SANDAKAN: The Higher Education Tours (Hits) 2026, organised by Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Sdn Bhd (KPTM) and University Poly-Tech Malaysia in collaboration with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), was held over two days at Harbour Mall Sandakan, providing higher education opportunities for local students in Sabah.
Board Member of Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Sdn Bhd (KPTM), Dr Wan Muhammad Adam Wan Norudin, said that Hits was also organised to deliver educational information directly to communities on the ground.
“This is to ensure that students and parents gain a clear understanding of the higher education opportunities available after completing their schooling,” he said during a press conference after officiating the opening of HITS 2026 at Harbour Mall, Sandakan.
He added that early exposure of this nature is important in helping students choose academic programmes that match their interests and qualifications, while also reducing the likelihood of making mistakes when selecting courses.
The Hits programme is also one of the collaborative initiatives between the Mara Education Foundation (YPM) and Mara Educational Institutions (IPMA), with support from the State Education Department and District Education Offices.
During the event, he also presented admission offers to eligible students who applied to Mara and KPTM institutions while attending the programme.
Apart from Sandakan, Hits 2026 was also held at Plaza Merdeka, Kuching, Sarawak, from 12 to 14 June and will continue at Skudai, Johor Bahru (June 27-28), Aman Jaya Mall, Sungai Petani, Kedah (Aug 8-9), and i-City Centre Mall, Shah Alam, Selangor (Aug 22-23).
The programme also provides information on educational incentives, including tuition fee assistance, living allowances, and financing schemes offered by the government and Mara to eligible students, particularly those from B40 families.
In another development, he noted that many Sabah students are currently pursuing their studies at KPTM campuses in Peninsular Malaysia, with an estimated enrolment of around 300 students.
The organisation also sees potential to expand Mara’s education market in Sabah, including the possibility of establishing a campus branch in the state in the future.
This would provide more opportunities for Sabah youths to obtain quality education without having to leave the state.
“We want to introduce the strengths and potential of Sabah to the Mara education community nationwide, while also expanding opportunities for Sabah students to pursue the various courses offered at KPTM campuses in Peninsular Malaysia according to their respective fields,” he said.
