MELAKA: Underprivileged Bukit Mertajam student S. Darshini received an unexpected gift from top officials of Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) after the officials came knocking on the door of her home, almost 500km from here.
The 21-year-old was attending to the needs of her visually impaired mother when UTeM representatives arrived at her house in Penang on Tuesday (Sept 17) before handing over a scholarship and other educational assistance.
The trip to Penang was arranged by the UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin to encourage the only child of a 60-year-old single mother D. Saraspathy to continue her tertiary education.
When interviewed on Wednesday (Sept 18), Dr Massila said her administration will continue to be proactive and attentive to the needs of outstanding students from underprivileged families.
"UTeM is always concerned and prioritises offering educational opportunities alongside welfare support for new students from the B40 group who are continuing their studies here," she said.
Dr Massila said UTeM has realised the financial difficulties faced by Dharshini, who is living with her handicapped mother.
"To help this outstanding student achieve her aspirations, six assistance packages have been offered to facilitate her continuation of studies in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with honours for the upcoming October intake," she said.
Dr Massila unveiled that the main assistance package will cover Darshini's tuition fees from the beginning to the end of her studies, including a monthly living allowance of RM500 until her graduation.
"Additionally, five other forms of assistance include a cash grant of RM1,500, a laptop for learning purposes, and Food Bank support for her.
"Dharshini will also be provided accommodation in the hostel until her studies are completed, and she will receive counselling and career guidance to support her academic journey," she said.
Dr Massila noted that these six assistance packages demonstrate UTeM's commitment to selected students who are academically outstanding yet underprivileged, but who are determined to change their family’s fortunes through education.
She said UTeM's assistance packages were personally delivered by a team led by deputy vice-chancellor of student affairs and alumni (HEPA), Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Sabri Mohamad Sharif.
"The presence of the UTeM representative signifies a new hope that will transform the lives of Dharshini and her mother.
"UTeM will continue to create opportunities for student admissions across all societal levels, in line with the five focus areas and 20 pathways outlined by the Minister of Higher Education," she added.
Meanwhile, Dharshini said she was completely taken by surprise by the arrival of the UTeM team.
"I will study with full commitment to achieve my ambitions and to help my mum," she said.
Saraspathy described the educational assistance package offered as the most wonderful gift for her daughter.
