The Sabah Foundation (Malay: Yayasan Sabah), also known as the Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG), is a state-sanctioned organization established in 1966 in Sabah, Malaysia. Founded by Tun Mustapha Harun, the foundation aims to promote educational and economic opportunities for the people of Sabah. It was created under the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Enactment No. 8, with a mission to improve education and facilitate equitable economic distribution among the populace[1][3].

Objectives and Functions

The primary objectives of the Sabah Foundation include:

• Education Advancement: Providing educational facilities and scholarships to students in Sabah, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation supports various educational institutions, including the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and technical colleges[1][3].
• Economic Development: Facilitating economic opportunities through various initiatives aimed at improving living standards among the local population. This includes training programs for small business ventures targeting specific community groups such as housewives and unemployed youth[1][2].
• Disaster Relief: Coordinating aid distribution during natural disasters to assist affected communities, thereby enhancing social welfare[3].

Historical Context

The foundation was envisioned by Tun Mustapha Harun as part of his broader goal to mobilize the people of Sabah towards active participation in national development. Initially focused on education, its scope expanded over the years to include social and economic advancement[1][3]. Notably, in 1994, an audit revealed significant financial discrepancies within the foundation, leading to governmental oversight reforms[3].

Organizational Structure

The Sabah Foundation operates under three main divisions:

• Sapangar SDN. BHD
• Innoprise Corporation SDN. BHD
• KKYS SDN. BHD

These divisions manage various aspects of its operations, including educational initiatives and resource management[3].

Educational Initiatives

The foundation has been instrumental in establishing several educational institutions and programs:

• Kolej Teknikal Yayasan Sabah: A technical college aimed at providing vocational training.
• University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF): A higher education institution promoting sustainable living and addressing global challenges through education[1][3].

Conclusion

Overall, the Sabah Foundation plays a crucial role in shaping educational opportunities and economic development in Sabah. Its initiatives have significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for many residents while also addressing broader social issues within the community.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ucsf.edu.my/about-sabah-foundation/
[2] https://sagc.sabah.gov.my/sites/default/files/law/SabahFoundationEnactment1966.pdf
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabah_Foundation
[4] https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yayasan_Sabah
[5] https://www.yayasansabahgroup.org.my
[6] https://sagc.sabah.gov.my/?q=en%2Fcontent%2Fsabah-foundation-enactment-1966

Sabah Foundation