KUCHING: The Sarawak Unity Education Fund is expected to commence next year, providing scholarships to needy and promising Sarawakian students to further their studies, regardless of their race and religion.
Organising chairman Datuk Richard Lee said this is a private initiative to support and develop talents and future leaders for Sarawak.
“It is timely that the private sector comes up with a project or initiative to support the state’s development, especially with Sarawak aiming to achieve a high income economy by 2030; so we decided to start the fund for the education of our children,” he said.
“We will have to work hard to make sure that this project is ongoing and sustainable to benefit the state in the future,” he said, adding that donations form the private sector, both corporate and individual, will be the main source of the fund.
Speaking at a press conference after the fund’s first committee meeting held here on Tuesday (Oct 10), Lee said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has also agreed to become the patron of the charity drive.
Meanwhile, the fund’s adviser, Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain, who is also the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman, said they aimed to target RM2mil to kick-start the project.
So far, he said, RM1.6mil had been raised and expected to launch the fund next year by Abang Johari.
“We also look forward to generous support and contribution from Sarawakians, particularly from the successful corporate and private entrepreneurs who have benefitted from Sarawak’s progress and prosperity transformation,” he added.
“As long as they need it and qualify, they will be eligible to receive the scholarship, regardless of their race and religion. It is for all deserving Sarawakian students.”
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is the fund’s selection committee, welcomed and described it as a good initiative.
He said the fund will help build high quality human capital as the state continues to progress.
“It will be offered to those who are needy and (of course they) have fulfilled the entry requirements to public or private universities in Malaysia. This is a bond-free scholarship.
“Unlike some scholarships, where they only offer to very outstanding students, and come with a bond; which means students have to serve the particular organisation upon completing their studies.
“There is no bond but we do hope that these students will serve and contribute to the state in some capacity in the future.”
