THE Penang government has set aside RM500,000 this year to award outstanding youths who have made the state proud.
The special incentive scheme, known as the ‘Best! Anak Penang – Penang Young Talent Excellence Incentive Scheme’, was approved by the state executive committee last year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the objective of the scheme was to appreciate youths (aged 15 to 30), who have excelled in academics or co-curricular activities in the national or international arena.
“It is an initiative by the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), showing its appreciation to Penang’s youth talent pool.”
Chow said, for the first batch, 36 out of 54 applications were approved.
“The applications included those individuals and groups. A total of 99 youths (first batch) were successful in their applications.
“Congratulations to the first batch of applicants who will be receiving their incentives today.
“This shows that your achievements are highly appreciated by the state government,” Chow said in his speech during the incentive presentation ceremony at the Royale Chulan Penang Hotel in Weld Quay this evening.
Also present were state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee and PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling.
Chow said that the Penang government values talents.
“We hope that the incentive scheme can encourage you to maintain the momentum of your success. Continue to gain experience and become an inspiration to other youths in the state!” he told the successful applicants.
According to Chow, the ‘Best! Anak Penang – Penang Young Talent Excellence Incentive Scheme’ was different from other incentive schemes provided by the state government for the youths.
“This is because the scheme focuses on those who have excelled in academics or co-curricular activities in the national or international arena.
“We also have other incentive schemes such as the Penang State Sports Incentive Scheme (Skimas) to reward state athletes.
The incentives under the ‘Best! Anak Penang – Penang Young Talent Excellence Incentive Scheme’ are based on certain criteria and divided into a few categories as stipulated in the PYDC website at https://pydc.com.my/en/bestanakpenang/ .
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat