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Kota Kinabalu: Forty outstanding Sabah students who have been awarded the Sabah State Excellence Scholarship Award (ABCNS) by Yayasan Sabah say it will ease the financial burden their families would otherwise face.

The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, flight tickets and learning materials for recipients pursuing foundation and diploma programmes at leading Malaysian universities.

Joyce Nicole Nicholas Mojugit, 18, from Penampang, received the good news through a phone call from her former teacher. 

“I felt touched and indescribably happy. I was also relieved knowing that the cost of my studies would not burden my family,” said Joyce, who is pursuing Foundation in Science at Universiti Teknologi Mara (Uitm) with aspirations to become a paediatrician.

As the second of three siblings raised by a single mother, Joyce represents the scholarship’s target demographic of high-achieving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

From Kota Kinabalu, 17-year-old Adam Hariz Sulhajji, studying Foundation in Agricultural Science at Universiti Putra Malaysia, said he was extremely touched and overjoyed upon receiving the award. 

“I was extremely touched and overjoyed when I was offered the ABCNS sponsorship. I felt appreciated and even more motivated to pursue my dreams,” said the aspiring veterinarian.

“This sponsorship not only eases my family’s financial burden but also demonstrates trust in my potential to become a responsible and successful individual for our State,” he said. 

Intan Syurayanie Sofea, 18, from Kudat, called the ABCNS award one of the greatest achievements of her life. 

The eldest of five siblings is now pursuing Foundation in Life Sciences at University of Malaya without the financial pressure that previously threatened her educational aspirations.

“Do not be discouraged by a less fortunate family background. We must work hard and have faith in our ability to achieve excellent results to qualify for the ABCNS scholarship,” said Intan, who aims to become a chemist. 

She views the scholarship not just as financial support, but as a driving force for success and a means to give back to society.

Mohammad Arif Mohammad Adam, 18, from Kota Kinabalu, expressed surprise at receiving the award given the competitive selection process. 

“Educational sponsorship is not just financial aid, it embodies the State’s hope for us to drive its progress,” said the aspiring chemical engineer now studying A-levels at Kolej Yayasan UEM.

Mohammad Nazrin Syah Abdul Shah, 18, will enrol in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at University Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL Miat). 

He said the scholarship’s comprehensive support package allows students to focus on maintaining academic excellence without worrying about financial challenges.

From Sandakan, Yap Kai Vun, 18, studying Foundation of Physical Science at University of Malaya, spoke about the programme’s impact on rural and disadvantaged communities. 

“This scholarship will significantly ease the financial strain on my family, as we’re not from a high-income background,” said the aspiring cyber security engineer.

The ABCNS programme has operated for over 30 years as Yayasan Sabah Group’s flagship initiative to ensure academic excellence remains accessible regardless of students’ socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Recipients are selected based on outstanding SPM results, leadership potential and financial need.

The scholarship programme is a notable investment in Sabah’s human capital development, with recipients expected to contribute to the State’s economic and social progress upon graduation. 

All scholars are required to maintain academic excellence throughout their studies and demonstrate commitment to serving their communities.

This year’s cohort will pursue diverse fields including medicine, engineering, aviation technology, veterinary science and cybersecurity across Malaysia’s premier educational institutions, reflecting Sabah’s strategic focus on developing expertise in critical sectors for future economic growth.