Kota Kinabalu: A total of 39 participants graduated from the Peneraju Borneo Data Strategist programme at a graduation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Monday.
The programme, part of the Peneraju Borneo Phase 2 and Phase 3 initiatives, aims to strengthen Sabah’s human capital in data analytics and strategic decision-making, in line with the state’s digital transformation agenda.
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Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib, who officiated the ceremony, said data-driven skills are crucial as the state shifts towards evidence-based policymaking and digital governance.
He said development today depends not only on physical infrastructure but on the ability of people to continuously upgrade skills and adapt to rapid technological change, adding that programmes such as Peneraju Borneo play an important role in preparing a future-ready workforce.
James said community-level data strategists can act as a bridge between government and the public by ensuring grassroots data reflects real conditions and supports more accurate and responsive policies.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s focus on digitalising education, particularly in rural and interior areas, through improved access to technology, digital learning and education data systems to reduce the urban-rural education gap.
In addition, he said the ministry continues to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM development, mentioning the recent establishment of the SainsXplor centre in Tawau, with plans to expand similar initiatives to interior districts.
James also said the ministry has raised with the federal Education Ministry the need to review and better integrate Sabah history in school textbooks so that students gain a clearer understanding of the state’s role in nation-building.
Meanwhile, Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul said Sabah still records the highest poverty rate in Malaysia at about 17.7 per cent despite having a GDP exceeding RM80 billion, highlighting the need for more targeted, data-driven policies.
He said strategic data is essential to ensure aid and interventions reach the right groups, avoid overlapping programmes and maximise the impact of public resources.
The programme is a collaboration between the Sabah Government, Yayasan Peneraju and the Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce, and is designed to produce professionals capable of translating data into practical policies and development strategies.
Graduates were urged to apply their skills with integrity and contribute to organisations, communities and the overall development of Sabah.
