KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government has announced a RM5 million allocation to establish a Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Scholarship Fund, providing special financial support for UEC holders pursuing further studies.
The announcement follows Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s recent declaration on 22 September recognising the UEC and introducing a dedicated scholarship scheme.
Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, who is also DAP Sabah Chairman, Phoong Jin Zhe, conveyed the good news today, highlighting its significance particularly for the Chinese community in the state.
“This initiative gives true meaning and substance to the recognition of the UEC. It ensures that UEC holders are not only symbolically recognised but also given greater opportunities to access government aid and pursue higher education,” Phoong said.
He noted that while UEC recognition was previously announced under past administrations, it had little practical impact in Sabah, where most Chinese independent school students already sit for SPM at age 17, with the UEC taken optionally at age 18.
“As such, entry into the state civil service was never an issue for UEC graduates. In fact, many senior officials in government and GLCs are themselves from Chinese independent schools,” he explained.
Phoong stressed that the latest move goes beyond symbolic gestures, representing genuine validation and equal treatment for UEC holders.
“I am grateful to the Chief Minister for this bold step forward, realising the principle that ‘UEC graduates are Sabah’s children too.’ This will enable more students from Chinese independent schools to pursue their aspirations with government-backed opportunities,” he said.
Phoong added that he will be engaging with Sabah Dongzong and principals of Chinese independent schools to ensure effective implementation of the new scholarship policy.-pr/BNN
