SINCE its establishment, Yayasan Sabah Group has played a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to people of the State. Through various financial aid programmes, educational loans, and scholarships, the organisation has successfully created avenues for Sabah’s youth to pursue higher education.
These initiatives not only help students achieve their academic aspirations but contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce, thereby strengthening the State’s overall development.
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The benefits are felt by all including residents in rural and remote areas. Students sponsored by the Yayasan Sabah Group are not only financially assisted but also given the opportunity to build a brighter future.
This support also enhances the quality of life for individuals and their families, while contributing to community development and strengthening social well-being across the state.
YAYASAN Sabah students currently studying in various local universities are grateful for the education opportunity and have one thing in mind-to return and serve the state with the knowledge they acquired.
Amir Fathurrahman bin Ghazali, 25, from Sandakan, who is studying at the University Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah (UniSHAMS), said he is extremely happy, grateful and fortunate for the opportunity.
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“I realise not everyone has the chance to receive this support.
“I see it not just as financial aid, but as a trust and a symbol of confidence in the potential of Sabah’s youth to excel in higher education,” he said.
He said the success he would achieve is not solely for his benefit, but to honour the trust and responsibility placed on him.
“The financial support has also taught me to be more disciplined, always grateful and more focused on academic achievement and holistic personal development,” he said.
He said educational sponsorship programmes are extremely important because they create opportunities for high-potential students who face financial constraints.
Such initiatives not only help ease the burden on students and their families but also contribute to producing knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive graduates.
Indirectly, these programmes can cultivate a generation capable of contributing to the development of Sabah.
He plans to give back through the expertise he gains.
“I also hope all scholarship recipients fully appreciate the opportunities they have been given, as not everyone is fortunate to receive such support. Uphold your integrity, maintain discipline, and always represent Sabah with excellence wherever we are,” he said.
Hailing from Papar, Siti Nurasyikin binti Mohd Tamizi, 23, the youngest of two siblings, is currently studying Southeast Asian Studies at University Malaya.
To her, the sponsorship is not merely financial assistance, but a strong vote of confidence in her potential as a native of Sabah. It provides her the space and opportunity to focus on her studies without worrying about financial burdens, thereby boosting her enthusiasm and motivation to succeed.
“Educational sponsorship programmes like this are crucial in developing quality human capital in Sabah. They create opportunities for students with potential who may face financial constraints.
“Through this initiative, more Sabahans can pursue higher education and eventually return to contribute their expertise to the development of the state,” she said.
“I plan to contribute through the expertise I gain in my field of study, particularly by making an impact on the local communities in Sabah. I also wish to be involved in volunteer programs and student mentoring to assist younger students who are in situations similar to what I once experienced.
“My hope is that future generations of sponsored students truly appreciate the opportunities afforded to them and make the most of them. This sponsorship is a trust, and such a trust must be carried with a strong sense of responsibility”.
“For me, receiving news about this sponsorship felt as if a burden had been lifted from my family’s shoulders, allowing me to focus entirely on pursuing my degree without worrying about finances. It became a ‘ticket’ that has changed the course of my life,” said Mohammed Shahidin bin Mat Rudin, 23, from Kudat and is studying at University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).
“I aspire to give back to the state as a token of appreciation and gratitude,” he added. He sees the sponsorship as a critical long-term investment. Sabah has many talented young people, but limited scholarship opportunities and sponsorship.
“With initiatives like this, he is confident Sabah’s youth will return as competent professionals capable of driving the state’s economic growth.
“I intend to continue my involvement in volunteer programmes for rural students, proving that native Sabahans can compete globally if given the right opportunities”.
Wagner Naftley Daniel, 23, from Keningau and the eldest of four siblings, is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education at the University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
He said the sponsorship also provides access to various programmes during semester breaks that help students develop soft skills and leadership abilities.
He said educational incentives can nurture individuals who are intellectual and forward-thinking, as education provides the opportunity to shape one’s future while contributing to the state’s development.
He plans to serve as a teacher in Sabah, particularly in schools with limited access to education, to guide the younger generation toward pursuing higher studies.
Farah Wazihah binti Mohamad Zulhalimi, 24, from Kota Kinabalu, who is studying at University Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), described the sponsorship as a major motivation.
She believes sponsorship programmes like this are extremely important for developing high-quality, competitive human capital, particularly for Sabah students with potential but financial constraints. She also aspires to give back to the community by mentoring Sabah’s younger generation.
“Trust must be upheld not just to excel in exams, but also to develop good character and make a positive impact on society,” she said.
Billy Cambell Peter, 21, from Kota Kinabalu, who is pursuing a degree in Law at University Teknologi Mara (UiTM)said the sponsorship enabled him to focus entirely on his studies.
It also provided him the space to set higher goals. They create fairer educational opportunities for students regardless of their background or economic status.
“I plan to return to Sabah as a lawyer or legal advisor for the local community, particularly for those with limited access to securing and exercising their rights. It is an opportunity to bring about positive change in Sabah”.
Hanis Nabila Syakilah binti Najamuddin, 25, from Tawau, a student at University Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) Gombak Campus, is pursuing a degree in Education (Guidance and Counselling).
She said she plans to give back by serving as a mentor to young students through guidance and educational volunteer programmes upon graduation.
“I also hope future scholarship recipients will make the most of this opportunity and become successful individuals who give back to the state.