Yayasan Sabah: Foundation & Scholarships
What is Yayasan Sabah?
Yayasan Sabah, the Sabah Foundation, is a statutory body founded in 1966. It manages state forest resources for public benefit and funds scholarships, healthcare and social programmes, working from the landmark Menara Tun Mustapha in Likas, Kota Kinabalu.
Yayasan Sabah at a glance
Yayasan Sabah — the Sabah Foundation — is a statutory body created in 1966 to channel the benefits of the state's natural resources into public good. Over the decades it has become one of Sabah's most significant institutions for education, healthcare and social development.
Its mandate has historically centred on managing forest concessions and using the proceeds to fund scholarships, medical services and community programmes. The foundation is also known for its striking headquarters at Likas Bay, a fixture of the Kota Kinabalu skyline.
What the foundation does
At its core, Yayasan Sabah exists to convert resource revenue into social benefit. It has managed substantial timber concessions over its history, and the income from sustainable forest management supports the foundation's education, health and welfare work.
Over time, the scale of timber concessions has been reduced in step with sustainable forestry reforms across Sabah. The foundation's enduring role, however, remains its investment in people — particularly through scholarships and healthcare that reach communities across the state.
The foundation's specific schemes and assets change over the years. Treat this page as a general introduction and verify current programmes through Yayasan Sabah's official channels.
Menara Tun Mustapha
The foundation's headquarters, Menara Tun Mustapha at Likas Bay, is one of Sabah's best-known landmarks. The tower is a 72-sided polygon rising about 122 metres over roughly 30 floors, and its unusual circular silhouette makes it a favourite subject for photographs of Kota Kinabalu.
Beyond its architecture, the building is the administrative heart of the foundation, housing the offices that run its scholarship, healthcare and social work. Its bayside setting north of the city centre is easy to spot when travelling around Likas.
Scholarships and education
One of the foundation's most visible contributions is its scholarship programme for Sabah bumiputera students. Over the years these scholarships have supported students studying both within Malaysia and overseas, helping young Sabahans access higher education.
Scholarship schemes, eligibility criteria and application windows change from year to year. Students and parents interested in applying should monitor the foundation's official announcements rather than relying on past details, as funding and fields of study are periodically updated.
Healthcare and social programmes
The foundation has a long record of supporting healthcare and community welfare in Sabah, including a hospital at Likas. Alongside medical services, it has funded a range of social programmes aimed at improving wellbeing across the state.
These activities reflect the foundation's founding purpose: directing the benefits of Sabah's resources toward education, health and social development. As with its other work, the precise services on offer evolve, so current details are best confirmed directly.
Visiting and finding out more
Menara Tun Mustapha at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu is the foundation's home and a worthwhile landmark to see when exploring the Likas area, whether or not you have business there. The waterfront setting and distinctive tower make it a popular photo stop.
For scholarships, programmes or general enquiries, look to Yayasan Sabah's official channels for the latest information. Because schemes and contact details can change, verifying current details before applying or visiting will save time.