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Kota Kinabalu: The Yayasan Sabah Group has increased its education allocation this year as a testament to its ongoing commitment to advancing education. 

Its Corporate Secretary Hanafiah Diman said this allowed the organisation to finance higher education for Sabahans, both locally and abroad.

“This allocation includes scholarships, grants and education loans focused on Sabah students with the hope that financial constraints do not become barriers to educational opportunities,” he said during the 28th Yayasan Sabah College of Technology (KTYS) Convocation Ceremony, Tuesday.

The ceremony saw a total of 310 graduands receiving their scrolls, as well as two students receiving Excellence Awards and one student receiving the Gold Medal Award. 

Hanafiah said KTYS plays a vital role in fulfilling the responsibilities of a higher education institution under the Yayasan Sabah Group at both academic and skill levels. 

“Through various scholarships, education loans, trust funds, talent development programmes and educational support, more Sabahans had the opportunity to study at KTYS and enhance their knowledge and skills,” he added.

Hanafiah reaffirmed the Yayasan Sabah Group’s alignment with the aspirations of the State Government under the Sabah Maju Jaya framework, where graduates and education sponsorship recipients are viewed not merely as beneficiaries, but as valuable assets of the State.

“The knowledge and skills you possess today are long-term investments expected to yield returns in the form of contributions, leadership and service to society.

“You are the human capital that will drive Sabah’s economic, social and education development in the years to come,” he told the graduands. 

He also reminded the graduands to remain humble and grateful, as well as to give back to the community and State whether through professional careers, entrepreneurship, volunteer work or leadership roles within the community. 

KYTS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tah Nia Jaman said the institution will continue to strengthen its educational offerings through two main pillars – academic education and skills training. 

“At the academic level, we focus on fields such as Early Childhood Education, Business, Accounting, Islamic Studies, Computer Science and Management, while the technical and skills sector focuses on Automotive, Construction, Electrical Welding, Hospitality and Office Management.

“These pillars are designed to remain relevant to current industry demands and Sabah’s developmental needs,” she said. 

She hoped the collaboration between KTYS, schools and the State Government will open more educational pathways for future generations, especially with the Government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to higher education and to reduce financial burden on Sabahan students. 

“With proposals such as making education at Sabah Yayasan institutions such as KTYS more affordable and closer to the concept of ‘free education’, many more will have the opportunity to advance their education to a higher level,” she said.