SIBU: The alumni of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Saint Matthew Sekuau (M) Selangau are planning to establish a scholarship and financial aid programme for outstanding students.
According to spokesperson for the alumni Andenson Dato Paran, the initiative aims to motivate bright students from the school.
He said that acknowledging the financial needs of outstanding students in rural areas besides comprehensive support from the community and private sector for the students to pursue higher education is very important.
“Hence, the planned initiative would take into account support from the public, including private companies interested in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR),” he said at a press conference at a renowned hotel here today.
On another note, Andenson also said that the alumni are actively organising fundraising programmes involving the public to assist the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the school and students in need.
“All alumni unanimously agreed to implement several programmes and activities benefiting students at SK Saint Matthew Sekuau (M) Selangau and we will be organising a charity dinner as the initial effort to raise funds for the school on Jan 20,” he said.
Additionally, the alumni plan to arrange educational field trips for teachers and students to showcase examples of smart school programmes and enhance the overall quality of education at SK Saint Matthew Sekuau (M) Selangau.
Reflecting on the school’s history, initiated by the late Dato Paran in 1947, Andenson highlighted the founder’s dedication to building classroom blocks and basic facilities using his personal funds.
As the son of the late Dato Paran, Andenson expressed gratitude for the public and customers’ support and emphasised their commitment to ongoing community initiatives for the benefit of students seeking a solid education for a brighter future.
As a starting contribution, their company, Borneo MA Smart Vendors Sdn Bhd, pledged RM50,000 for the school upcoming alumni fundraising event.
Also present were Borneo MA Smart Vendors Sdn Bhd chairman Alexander Kadir Dato, SK Saint Matthew Sekuau (M) Selangau headmistress Ellyne Tong Siew Hua and others.