UCSF gets RM2 million grant from Federal Govt
KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government has granted RM2 million to University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) for the implementation of its training programmes for this year.
The allocation was given through the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) and it will benefit 121 UCSF students.
Its director-general, Datuk Zolkopli Dahalan, explained that the allocation was given due to the success of the Program Khas Anak Negeri (PKAN) Sabah 2018 which managed to train 194 students in various arts courses.
“For 2019, under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, we have allocated a total of RM2 million for the implementation of the programme for the 121 trainees. The allocation will continue until 2020 (once the Eleventh Malaysia Plan has ended).
“I believe that if the outcome of this programme is positive, it will be continued in the subsequent Malaysia Plan.
“This is a good initiative. I have not seen such programmes being implemented in other places except Sabah,” he told reporters after officiating at the Borneo Art Newcomers (BANCO) 2019 closing ceremony on Thursday.
“This is a part of the government’s efforts to foster holistic human capital and spur the country’s economic growth and development,” he added.
It is understood that previously the ICU JPM had allocated a total of RM2.79 million to UCSF under the PKAN Sabah until 2018.
Commenting on the event itself, he said that the results displayed during the event had proven that the standard of the students’ artwork are on par with the international standard.
He is pleased to see that the programme has given the underprivileged youths an opportunity to uncover their talents and motivation to excel further.
“I believe that they can contribute to the country’s development and economy,” he said.
Zolkopli further disclosed that four new initiatives would be coordinated by ICU for the well-being of the people, among which are the Program Usaha Kasih (uKasih); Program Didik Kasih (dKasih); Program Selidik, Ambil Tahu, Responsif dan Bantu (SARa); and Program I Care for U.
Among those present in the event were UCSF Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohamed Haleem Mohamed Razi and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Alan Lim.