(Front row, sixth from left onwards) Amirudin, Haris and Mohamad Zahri with state subsidiary representatives and TPASSB scholarship recipients from 2022’s third batch. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Her soft-spoken demeanour belies nerves of steel, for Nurfazrin Khairudin is a chemistry (forensic analysis) undergraduate at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam who hopes to work in the forensics field one day.
“My interest in chemistry started when I studied for a diploma in science, so I decided to pursue this degree,” said the 25-year-old from Klang who expressed an interest in lab work and investigation.
“I hope to work in forensics with either the police or Chemistry Department, failing which I hope to work in research and development,” she said.
Nurfazrin is grateful that the funding for both her diploma and degree programmes are covered by a scholarship provided by her father’s employer, Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), as it helps lessen the family’s financial burden.
She is one of the scholarship recipients who received offer letters from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at a high-tea reception held at Kelab Golf Seri Selangor in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
A total of 35 individuals, representing 2022’s third batch, received scholarships under the Selangor State Subsidiaries and Statutory Bodies Education Fund (TPASSB).
These scholarships are funded by five Selangor state subsidiaries and statutory bodies, such as Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated, PKNS and Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS).
They are part of the benefits and corporate social responsibility initiatives offered to employees at state subsidiaries and their children.
Amirudin said TPASSB had dispensed close to RM13mil to 561 beneficiaries since it started in 2013.
“The scholarships cover education fees as well as allowances for books, equipment, living expenses and thesis,” said the state education committee chairman.
“The sponsorship for one student ranges from RM4,900 to RM13,550 on average, from certification to doctorate level.”
Amirudin said the scholarships also covered professional training or certification for applicants to improve their skills, such as in coding or system processes.
“The scholarships are part of our efforts to empower employees at state subsidiaries and their children to increase their skills,” he said.
“Reskilling and upskilling are necessary to ensure they keep up with current developments and are equipped to handle the varied areas of interests the subsidiaries are involved in,” he said.
Amirudin said recipients are required to maintain good results.
There is also a post-scholarship bond of two to three years, but he said consideration or waiver could be given upon formal appeal.
Asshvan Muthu Kumar, 26, is among the current recipients.
He said the reception for his batch was delayed because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. He started his degree studies in 2021.
“I will be undergoing the third year of my human resource (HR)management degree at Universiti Selangor (Unisel) Shah Alam this year,” said the Puchong resident.
“My interest in this field started after a short working stint as an administrative and HR assistant upon completing my diploma.
“It is interesting to learn how to deal with people and HR-related matters such as staff management and discipline,” he said.
Asshvan said he and his 30-year-old brother were fortunate that their tertiary studies were covered by scholarships offered by PKNS, their mother’s employer, as the funding helped cover their tuition fees and living expenses.
Also present at the reception were state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim and state deputy secretary (management) Mohamad Zahri Samingon.
