KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said efforts to ensure that Sabah children have access to quality education require commitment and close cooperation from all quarters.
He said initiatives to raise education funds, such as those undertaken by the Tuaran District Hakka Association, are commendable and should be emulated by other associations for the future of the younger generation.
“Investment in education is an investment in the future of the younger generation and the future of Sabah. I want to express my appreciation to all contributors and those who have supported this Education Fund.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings hope to the younger generation,” he said at the Tuaran District Hakka Association Education Fundraising Dinner at Hakka Hall, Tanjung Lipat, here tonight.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun delivered the speech.
“Education is the foundation of the development of any community and state. Through education, we can change the fortunes of families, develop quality human capital and drive Sabah’s economic growth to a higher level.
“There is no denying that investment in human capital is important in improving not only social status, but also the economic standing and well-being of individuals and communities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said human capital development is among the State Government’s key priorities under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
For this reason, he said, the State Government has provided various forms of education assistance, funding and facilities to develop quality human capital and allow more Sabahans to pursue higher education.
These include scholarships, bursaries and assistance for students, as well as 14 existing education assistance initiatives, among them the one-off Higher Education Institution Enrollment Cash Assistance (BUDI); Computer Assistance Programme (BAIK); Examination Special Cash Assistance (BAKTI); Sabah Student Flight Ticket Assistance (SUBFLY); and Contribution for Higher Education Students Studying in Sabah (SENTOSA).
Yayasan Sabah also provides education assistance that people can utilise, he said.
He expressed hope that the Education Fund raised tonight would continue to benefit the younger generation and support them in their educational journey.
Hajiji said organisations such as the Tuaran District Hakka Association play an important role because, apart from preserving the identity and culture of their own community, they can also serve as a bridge connecting people from diverse backgrounds.
In this regard, he congratulated the Tuaran District Hakka Association, which will hold the official opening of its new building and Hakka Mini Museum in Tuaran town next month.
“The establishment of the Hakka Mini Museum is a good initiative to preserve and introduce the history and culture of the Hakka community to the younger generation and the public.
“I hope the new building and the Hakka Mini Museum will be put to good use, not only for the benefit of association members, but also to strengthen ties with the local community and other organisations,” he said.-pr/BNN
