ANCOM Crop Care Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of public-listed Ancom Nylex Berhad, today unveiled a scholarship programme for Penang-born university students who are from underprivileged families at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town.
Ancom Crop Care managing director Lee Cheun Wei said the company has allocated RM1 million over a three-year period to fund the scholarship programme.
“Successful applicants will receive a maximum of RM10,000 each for tuition fees over the duration of the programme.
“Students who have attained admission to any degree programme except medicine and dentistry, in any local government or private university may apply for the scholarship.
“University students who are currently pursuing courses in their second and third year are also eligible for the scholarships,” Lee said in his speech.
Scholarship recipients are required to sign a two-year bond with Ancom Crop Care but the company may use its discretion to release the students from the bond.
Lee added that the scholarship programme is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
“As one of Malaysia’s leading companies, we have a responsibility to give back to the community.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or financial status, should have an opportunity to pursue tertiary education.
“We are committed to contributing to society in a meaningful way, and we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can provide to young people to help them achieve a successful future.
“We recognise that many students face significant financial barriers to accessing higher education, and we are proud to take action to address this challenge,” he added.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the programme, commended Ancom Crop Care, which is mainly involved in the manufacture and distribution of a wide range of agricultural chemical products, for its generosity and vision in establishing the scholarship programme.
“I would like to commend Ancom Crop Care for their commitment to invest in the future of our state by providing opportunities for our youth to pursue tertiary education in government and private universities.
“The programme is consistent with and complementary to the state’s initiative. It will go a long way towards assisting us in meeting the talent demands and ensuring that our financially underprivileged students are not left behind as we strive for greater heights,” Chow said.
He added that every year, the state government offers a limited number of scholarships through the Penang Future Foundation.
“Our fund is also depleting and any assistance from the private sector is most welcome.
“So, this scholarship programme will be administered by the company. The state welcomes and supports them and encourages Penangites to make full use of this opportunity, whereas we will continue to administer the state government’s scholarship or bursary programmes as normal.
“For the Penang Future Foundation, we are always looking out for funds to top up the depleting available funds. If not, the state government will have to top up the funds,” Chow said.
Since 2015, the PFF has awarded 700 scholarships to deserving students, amounting to RM38.8 million as of today.
He also said Penang has also launched a dedicated initiative, called StudyPenang, and its virtual platform to highlight the multitude of choices available and just why Penang is one of the best places for students to consider as an education destination.
Later, Ancom Crop Care chairman Datuk Dr Abd Hapiz Abdullah presented a mock cheque for RM1 million to Chow to kick start the Ancom Crop Care Penang Scholarship Programme.
Also present at the ceremony were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, North East District Education Officer Mohamad Zawawi Ahmad (who was representing the state Education Department director), Lau Keng Ee, the special officer to the Chief Minister, and Ancom Nylex Berhad chief financial officer Lim Chang Meng.
Students may apply for the scholarships from May 15. Additional information on the scholarship programme will be available on the company website at ancomcropcare.com.my from May 15 onwards.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian