TAR UMT Sabah boosts higher education development in the state, Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor believes that the establishment of the Sabah branch of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) is in line with Sabah’s aim to cultivate a high-quality human capital pool.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for TAR UMT’s decision to expand to Sabah, which will directly contribute to the advancement of higher education in the state.

“The opening of TAR UMT Sabah presents opportunities and options for Sabahans to pursue further studies at the university level within the state,” he stated during the launch of the TAR UMT Sabah branch at Alam Mesra near here on Saturday (Feb 24).

Also in attendance was TAR Education Foundation chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Hajiji commended TAR UMT’s “Beyond Education” philosophy, which focuses on academic excellence, essential skills development, and the fostering of civic values among students, as a comprehensive and empowering approach.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of providing quality tertiary education for the youth in Sabah.

“It is crucial that a significant portion of the student population in Sabah engages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education,” he remarked.

Hajiji stressed that education plays a pivotal role in progress and development, asserting that it is a collective responsibility to ensure that children in Sabah have access to the finest education.

“This is why human capital is one of the key pillars of our development strategy, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ). Our people are our most valuable asset. Through investments in education, training, and skill enhancement, we aim to equip our population for future challenges and opportunities,” he added.

The state government has allocated RM475 million towards enhancing human capital development this year, according to him

In accordance with Sabah’s Youth Policy, the state has earmarked RM16.89 million to implement Sabah’s Youth Leadership Development Programme this year, which includes activities related to voluntarism and social cohesion.

“We will continue to allocate resources to carry out various programs for our youth, including initiatives focused on leadership, skills, and entrepreneurship.

“Schemes for youth development such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneurs Success Scheme (Syabas) will persist in providing support to young entrepreneurs in establishing and strengthening their businesses,” he highlighted.

Hajiji mentioned that the state government has introduced several programs and initiatives to support and empower youths, including the Student Consultative Council (MPPS) composed of student leaders from public and private higher education institutions nationwide, including universities, polytechnics, community colleges, and secondary schools.

“This platform is crucial for young Sabahans to share their views and aspirations with us to ensure the successful implementation of the SMJ Development Plan.

“It serves as a strategic medium for Sabah’s youth to participate in the state’s development while pursuing their studies, and thus, we will continue to strengthen this initiative to instill excellence in our future leaders,” he affirmed.