Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has allocated RM10 million for pre-registration aids under BUDI as well as 1,000 laptops under BAIK for eligible higher learning students this year.
State Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) Minister cum Education Exco Datuk Dr Arifin Arif officiated the handover to recipients at the KSTI office in Bandaran Berjaya, here, Wednesday.
Also in attendance was Yayasan Sabah Group Director Datuk Seri Dr Ghulam Haidar Khan.
“The initiatives under the Sabah Education Fund (TPNS) are the brainchild of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who is concerned about Sabahans’ education.
“This will empower those in need, other than existing aids, namely state scholarships from the Yayasan Sabah, the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) and zakat collections.
“The RM10 million under BUDI will go to 1,500 diploma and 2,000 degree level university students.
“Today we are handing over the aid to Sabah’s children, including those who are learning at Yayasan Sabah-based institutes,” he said.
A brief TPNS meeting before the noon handover saw the approval of introductory courses for Sabahans who will be furthering their studies in the Middle East.
Last year, the State spent RM3 million to assist 8,000 Sabahans studying abroad.
“The course will expose them to the language and way of life before landing there.
“Among other things discussed was assistance for students who are ineligible for scholarships but are pursuing higher education,” Arifin said.
