LAUNCH OF ANCOM CROP CARE PENANG SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR PENANG STUDENTS
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
THE LAUNCH OF ANCOM CROP CARE PENANG SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME FOR
PENANG STUDENTS
20TH APRIL 2023
YB. Prof. Dr. Ramasamy a/l Palanisamy
Deputy Chief Minister (II) of Penang
YB. Daniel Gooi Zi Sen
ADUN Pengkalan Kota
Yang Berusaha En. Mohamad Zawawi bin Ahmad
Pegawai Pendidikan Daerah Timur Laut - representative
of the Director of the Penang State Education Department
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Dr. Abd Hapiz Abdullah
Chairman of Ancom Crop Care
Yang Berusaha Mr. Lee Cheun Wei
Managing Director of Ancom Crop Care
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good morning to everyone. It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning to officiate the launch of the Ancom Crop Care Penang Scholarship Programme for the financially underprivileged university students in Penang.
I would like to commend Ancom Crop Care for their commitment to invest in the future of our state by providing opportunities for our youth to pursue tertiary education in government and private universities, as mentioned earlier by Mr Lee Cheun Wei in his speech.
The Penang State Government, like Ancom Crop Care, believes that every young person in Penang and throughout the country, regardless of financial background, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential, as education is the foundation of progress and development.
We understand that many students in Penang face significant challenges when it comes to financing their education, and initiatives like the Ancom Crop Care scholarship programme today are critical in bridging the gap, while also providing deserving students with the opportunity to develop their skills, pursue their passions and contribute to our state’s growth and development.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The state of Penang, which celebrated its 50th anniversary of industrialization last year, has embarked on a number of initiatives that will help strengthen its position as the Silicon Valley of the East. Penang’s position as an economic hub is built on a strong foundation of manufacturing excellence and industrial experience.
The state’s competitive edge stems not only form its top-notch infrastructure, but also from its competitive skilled workforce, which enables us to serve Penangites as well as our neighbouring states, ultimately benefitting the nation's economic health. With the advancement of Industrial Revolution technologies, it is imperative to have the right talent that will drive productivity and innovation.
To develop these talents for the local workforce, the State Government, in line with its Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, is committed to fulfilling its role and responsibility in empowering the youth through education. Right here in Penang, we have a number of world-class tertiary education institutions that continue to attract both local and foreign students.
We have launched a dedicated initiative called StudyPenang and its virtual platform to highlight the multitude of choices available and just why Penang is one of the best places for students to consider as an education destination.
Meanwhile, Penang STEM, aims to provide an avenue for students pursuing their studies and future careers in STEM through the provision of engaging workshops and activities, as well as conducive learning facilities. Beyond that, we have embarked on collaborative efforts with prominent institutions to offer unique and affordable twinning programmes.
After graduation, talents will find their place here as they match the growing demand for good talents in various industries including multinational corporations, international hotels, world-class hospitals and business processing hubs. It is a holistic ecosystem we are striving to build and nurture here in Penang in order to develop and retain young talents in the state.
Not to mention, one notable example is the Penang Future Foundation (PFF), which serves as a financial lifeline for outstanding and deserving Malaysian youths pursuing tertiary studies in Malaysian public and private universities.
Since 2015, the PFF has awarded 700 scholarships to deserving students, amounting to RM 38.8 million as of today. With the contributions and support from the private sectors, this initiative has successfully attracted, built and retained local talents from a diverse range of backgrounds in the State.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I must say that I am especially pleased that the Ancom Crop Care Penang Scholarship Programme is consistent with and complementary to the state's initiative. It will go a long way towards assisting us in meeting the talent demands and ensuring that our financially underprivileged students are not left behind as we strive for greater heights.
In light of this, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Ancom Crop Care for their generosity and vision in establishing this scholarship programme, and I wish it every success.
The scholarship programme will accept applications beginning on 15th May 2023, and I would also like to encourage all eligible Penang students to take advantage of this chance and apply. Your education is the key to your success, and we want to ensure that you have every opportunity to succeed.
With that said, it is with great pleasure I hereby officially launch the Ancom Crop Care Penang Scholarship Programme.
Thank you.