KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the time has come for University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) to open its doors to international students.
“This move can enhance the institution’s global reputation, encourage diverse knowledge-sharing and bring economic benefits to the local community.
“Congratulations also to UCSF for its efforts to strengthen international networks. Strategic ties with institutions in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines demonstrate that UCSF no longer sees geographical boundaries as a barrier to excellence.
“Instead, the university is opening up wider opportunities for student mobility, lecturer exchanges, joint research and cross-border community development,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who is also UCSF Chancellor said this at UCSF’s Fourth Convocation ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday.
Hajiji said efforts to strengthen international networks would further reinforce Sabah’s position as an education hub, particularly in the Borneo and BIMP-EAGA region.
In this regard, he said UCSF plays a highly significant role. As an institution of higher learning owned by Yayasan Sabah, UCSF is not only a centre for the dissemination of knowledge but also a platform for producing a new generation of Sabahans capable of competing at the national and international levels.
He said UCSF’s efforts to expand its academic offerings through the introduction of new programmes such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Foundation in Science and the development of the Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) programme were also highly commendable.
“Efforts to develop Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy programmes show that UCSF is entering a new phase as an institution that places greater emphasis on research, innovation and the advancement of knowledge at a higher level.
“This is the kind of transformation we expect from an institution of higher learning. I have also been informed that UCSF is a key institution supplying skilled workforce to the tourism and hospitality industry in the State,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the State Government would continue to provide its full support for the development of higher education in Sabah.
“I am confident that under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Board of Directors, university management, academics, the entire university community and, of course, Yayasan Sabah, UCSF will continue to achieve greater success,” he said.
Hajiji reiterated that Sabah’s human capital development agenda continues to be strengthened with an allocation of more than RM100 million for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) this year.
He said the initiative benefits thousands of students pursuing studies at various levels, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“This allocation is being used to support existing students as well as new sponsorships for 2026, involving 2,182 students pursuing diploma, bachelor’s degree and master’s programmes.
“To date, the total number of students who have received BKNS sponsorship has reached 13,389, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that more Sabahans have access to quality education.
“The State Government’s commitment to educational development remains a priority because the sector is an important foundation for producing knowledgeable, skilled and competitive human capital,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the Sabah State Government has always placed human capital development at the core of the State’s progress and, in keeping with current developments, Sabah greatly needs graduates who are knowledgeable, highly skilled, competitive and creative-minded.
He said the government was determined to continue various educational assistance programmes, including the 14 education initiatives introduced since 2021.
Among the educational assistance programmes are the One-Off Cash Assistance for Registration at Institutions of Higher Learning (BUDI); Special Examination Assistance (BAKTI); Computer Assistance Programme (BAIK); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Subsidy Assistance (GRS/SUBFLY); and the Contribution for Higher Education Students Studying in Sabah (SENTOSA).
“The measures we have taken are intended to assist students and their families, particularly in coping with the rising cost of living and education expenses,” he said.
The Chief Minister, therefore, hoped that all students would continue to strive for excellence, including exploring and pursuing studies in various strategic fields that will drive future development, particularly the oil, gas and energy sectors, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI).-pr/BNN
