Values such as integrity, empathy and humanity are part and parcel of a holistic approach to education, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Education remains a necessity that should not be denied for citizens of this country, he said at the alumni of St. Francis Convent School's second annual reunion dinner here Saturday night.

"Through policies implemented by the Education Ministry, we are equipping the younger generation with academic knowledge, latest technology skills and more importantly, a holistic education approach," he added.

Musa also hoped private sector in Sabah will support the education development in this state as education remains a key to nation building.

"We continuously need resilient and able professionals, entrepreneurs and work force in order to drive the various plans and programmes that the government has put in place to become a high income nation," he said.

The event, themed 'Many Paths, One Spirit' was chosen to represent members of the alumni coming together for a common mission to raise funds to construct a new secondary school building at St. Francis Convent.

Musa said the government had approved RM1 million towards the initiative, payable over four years, with the first payment made last year.

Recently, government linked company Sabah Credit Corporation through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme also contributed RM1 million towards the building fund, he said.

"We trust that the allocation is used well to improve on education excellence in Sabah and to instill good values among students," he said.