KK & Sabah News-Flash

University’s Education Fund Has RM14 Million

An education fund initiated by the alumni association of a university has collected RM14 million, both in cash and in kind, in two years.  This was announced by Chairman Tan Sri Lodin Wok Kamaruddin of the Board of Trustees of the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Alumni Association Malaysia, referring to its 1Billion Education Fund or Tabung Pendidikan (TP1B).  The fund is for the assistance of deserving UiTM students and alumni in their pursuit of academic excellence.

In the two years after the fund’s launching by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in April 11, 2015, the association has already spent RM1 million for scholarships and financial assistance.  Also, RM200,000 was donated to UiTM Shah Alam for its programs.

A 10-series cycling event across the country, the “Budi Ride”, was organized by the association as one of its fund raising activities this year.  The flag-off point was at UiTM Kota Kinabalu last Saturday, officiated by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, in behalf of Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.  Sabah was the choice for the activity because of its tourism facilities that make organizing events easy to do.

The Budi Ride has resulted to donations of RM300 each to 10 under privileged but deserving students who are currently enrolled at UiTM Kota Kinabalu.  Masidi said that the Budi Ride is not only to boost the tourism sector of the state but also to show to everybody that UiTM graduates, coming from different places and backgrounds, are united in helping their Bumiputera.  He also added that this is the time for UiTM successful graduates to come out and help current students to succeed also.

The very first fund raising program of the association was a dinner reception in Kuala Lumpur in 2015 when close to RM10 million was raised.

Course for Coaches Conducted

A Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS) level one course was conducted by the International Association of Athletes Federation (IAAF) for the first time in Kota Kinabalu.  The training was organized by the Sabah Athletics Association and there were 24 attendees from the state.

Anbarasu of Kuala Lumpur, one of the most experienced IAAF instructors in the country, was the main speaker of the course, with the assistance of Rauf Tassim from Brunei. Training on how to be coaches in track and field events was the main objective of the course with focus on the educational aspects of Kids’ Athletics and Teens’ Athletics. Participants are expected to master 20 disciplines to that they will be competent to train young children and prepare them for competition according to their levels.

The course started last November 24 and will end on Tuesday, December 5, at the Likas Stadium for the giving of certificates to the participants.  Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Masiung Banah is expected to grace the occasion.

Old Papar Bridge to be Replaced Soon

A new bridge will be erected to replace an old structure near Kg Simpudu, Papar.  This was announced by the Public Works Department, saying that the old bridge was constructed in the 1970s.  A Department spokesperson said that this is already the second structure in the area with the first bridge expected to be finished by the end of this year.