Saturday April 15, 2006

PSD offers study award to Albert

By TAN SHIOW CHIN

Albert: ‘I am very happy that they offered me the scholarship straightaway’

PETALING JAYA: When Albert Wong found out that his application for a Public Services Department (PSD) scholarship was rejected, the priest at his church advised him not to pray for a scholarship but rather for the strength to face the challenges of life.

But God must have heard his unspoken prayers because on Good Friday yesterday Albert received a full scholarship offer from the PSD.

PSD Training Division officer Azman Ishak called on Albert at his home here to present him with the offer letter and to explain the terms and conditions of the scholarship to him and his parents.

The scholarship covers the remainder of Albert's A-Levels programme at Kolej Damansara Utama (KDU) and a three-year University of London (external programme) Bachelor of Law (LL.B) programme, also at KDU.

Said a surprised Albert: “I really did not expect them to offer me a scholarship. My parents and I were just expecting them to discuss my situation with us.

“I am very happy that they offered me the scholarship straightaway without my having to go through the interviews and the test, although all I wanted from the beginning was the chance to go through the process just like the other applicants.”

His mother Yap Swee Peng added: “We really appreciate the fact that the PSD cares enough to send Encik Azman all the way here to offer Albert the scholarship.”

Albert, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and requires help with physical activities, scored 12 1As in last year’s SPM. He is the top special-needs student in the country.

Albert's plight, which was highlighted in The Star on Wednesday, received personal attention from the Prime Minister himself, who directed the PSD to arrange an interview with Albert.

“I would really like to thank all the people who helped me get this scholarship, especially the Prime Minister,” Albert said.

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