellent Scholarship Award (BCKNS) added 10 new recipients this year, bringing the total to 60. The Yayasan Sabah Group also increased its scholarship recipients by 10, raising the total to 50.
He said the state government also offers several other scholarship schemes, including the Sabah TYT Award Scholarship, Perdana Scholarship, BCKNS, and scholarships for B40 students and those from rural areas.
On healthcare education, Hajiji said 30 Sabahans had been selected to pursue diploma programmes in medical and health sciences, physiotherapy, and a bachelor’s degree in cardiovascular technology through a collaboration between the Yayasan Sabah Group, the National Heart Institute (IJN) and IJN University College.
Another 15 Sabahans are currently enrolled in the Healthcare Assistant Programme at IJN University College through cooperation between Yayasan Sabah and University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF).
Hajiji said BCKNS has spent RM141.29 million to support 835 recipients, while the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) has assisted 15,629 recipients with more than RM25 million in funding.
He added that the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), through its Zakat and Fitrah Division, channelled RM12.7 million between January and June this year to help cover initial registration fees and flight tickets for students.
Meanwhile, Hajiji described Sabah’s 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results as encouraging, with the state’s average grade improving to 4.85 from 5.00 a year earlier, marking the first time it fell below the 5.00 threshold.
He encouraged students to pursue strategic fields such as oil and gas, energy, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and artificial intelligence, describing them as key drivers of future economic growth.
