Story by Chan Lilian
PENANG has set another historic milestone with the launch of its very own Penang Future Foundation (PFF).
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made the announcement on April 1 at Komtar with Penang state leaders.
“Against the onset of increasing expenditure and tightening of wallets for the man on the street, it is disheartening to admit that a child’s pursuit of tertiary studies will become an insurmountable concern for many families,” he said in his speech.
“On that note, it is my distinct pleasure to announce the launch of PFF which is a scholarship programme made possible by generous donations from the private sector and donors, including the Penang Turf Club.
“The scholarships are awarded by the state government to outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths to pursue their undergraduate studies in selected fields at reputable institutions of higher learning in Malaysia,” Lim said.
“Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, the Penang state government fully embraces the importance of inspiring and allowing our young Malaysian scholars, regardless of race, religion and gender, provided that they are below 25 years of age, to equip themselves with higher education,” he added.
Priority will be given to Penangites and those from single, low to middle-income families, with ladders of opportunity and escalators to mobility as a foundation for a better future.
Penang is thoroughly committed in exploring initiatives and creating opportunities to stem the tide of brain drain currently plaguing the nation.
Lim pointed out one of the criteria of the recipients is that they are required to work in Penang after successful completion of studies.
“This objective is critical in our vision to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city,” he said.
Lim also introduced the Selection Committee members who were present at the press conference in Komtar.
The Accounts Committee is headed by the State Finance Officer in managing the funds.
Meanwhile, the Selection Committee will be headed by Lim and assisted by Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, Datuk Daisy Ooi, Koon Yew Yin, P. Ramakrishnan, Loo Lee Lian and selected industry leaders and members of the academia who will further support the Selection Committee in granting the scholarship awards.
Interested applicants will get to know more information on the scholarship, including eligibility requirements, fields of study offered and timelines involved. Scholarship holders will be required to serve in Penang for a stated period depending on the tuition fees awarded.
The application is available online at www.penangfuturefoundation.my.