Education isn’t just an opportunity - it changes lives. Sabah is proving its commitment to building a brighter future by investing in its students and ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder talent and ambition.
Since 1990, the Sabah State Scholarship Award of Excellence (BCNS) has empowered 755 students with over RM132.6 million in funding, opening doors to higher education locally and abroad.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, chairperson of the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees, reinforced this vision, calling on students to rise to the challenge and compete globally.
In 2024, 88 exceptional students received life-changing scholarships - 40 under BCNS, 40 through the Sabah State Government Outstanding Scholarship Award (BCKNS), and eight via the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Scholarship.
The message is clear: Sabah invests in its youth because they are the key to the state’s success. Through scholarships, educational aid, and study loans, the government is ensuring that no deserving student is left behind.
This is more than financial support - it’s a bold commitment to shaping a generation that is skilled, competitive, and ready to lead.
Meet the young beneficiaries
“I want to give back to my community”
For many aspiring doctors, the road to success is paved with dedication, sacrifice, and the support of those who believe in their potential. One such individual is a recent medical graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) who is set to begin his journey as a doctor at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, this May.
Reflecting on the path that led him here, Dr Mohd Aiem bin Bakrin acknowledged the crucial role played by the Yayasan Sabah Group in making his dreams a reality.
“I feel incredibly grateful to the Yayasan Sabah Group for supporting my education in medicine,” he shared. “But beyond gratitude, I see it as a responsibility. This scholarship represents the people’s trust in Sabah, and I want to give back by serving my community.”
Medical school is known for its rigorous demands, not just academically but also financially. The financial burden can be overwhelming with costly textbooks, medical equipment and transport expenses. The scholarship eased these challenges, providing access to better resources, additional seminars, and improved learning experience.
As the eldest of three siblings and the first doctor in the family, this achievement is particularly meaningful. “My mother is overjoyed. She has been my biggest supporter, both emotionally and financially, along with the help of the Yayasan Sabah Group. My family and I are deeply thankful for the support that made this journey possible.”
Looking ahead, the future holds exciting possibilities. While Aiem’s career path is still taking shape, one goal stands out - becoming a heart surgeon. “I plan to take external exams like the MRCS (Membership Examination of the Surgical Royal Colleges of Great Britain and Ireland) to advance in surgery.”
“Without Yayasan Sabah Group’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to study law”
Cassandra Yeo Geck Chi pursued law at a private university in Kuala Lumpur before securing a transfer programme that took her to the United Kingdom for a year. The opportunity came through the Sabah State Scholarship Award of Excellence from Yayasan Sabah Group, something she remains incredibly grateful for.
“Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to study law,” she shared. “I didn’t want to put that financial burden on my parents, so this scholarship made all the difference.”
Her parents, a former salesperson and a bank employee who later became a full-time mother, worked hard to provide for Yeo and her three siblings. Now retired, they no longer have an active income, making the scholarship even more crucial in easing the financial strain.
Yeo, who has begun working at a legal firm, isn’t alone in benefiting from the Yayasan Sabah Group’s education funding. “The foundation has helped so many Sabahans access higher education,” she said.
The selection process, however, was no easy feat. After her SPM results, she went through an interview and several evaluations before being chosen - one of only 30 to 40 students in her cohort to receive the sponsorship. The scholarship covered her A-Levels and law degree over five years, with funds disbursed by semester, based on exam performance.
Yeo disagreed when asked about criticisms that the Sabah government doesn’t do enough for its students. “I don’t think that’s fair,” she said. “Yayasan Sabah Group offers scholarships yearly, not just through the Sabah State Scholarship Award of Excellence. The government has invested a lot in education.”
“The scholarship inspired me to aim higher and push myself further”
Education can change lives, but financial constraints often stand in the way of aspiring students. Chai Shun Quan, a student pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering at UMS, proves how scholarships can pave the way for academic and personal success.
Having already completed his bachelor's degree in the same field, Chai's undergraduate studies were funded by the Sabah State Scholarship Award of Excellence from Yayasan Sabah Group. The scholarship covered his tuition fees in full, provided a living allowance, and included additional benefits such as housing and thesis equipment allowances.
“Without this scholarship during my bachelor's degree, I would have had to rely on government loans like PTPTN,” Chai admitted. “This support has relieved so much pressure and allowed me to focus entirely on my studies.”
Coming from a small family with one older brother, Chai is the youngest in his household. His parents now retired - his father a former school bus driver and his mother a primary school teacher - are deeply proud of his achievements. “They feel incredibly happy and grateful. This scholarship has lifted a huge financial burden off their shoulders,” he shared.
The financial aid provided by Yayasan Sabah Group was significant. Chai received approximately RM3,000 or more each semester, with an additional RM500 per month for living expenses. “It’s not just about the money - it’s about peace of mind,” Chai said. “Thanks to this scholarship, I didn’t have to worry about rent, food, or tuition. I could dedicate my time to learning and excelling in my field.”
Chai expressed his appreciation and thanks to Yayasan Sabah Group for their generosity. “This scholarship has inspired me to push myself further and aim higher,” he said. “I hope Yayasan Sabah Group continues to support students from all backgrounds because there are so many talented individuals who just need that one opportunity to succeed.”
“Yayasan Sabah Group supported my studies for seven years”
From a small village in Kota Belud, Sabah, Dr Myristica Yamil has achieved what once seemed like a distant dream - becoming a medical doctor.
With the support of Yayasan Sabah Group, she pursued her studies from foundation level to her medical degree, a journey spanning seven years. Today, she serves as a medical officer in the Emergency and Trauma Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
As the first doctor in her family, Myristica’s success is a source of immense pride for her parents, both teachers in Kota Belud. With four siblings, she acknowledged that the financial burden of medical school would have been significant without sponsorship.
“Without Yayasan Sabah Group’s support, I might have pursued a more affordable field like education, following in my parents’ footsteps. But now, I have fulfilled my dream - thank you,” she shared.
Myristica offered encouragement for students who may feel discouraged by academic challenges.
“Don’t give up. Keep looking for opportunities. Even if your SPM, STPM, or foundation results aren’t perfect, keep trying,” she advised.
She emphasised that multiple scholarship avenues exist, including opportunities after foundation studies, as many of her peers secured funding later in their education.
Grateful for the opportunities that made her journey possible, Myristica extended her appreciation to Yayasan Sabah Group.
“Medical studies are not cheap. I studied at a university in Peninsular Malaysia and Yayasan Sabah Group even covered my flight tickets, allowing me to return home twice a year. I cannot thank them enough,” she said.
The future belongs to those who seize it. With knowledge and determination, Sabah’s students are not just dreaming of success. They are being equipped to achieve it.