BY NATASHA JEE & ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP
BAU: Yayasan John Jinep (YJJ) has provided financial assistance worth RM48,688 to 29 Bidayuh students to further their studies in local public institutions of higher learning (IPTA).
The presentation ceremony was held at N. 2 Tasik Biru Service Centre in Bau on Friday (Sept 25).
Ten of the students also received a laptop.
YJJ board of trustee member and YJJ standing committee chairman William Jinep congratulated the students.
“My advice to you is to try to score a CGPA of 3 and above so that you can join the civil service. And also you must have a good command of the English language so that you are more marketable in the private sector.”
Meanwhile, YJJ standing committee member (education panel) William Ding explained the purpose of the foundation, which was to provide students the opportunity to continue their studies.
“We also provide them with air tickets and laptops to lessen the burden of the parents who cannot afford them.
“Each student who applied for this scholarship has faced different situations. So, we want to build a bridge where they can cross easily and be successful.”
He also stressed that the scholarship was free where students need not pay back the foundation.
“This foundation is noble and unique, and what the foundation hope is that those who have been assisted and are already successful are encouraged to give back and help the Bidayuh community.”
Also present was Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who is also YJJ advisor.
YJJ was established on Dec 8, 2014 as an endowment foundation to fund and assist the Bidayuh community throughout Sarawak in the field of education.
The assistance covers first semester fees, transportation fees, food allowance, miscellaneous, laptops, among others.
Since its inception, about 319 have applied, with 229 applications approved while 90 were not successful as they did fulfil the criteria – they must be from needy background and can only further studies in local IPTAs.
As of Sept 2020, the total funds disbursed amounted to RM324,213.02.
To apply for the assistance, the students must present their offer letter from the respective universities. They will need to go through an interview session with the foundation’s committee.
For those who wish to apply, they may visit the N.2 Tasik Biru Service Centre in Bau, or email the committee at yjoh.jinep@gmail.com or go to Yayasan John Jinep’s Facebook page. They can contact William Ding at 013-8067128.
