A TOTAL of 1,000 graduates from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), who are below 30 years old, are set to benefit from an educational sponsorship programme between the Penang government and J&W Academy Sdn Bhd.
In witnessing the brief Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar and J&W Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dr Tan Guan Heng, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this programme would provide a platform for Penangites who are unable to pursue their tertiary education in public and private universities.
“This platform will enable them to work while continuing to pursue diploma and degree programmes, which are recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) under Wawasan Open University (WOU), Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Lincoln University College (LUC).
“Hence, the state hopes that this opportunity will be fully captured by Penangites to enjoy an access to free education and a quality career path, whereby they will have their rights as an employee to earn RM1,200 basic salary in accordance with the Employment Act.
“The state is extremely delighted with this initiative to assist those families that have been severely impacted by Covid-19 pandemic.
“We hope more of such collaborations could be seen again in the future,” he said in Komtar today.
Dr Tan, who was upbeat with the collaboration with the state, said these Penangites would get to access the free education while working in their home state as well.
“We understand that many school leavers from underprivileged families are unable to continue their tertiary education and we are providing an opportunity now,” Dr Tan said.
Dr Tan added that the SPM graduates need to secure at least a pass in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah and a credit in any of the three other subjects.
Also present were state Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Committee chairman Chong Eng and J&W Academy Sdn. Bhd. executive director Yeoh Hong Chow.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan