KOTA KINABALU: There is a significant education gap in Sabah, particularly at tertiary-level, said Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He added that despite the demand, it is difficult to justify having another university as it is questionable whether Sabah has enough students and capacity.
"For Sabah, our enrollment (into tertiary-level institutions) is very low. If you detail it out, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), it is very low.
"The problem is at the very bottom of society. As long as we don't address it, there will always be a gap," he said.
"To close the gap, we have to provide an ecosystem starting at the primary and secondary school-levels so that the pathway to university would be easier," he told the media after Saturday's casual forum: Sepanggar Youth X BBQ at Likas Public Beach here yesterday.
The Sepanggar member of parliament also said to address the disparity, elected representatives could help "dissect" the society and "micromanage" families.
He said reaching out could lead to his ministry implementing its "Sulung" programme, whereby the first child from families in the bottom 40 (B40) income group could receive free tertiary education.
"We do have ways (to assist them) apart from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), DermaSiswa, and Sabah scholarships, among others.
"We are very concerned about those in the B40 group, but this is the way to remove them from the poverty line through education, at least by enabling a family's first member to get to university," he said, adding that this is the way to address poverty in Sabah.
Earlier, Mustapha, who moderated the forum, said such a programme provides an opportunity for youth to improve their leadership through public engagement.
"At the Higher Education Ministry, one of our main focuses is to provide the best expertise for the country and the nation.
"One of our methods is to involve our younger generation in programmes like this. We now want the speakers and panelists to be our students or young leaders, while senior leaders like us serve as their mentors.
"This approach not only enhances their image but also sharpens their leadership skills so they can speak confidently in public. At the same time, we also invite new students and youths to experience this environment and learn from the situation, enabling them to contribute to the development of the nation."
Present was Inanam Assemblyman Peto Galim.