Two 13-year-olds of SMK Baling, Kedah were overjoyed, albeit a little nervous upon finding out they were selected to continue their studies at a branch of a United Kingdom-based international school in Malaysia, on fully paid scholarship.
Muhammad Afiq Amir Muhammad Fauzi and Nur Thayiebah Hamdan never dreamt they would have the opportunity to pursue their ambition, alongside 370 students of various cultures and backgrounds from around the world at EPSOM College in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan.
According to the two in a recent interview, entry into the new school was a golden opportunity for them to change the fate of their families, who had so far depended on rubber tapping to survive.
They received their scholarship from the 1 Billion Education Fund (TP1B), a fund organised by the UiTM Malaysia Alumni Association.
"Although there are students from so many countries, they helped me to strengthen my English, and I will continue to learn until I am fluent...I want to improve and contribute to the country," said Nur Thayiebah, the third of five siblings who aspires to become a paediatrician.
Muhammad Afiq Amir said although the learning methods and study sessions at the school were different from that of a regular government school, he was determined to get accustomed to the new environment and do well.
"At first, I was a little nervous about mixing around with the other students here. However, I am trying my best to succeed, my mother and father always pray (for me)...this is my chance (to make them proud) and I don't want to disappoint them," said the teenager whose ambition is to become a pharmacist.
The EPSOM College in Malaysia is a daily and full boarding school based on the British learning curriculi - International General Certificate of Secondary Education, and A Levels.
Meanwhile, TP1B executive secretary Afiza Abdul Aziz said the two students were selected out of a shortlisted 15 candidates based on the results of their Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah and a number of other tests, including admission tests into EPSOM College itself.
She said this was the first time the fund targeted students from poor backgrounds with high potential to be given opportunity to study in the school, and this would inspire more children among the rural poor communities.
Afiza said the TP1B launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in April last year had benefited 49 students so far, which included the provision of bursaries.
TP1B is the brainchild of Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, who in 2014 announced the fund aimed to raise RM1 billion from the UiTM alumni to provide scholarship and welfare aid, improve university faculties, and sponsor research and development. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Sep 12 2016
Entry into the new school was a golden opportunity for them to change the fate of their families, who had so far depended on rubber tapping to survive. - BERNAMApic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.