Overview

As we reflect on the past year, Starfish Malaysia Foundation would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our generous donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters. Your continued trust and commitment have enabled Starfish to provide education, care, and development opportunities for children and young people, particularly those from poor and needy backgrounds.

The year was marked by measurable educational progress, significant infrastructure improvements, and the successful implementation of STEM education initiatives across Sabah.

Educational Support and Student Progress

Throughout the year, Starfish Malaysia Foundation continued to provide structured academic support through both online and face-to-face tuition in key subjects including English, Mathematics, and Physics. This support was delivered by a dedicated group of volunteer tutors.

Over 180 students across Starfish’s 5 hostels have shown clear improvement, with progress reflected in school examination results and increased academic confidence.

Alumni News

Starfish is encouraged by the achievements of its alumni, many of whom are now pursuing or have completed tertiary education in fields such as teaching, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, culinary arts, and engineering.

Notable alumni achievements include:

• Completion of diplomas in Mechanical Engineering (Oil and Gas) and Pharmacy

• Admission into teacher training colleges

• Continued studies in engineering-related disciplines

These outcomes demonstrate the long-term impact of sustained educational and welfare support.

Hostel Infrastructure and Welfare Improvements

Significant investments were made to improve hostel facilities and ensure a safe, stable, and conducive environment for students.

Key developments included:

• Completion of a new double storey building at Hostel Marigold, replacing a 50-year-old wooden structure and providing modern dormitories, visitor rooms, and a large study/meeting room

• Installation of rainwater tanks at Hostels Rose, Sunflower, and Lily to address frequent water shortages and ensure uninterrupted access to water

• Acquisition of a new transport van for Hostel Sunflower, supporting the daily transport of over 40 students

• Completion of tiling upgrades in multifunction halls (used for study, dining & meetings) at Hostels Rose, Sunflower, and Marigold, improving hygiene and functionality

These infrastructure improvements have directly contributed to student wellbeing and significantly reduced disruptions to schooling.

Sabah STEM Programme

STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths

With funding support from Public Bank, and in collaboration with the Sabah State Education Department and Nottingham University Malaysia, Starfish Malaysia Foundation implemented the Sabah STEM Programme.

The programme delivered:

• 10 STEM Roadshows across Sabah

• Participation of about 15,000 students, teachers, and community members at the STEM Roadshows

• Establishment of 10 STEM Hubs in schools through donation of equipment to participating schools

Impact assessment results have indicated:

• Student interest in STEM subjects increased from 20% prior to the roadshows to 96% after the roadshows

• Increased teacher awareness, confidence, and engagement in STEM teaching

• Strong positive feedback regarding hands-on and technology-based learning

A significant achievement saw two students from SMK Sri Nangka, Tuaran, place 4th in an international drone competition in Kuala Lumpur, using equipment donated through the programme.

Teh Hong Piow STEM Centre, Tuaran

The Teh Hong Piow STEM Centre was established with the generous support of Public Bank, BlueScope Lysaght, and others. It officially opened on 19 October 2025 by Ms Diona Teh, daughter of the late founder of Public Bank, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr Teh Hong Piow.

The Teh Hong Piow STEM Centre serves as:

A regional training hub for teachers and students

• A facility for applied learning of advanced STEM equipment

• A venue for regional drone and robotics competitions

• The central support facility for all school-based STEM Hubs

This Centre represents a strategic investment in strengthening STEM education across Sabah.

Looking into 2026

In the year ahead, Starfish Malaysia Foundation aims to:

• Continue strengthening educational support and hostel welfare services

• Implement 20 additional STEM Roadshows and STEM Hubs

• Expand training and student programmes at the Teh Hong Piow STEM Centre