BANGI: First, they nailed their Public Service Department (JPA) scholarship interviews and now, they are now pursuing their tertiary education across the country.
As they come closer to their graduation, these scholars plan on making use of their degrees to better the lives of their families and communities.
Leelavathy Kanagarajan, 23, said receiving the scholarship was a significant milestone towards realising her dream of becoming a successful businesswoman who is able to support her family.
The daughter of a lorry driver from Kelantan also said being a scholarship recipient really helped with her family situation.
“I don’t have to depend on my parents for pocket money and I get to save up for my future,” she said.
Besides taking care of his family, business administration student Giovan Niap Zhi Wei, 23, hopes to someday start a business to help others earn more.
“For now, my plan is still rather hazy but I would definitely like to start a business to help others reel in more income,” he added.
The scholars were in attendance during the Cakna Madani programme with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia here.
Nur ‘Afifah Sahuddin, 21, too, hopes to one day help ease the financial burdens of her family by becoming an interpreter.
“This is for my family and I am really proud of getting this scholarship,” said the daughter of a retired firefighter.
During the event, Anwar told the scholars not to worry about securing jobs at this point in time as the government recently decided to increase the number of civil servants.
“For now, just focus on studying and scoring.
“Let us in the government and the Cabinet find a way to give job placements for you (JPA scholars),” he added.
The Prime Minister also said the JPA scholars would soon be receiving at least an additional RM100 in their monthly allowance.
From July 1, the scholars who are studying locally will receive an additional RM100 while those studying overseas will receive an extra 15%, except for those in the United Kingdom, which already had an increase in their allowance in November, he said.
Separately, in a statement, Anwar said the additional allowance would amount to roughly RM52.03mil for six months and benefit 43,595 JPA-sponsored students.
