KUCHING: A delegation from the Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation) recently visited Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi in conjunction with the ‘Majlis Cakna Anak Sarawak’ programme.
The programme was organised in collaboration with Mahasiswa Anak Sarawak (PEMASRA) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Student Integration of Kenyalang Association (SITOK) of UiTM Shah Alam, Persatuan Anak Sarawak (PASAW) of National Defence University of Malaysia and Persatuan Jalinan Anak Sarawak (JASA) of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
Held at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSK), UKM Bangi’s main hall, the programme was attended by Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli while UKM’s vice chancellor was represented by the head of Affairs and Alumni, Saidi Ismail.
Mersal also took the opportunity to present the 2024 Sarawak Budget which was tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“In the Budget, the Premier announced that all Sarawakian students from families with an income of RM1,500 and below who had successfully registered in Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs) would be given laptops.
“A total of RM15 million has been allocated for this initiative and will benefit approximately 5,000 students.
“In addition, the provision of RM500 book vouchers to Sarawakian students from families with an income of RM1,500 and below at IPTAs and Private Institutes of Higher Learning (IPTS) will also be implemented starting this year,” he said.
Mersal also urged all students to make good use of the assistance provided by the Sarawak government.
“Students, continue to work hard, be diligent in your studies, and become excellent Sarawak ambassadors who will bring positive changes to the state of Sarawak and the country of Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yayasan Sarawak deputy director chief, Zamahari Saidi also talked about educational funding schemes and also the assistance provided by Yayasan Sarawak to Sarawakians.
All students present had the opportunity to pose questions during the Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session.
The event later also saw Yayasan Sarawak offering scholarships and study loans to 14 Sarawakian students from UKM, UiTM and UPSI as well as financial aid of RM10,000 to the four Sarawak Student Associations, namely, PEMASRA, SITOK, JASA and PASAW.
