A TOTAL of 53 students received education assistance from the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) to support their studies at higher learning institutions.
PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr A. Lingeshwaran said the assistance was part of the board’s ongoing efforts to ease the financial burden of students and their families while encouraging them to pursue higher education.
“The Penang government allocates RM2mil annually to PHEB and part of this allocation is channelled towards welfare and education programmes for the community,” he said during the aid presentation ceremony today.
Dr Lingeshwaran said certificate-level students received RM500 each, diploma students RM800 and degree students RM1,000.
“This programme is meant to support our young people in their academic journey and ensure they have the encouragement needed to pursue higher education,” he added.
Among the recipients was Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) student K. Varshini, the 21-year-old daughter of Major C. Kayamboo, a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) pilot who died in a 2016 aircraft crash.
Dr Lingeshwaran also expressed condolences to the family following the recent passing of Varshini’s brother, K. Indiran, who died during a training exercise in Kuantan, Pahang on Feb 19.
“The loss of two members from the family is deeply felt and we extend our sympathies during this difficult time,” he said.
Dr Lingeshwaran added that the donations collected during the recent Thaipusam celebrations amounted to RM132,665 and would be channelled towards welfare and education programmes.
He also revealed that the board had recently approved a one-off financial aid initiative for dialysis patients.
“We hope this assistance will help patients who require ongoing dialysis treatment. Details of the programme will be announced soon and applications will be made available online,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who officiated the programme, said education assistance initiatives for students in both public and private higher learning institutions should continue as they play an important role in supporting the community.
“This programme to assist students from public and private universities is not the first time it has been organised, and I hope it will not be the last. I hope the organisers will continue this tradition in the coming years because such assistance is very important for students,” he said.
Ramkarpal also urged the community to reflect on its collective achievements, citing the successful organisation of the recent Thaipusam celebrations, which concluded on Feb 1.
“Although Thaipusam lasts only a few days, a lot of work goes on before and after the celebration. I would like to congratulate the board and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly,” he added.
Ramkarpal stressed that unity within the community remains crucial in overcoming challenges.
“What is most important is that the community stands united. When we are united, we can overcome any challenges. But if we are not united, the challenges will overcome us,” he said.
Also present was PHEB chairman RSN Rayer, who thanked those attending the ceremony and described the financial aid as important in supporting students from the Hindu community.
“I am very grateful to Ramkarpal for taking the time to attend this ceremony to present financial aid to Hindu students. This assistance is very important to help them in their studies,” he said.
Rayer said he was proud that PHEB had received a clean audit certificate from the National Audit Department, adding that the board was carrying out its duties diligently.
Also present was Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Visvenathan Tangavello.
Story by Edmund Lee