THE Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) continues to strengthen its role in empowering the Hindu community through education with the organisation of the 6th Tertiary Education Financial Assistance Presentation Ceremony (IPTA/IPTS) for 2025, held at the PHEB hall recently.
The event aimed to assist Hindu students from low-income (B40) families who are pursuing their studies at public and private higher learning institutions across Malaysia.
A total of 40 students received financial assistance this round, amounting to RM37,400 in total, distributed as follows:
- 25 Bachelor’s degree students received RM1,000 each
- 13 Diploma students received RM800 each
- 2 Certificate students received RM500 each
- Students studying in Sabah and Sarawak received an additional RM500 each
The initiative was led by Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam, deputy chairman of PHEB and chairman of the Education and Welfare Assistance portfolio, who has played a key role in advancing the educational and welfare agenda of the Hindu community in Penang.
Also present at the event was Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, who is also the Deputy Finance Minister, who attended the ceremony and expressed her appreciation to PHEB for its noble efforts.
In her speech, Lim commended PHEB’s commitment to organising education assistance programmes every two months, reflecting its ongoing dedication to helping Hindu students achieve academic excellence.
She also noted that over RM1 million has been channelled by PHEB since 2023 to support Hindu students throughout Penang — an achievement that, she said, should serve as a model for other religious institutions in Malaysia.
“Investing in education is the most important investment for the nation’s future. Initiatives like those undertaken by PHEB are fully aligned with the Madani government’s goal of nurturing knowledgeable, ethical, and responsible human capital,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Lingeshwaran reaffirmed that the programme will continue to be implemented regularly to ensure more students benefit regardless of their family background.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. We want to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. Every contribution channelled comes from community donations and state government support aimed at strengthening the future of the Hindu youth,” he explained.
Under the leadership of Jelutong MP, RSN Rayer, as chairman, the Penang Hindu Endowments Board remains steadfast in its active role not only in managing religious affairs but also in enhancing community welfare and development.
Pix courtesy of Penang Hindu Endowments Board