AMERICAN multinational company NI, formerly known as National Instruments Corporation, contributed RM1 million to the Penang Future Foundation (PFF) and RM150,000 to Penang Science Cluster (PSC) today.
NI Penang managing director Rajesh Purushothaman, who is also the APAC Manufacturing vice-president, said although the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted every business globally, NI still believes that its contribution is critical for the long-term to help the state in its STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) initiative.
“NI has been active in doing its part for Penang institutions since 2010. We want to strengthen the Penang Future Foundation and help the state retain talent. We’re looking to their exciting programmes,” Rajesh said during the mock cheque presentation at Komtar.
PFF was represented by its committee member Datuk Loo Lee Lian, who is also the InvestPenang chief executive officer, while PSC was represented by its chief executive officer Ooi Peng Ee.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government appreciated NI for their contributions.
“NI Penang has been steadfast in contributing towards the Penang community. For year 2020 alone, other recipients who have benefited from NI Penang’s generosity included Malaysian Red Crescent Society Penang, Penang Tech Centre Bhd, Penang Caring Dialysis Society, St Nicholas Home for the Blind and BE Home for Special Care Penang,” Chow told a press conference before witnessing the mock cheque presentation.
“The ongoing pandemic has financially affected many Malaysian households and it is critical that the PFF scholarship programme remains in place so that our scholars are not denied of educational opportunities during this challenging time.”
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar, state executive councillors Chong Eng, Yeoh Soon Hin and Soon Lip Chee.
Chow said the PFF started in 2015 with an initial funding of RM40 million as the state government’s initiative to aid outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths to pursue tertiary studies in public or private universities in Malaysia.
So far, he said 511 scholarships had been given out in the past five years and selected scholars come from STEM background as well as accountancy and finance.
He said the main condition for the recipients is that they have to work in Penang for five years, not necessary for the government but can be for any entity, organisation or factory.
Chow added that the state has not done its second round of appeal for donations but from time to time, it does receive some contributions.
“Now in its sixth year, this scholarship fund intends to help the Penang state government achieve its objective of attracting, building and retaining human talent,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud