STAYING true to its mission to assist Penang in talent development and sustainability, non-profit organisation Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang (88 Captains) is launching its education fund to help eligible students pursue tertiary education.
The association chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock said the rather new association, which was set up in April this year, has been gearing up over the past few months to help the state government address talent issues in Penang.
“Hence, our organisation will be kickstarting our education fund to aid underprivileged and eligible students to pursue their tertiary education in local universities or colleges.
“We pulled our resources and the funds collected will be used to help the students in terms of their education fees and living expenses.
“We have managed to raise RM2 million so far, hence, we should be able to start this initiative by the first quarter of next year.
“We hope to help some 30 to 40 students for a start. We have allocated between RM15,000 and RM20,000 per student,” he told the media after inking the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College today.
The signing of the MoU, which was held at The Skye Event Space, was attended by USM Industry Network Office, Division of Industry and Community Network director Dr Shaizatulaqma Kamalul Ariffin, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College vice-chancellor Prof Dr Chong Beng Keok, 88 Captains advisory board members Datuk Ong Eng Bin and Datuk Mohd Jamil Mohamed, M Summit Group founder and managing director Datuk Albert Moh, and the various captains of the industry.
Dr Ooi said USM and UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College would be helping the association identify the students eligible for the scholarship.
“We anticipate more institutions of higher learning will be approaching us to collaborate.
“Our mission is to assist underprivileged and eligible students to pursue their studies. We want to play our role to develop and sustain talents in Penang,” he said.
Dr Ooi said that education aid would be provided to the eligible students until they have completed their education course (as long as they meet the criteria).
About ‘88 Captains’, Dr Ooi said it was established by a group of industrialists, entrepreneurs and professionals who shared the same vision that education is the way out of poverty, the passport to a successful future and the weapon to change the world.
“Currently, ‘88 Captains’ has 35 members. We believe many more people are keen to join us in our humanitarian effort.
“Our mission is to provide financial and advisory support, as well as employment to eligible and deserving underprivileged students.
“This could change their lives, develop the state’s talent ecosystem, and meet the needs of today’s industry,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Ooi also highlighted the collaboration between the association and the Education Department in providing career guidance to Form Three, Five and Six students.
“Our members will assist these students in choosing their career paths based on their interests, academic achievements and the needs of the industry,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed the MoU signing ceremony, lauded ‘88 Captains’ for its remarkable achievement.
“These deserving students are truly fortunate to have ‘88 Captains’ helping them and making their dreams of pursuing higher education a reality.
“This association was only founded early this year and it has managed to raise a substantial fund so quickly to assist the underprivileged students in the state, considering the current economic uncertainty.
“This remarkable achievement should be recognised,” he said.
Chow said he was told that the selected students must meet the performance criteria each year and work in Penang or its surrounding areas (the northern corridor) for at least three years upon their graduation.
“This initiative complements and is in line with Penang’s vision and mission to develop and retain young talents in the state.
“Among the state’s many initiatives is the Penang Future Foundation (PFF).
“PFF serves as a financial lifeline for outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths pursuing tertiary studies in public and private universities.
“PFF has awarded some 655 scholarships to deserving students, amounting to RM36.4 million, since 2015. This PFF initiative has successfully attracted, built, and retained local talents from a diverse range of backgrounds in Penang, thanks to the contributions and support from the private sector,” Chow said.
In closing, Chow extended his appreciation to ‘88 Captains’ for supporting the state’s talent development initiatives and hoped that more NGOs would follow in its footsteps in providing holistic assistance, which goes beyond financial aid.
“I believe that your mission will touch many lives and make positive changes in them. This is a fantastic way of contributing back to society and an awesome way to pave the way forward,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis