KOTA KINABALU: Twenty five of Sabah's top-achieving students were awarded scholarships from the Yayasan Sabah yesterday.

Comprising 15 bumiputeras and 10 non-bumiputeras, the students were selected from thousands of applicants based on their academic performance in last year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

Among them was Boniventure Muneh, 18, of Kampung Piasau in Kota Belud, who hopes to follow in his brother's footsteps and take up medical studies.

The son of a Dusun government officer, Boniventure said he was motivated to excel by observing how his relatives went from working as farmers to becoming successful entrepreneurs.

"I'm also inspired by my elder brother, who is currently studying medicine at Kolej Mara in Banting," said Boniventure, who scored 8A1s and 1B in his SPM exam.
He will be beginning his Life Science course at the end of the month.

"I feel very lucky to be chosen among thousands of applicants for the scholarship. Without it, I know I won't be able to further my education as my family has financial constraints.

"But I will make the best of the scholarship," he said.

Meanwhile, Chin Li Ming of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Lok Yuk Likas, said she was motivated to do well because she believed that it would shape her future.

The 18-year-old daughter of a mechanic said that she did not expect to be awarded the scholarship and felt blessed.

"My parents worked hard to send my sister to Australia for her studies and it would be a big burden for them to send me to the United Kingdom, where I'd love to go," said Chin, who is currently doing her A-levels at a private institution here.

Chin plans on studying Actuarial Science.

Boniventure and Chin were among the 25 who were present to receive their scholarship awards, presented by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Also present was Yayasan Sabah director Tan Sri Khalil Jamalul.